Dishwasher
E18
The E18 error code on a Miele dishwasher means the machine isn’t getting enough water — or water isn’t flowing at the right pressure. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dishwasher from running a full cycle, but it’s often fixable without a callout.
What does this error mean?
Miele uses the E18 code to flag a water intake or flow problem. The dishwasher’s sensors have detected that water isn’t entering the machine quickly enough, or the flow rate has dropped below the threshold needed to run safely. This is distinct from a flooding fault — E18 is specifically about water not getting in, not water going where it shouldn’t.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £15–£50 DIY (inlet valve or Aquastop hose part only)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Turn off the dishwasher and check the water supply tap beneath the sink — confirm it’s fully open and the mains pressure is normal by running a nearby tap.
Pull the dishwasher out slightly and inspect the inlet hose for kinks, sharp bends, or crushing from the machine being pushed against a wall. Straighten and reposition if needed.
Turn off the water supply and disconnect the inlet hose from the back of the machine. Find the small mesh filter inside the hose connection point and clean it under running water with an old toothbrush to remove any debris or limescale.
Reconnect the hose, restore the water supply, and run a short programme to test. If the error clears, you’re done.
If E18 persists, check whether the Aquastop hose (the grey-jacketed safety hose Miele fits as standard) has triggered — if there’s any sign of moisture or dampness inside the base of the machine, the Aquastop may have activated. The hose will need replacing; this is a straightforward part swap.
If none of the above resolves it, the water inlet valve itself is likely faulty. Replacing this requires disconnecting the hose connection inside the machine door panel — if you’re not confident working with internal components, stop here and call a professional.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a Miele-approved or reputable appliance engineer if the error persists after checking the hose, filter, and water supply, or if you suspect the inlet valve or flow sensor needs replacing. Tell them the error code is E18 and mention how long it’s been showing, whether there are signs of dampness in the machine base, and whether the Aquastop hose has been replaced recently — this helps them diagnose faster and arrive with the right parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E18 fault — typically an inlet valve or Aquastop hose replacement — costs between £80 and £150 including labour. Miele dishwashers are built to last 15–20 years and spare parts are well-supported, so repair is almost always worth it on machines under 10 years old. If your dishwasher is over 12 years old and has had multiple faults, a like-for-like Miele replacement starts around £700, which may be the more cost-effective long-term decision.