Bosch E13 washing machine: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What E13 actually means

The machine hasn't managed to pump the water away within the time it expects, so it has stopped and flagged a drainage problem.

Bosch machines monitor how long the drain pump takes to clear the drum. If the water level hasn't dropped in the allotted time, the cycle halts with E13 rather than carrying on and spinning a full drum. On some models the code sticks in the control board's memory even after the blockage has cleared, which is why you can end up with a machine that drains and spins normally but still shows the fault and needs the emergency door release to open.

What E13 looks like on a Bosch washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Bosch washing machine, E13 usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

Blocked pump filter \u2014 coins, hair grips, buttons and fluff
Kinked or trapped drain hose behind the machine
Blockage in the sink trap or standpipe the hose empties into
Worn or jammed drain pump impeller
Fault stored in the control board memory after an earlier blockage

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Turn the machine off at the wall, leave it a minute, then switch back on \u2014 this clears the code on some models.
Empty and clean the pump filter at the bottom front of the machine (have a tray and towels ready, water will come out).
Check the drain hose behind the machine isn't kinked, squashed against the wall or pushed too far down the standpipe.
If the hose feeds into a sink waste, check that waste isn't blocked \u2014 run the sink tap and see if it drains freely.
Run a short rinse and spin to see whether the water clears before deciding it's a pump fault.

Common questions about Bosch E13

What does E13 mean on a Bosch washing machine?

The machine hasn't managed to pump the water away within the time it expects, so it has stopped and flagged a drainage problem. Bosch machines monitor how long the drain pump takes to clear the drum. If the water level hasn't dropped in the allotted time, the cycle halts with E13 rather than carrying on and spinning a full drum. On some models the code sticks in the control board's memory even after the blockage has cleared, which is why you can end up with a machine that drains and spins normally but still shows the fault and needs the emergency door release to open.

Can I fix Bosch E13 myself?

There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the machine off at the wall, leave it a minute, then switch back on \u2014 this clears the code on some models.
Empty and clean the pump filter at the bottom front of the machine (have a tray and towels ready, water will come out).
Check the drain hose behind the machine isn't kinked, squashed against the wall or pushed too far down the standpipe.
If the hose feeds into a sink waste, check that waste isn't blocked \u2014 run the sink tap and see if it drains freely.
Run a short rinse and spin to see whether the water clears before deciding it's a pump fault.

This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.

How much does it cost to repair Bosch E13?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing E13?

This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washing machine faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other Bosch washing machine codes

All Bosch fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Bosch E13 error — washing machine