What E18 actually means
The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in the time allowed, and stopped with the drum still holding water.
E18 is a drain timeout — the control board expects the level to drop to empty within a set period after the pump starts, and when it doesn't, the cycle is abandoned and the code is shown. Nine times out of ten it is a restriction rather than a dead pump: the pump filter, the sump hose behind it, or the waste pipe itself is blocked. Because the water can't leave, the door will normally stay locked and the wash won't move on to spin.
What E18 looks like on a General washing machine
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a General washing machine, E18 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 or clogged pump filter — the usual finding
- Coins, buttons or elastic bands jammed around the pump impeller
- Kinked, trapped or blocked waste hose, or a blocked sink trap/standpipe
- Impeller damaged or come away from the pump shaft, so it spins but shifts no water
- Failed drain pump, or a power supply fault to it from the control board
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.
- Clean the pump filter at the bottom front of the machine, with a shallow tray and towels ready — expect the standing water to come out. Check the filter housing for coins or debris while you're there.
- Follow the waste hose along its run and make sure it isn't kinked, crushed behind the machine or pushed too far down the standpipe.
- If the hose goes into a sink trap or standpipe, check that isn't blocked — a sink that drains slowly is a strong hint.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then run a rinse and spin. If it fills, tumbles and then leaves the water sitting there, the fault is on the drain side and needs looking at.
- If the drum is already empty and E18 still shows, the code may be held in memory from an earlier cycle — a full power-down and a short cycle will tell you whether it comes back.
Common questions about General E18
What does E18 mean on a General washing machine?
The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't manage it in the time allowed, and stopped with the drum still holding water. E18 is a drain timeout — the control board expects the level to drop to empty within a set period after the pump starts, and when it doesn't, the cycle is abandoned and the code is shown. Nine times out of ten it is a restriction rather than a dead pump: the pump filter, the sump hose behind it, or the waste pipe itself is blocked. Because the water can't leave, the door will normally stay locked and the wash won't move on to spin.
Can I fix General E18 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Clean the pump filter at the bottom front of the machine, with a shallow tray and towels ready — expect the standing water to come out. Check the filter housing for coins or debris while you're there.
- Follow the waste hose along its run and make sure it isn't kinked, crushed behind the machine or pushed too far down the standpipe.
- If the hose goes into a sink trap or standpipe, check that isn't blocked — a sink that drains slowly is a strong hint.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then run a rinse and spin. If it fills, tumbles and then leaves the water sitting there, the fault is on the drain side and needs looking at.
- If the drum is already empty and E18 still shows, the code may be held in memory from an earlier cycle — a full power-down and a short cycle will tell you whether it comes back.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair General E18?
£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 E18?
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 General washing machine codes
- General F04 — The machine isn't getting the signal that tells it the drum …
- General F08 — The machine has lost the signal that tells it the drum motor…
What this looks like when it happens
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine door will not open