What to check first
Stop normal operation while this warning is active. Follow only the documented safe checks or protective-drain instructions for the exact model.
Basic checks
- Confirm the water supply is on.
- Check the visible inlet hose for kinks or damage.
- Review Bosch model guidance before any further access.
Applicability
Regional guidance · United States
This E18 entry follows the cited United States guidance. Confirm the exact model manual before applying access, reset or alias instructions.
Reset or retry steps
- Retry only after water supply is restored and visible hose issues are corrected.
When to call a technician
- Call Bosch support if E18 returns after inlet hose and supply checks.
- Call service for suspected inlet, flow, or control faults.
Before approving a paid visit, check warranty status and reviewquestions to ask before repair.
Can I keep using it?
Stop normal use when water is visible or a leak warning is active. Stay clear if water could reach wiring or controls.
- Safe next step
- Follow the code-specific shutdown or protective-drain instructions, turn off water when appropriate, and avoid repeated resets. Do not interrupt a documented protective-drain sequence just to clear the display.
- Stop when
- Water is near wiring, cabinetry is getting wet, the leak returns, or the source is not safely visible.
Do not keep using the appliance if the code points to voltage, wiring, control power, burning smell, smoke, or a possible miswired supply.
- Safe next step
- Use only safe owner-level power checks, then involve a qualified technician or electrician when the source points to wiring or supply voltage.
- Stop when
- Breakers trip, lights dim, the appliance smells hot, wiring may be miswired, or the warning returns after a safe reset.
Safety boundaries
Safe first
- Match the exact brand, appliance type, and displayed code first.
- Use the model manual as the final authority for access steps.
- Stop and address visible water before retrying the appliance.
- Disconnect power before any service-access step.
- Turn off water before disconnecting any hose.
Do not do this
- Do not continue normal cycles while this code is active; any protective-drain sequence must follow the exact model instructions.
- Do not disconnect inlet hoses until the water supply is off.
- Do not bypass locks, float switches, leak sensors, or other safety systems.
Common causes include
- Water supply not turned on
- Kinked or damaged inlet hose
- Low incoming water flow
FAQ
What does Bosch Dishwasher code E18 usually mean?
Bosch documents E18 as an issue with water flow into the dishwasher or water level being too low. Model context matters: Bosch may show related low-water codes differently by model family.
Can I keep using the dishwasher with code E18?
Stop normal operation until the issue and safety warnings have been addressed. Follow only the documented safe checks or protective-drain instructions for your model. Turn off water before hose work.
When should I call a technician for Bosch E18?
Call Bosch support if E18 returns after inlet hose and supply checks. A qualified technician may check Inlet hose and Water inlet valve against the model's service information before treating any part as failed.