What does the Bosch dishwasher E18 / E0110 error code mean?

E18 (shown as E0110 on newer connected models) indicates an issue with water flow into the dishwasher. The water level is too low, or water is not being pumped correctly during the fill stage of the cycle.

Can I fix a Bosch dishwasher E18 / E0110 error myself?

Yes, in many cases. Start by confirming the water shut-off valve is fully open and checking the inlet hose for kinks or damage. These simple checks resolve the issue in a large share of cases without needing any parts.

What water flow rate does a Bosch dishwasher need to avoid E18?

Bosch recommends a flow rate of around 10 liters per minute. You can check this by timing how long it takes to fill a 10-liter container from the faucet connected to the dishwasher's supply line. If it takes longer than a minute, the supply is likely insufficient.

Is E18 the same as a drainage problem?

No. E18 is specifically a fill and water-movement code tied to low water level or incoming flow, not a drainage issue. Drainage problems on Bosch dishwashers typically show as E24 or E25 instead.

How much does it cost to fix a Bosch dishwasher E18 / E0110 error?

If the cause is a closed valve or kinked hose, the fix is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If the internal water inlet valve has failed, professional replacement typically costs $130 to $220 in the Boston area, parts and labor included.

E18
E0110

Bosch · Dishwasher · Error Code

Bosch Dishwasher E18 / E0110 Error Code — Low Water Level / Water Not Filling Correctly

DIY Possible Also shown as: E 18 E:18 E0110

Quick Answer

The E18 / E0110 error code means the dishwasher has detected that the water level inside the tub is too low, or that water is not circulating correctly during the fill phase. Start with the simplest checks first — confirm the water supply valve under the sink is fully open, inspect the inlet hose for kinks, and clean the mesh filter inside the inlet hose connection. These free DIY steps resolve E18 in most households. If they don't, the AquaStop inlet valve, the circulation pump, or an internal water-distribution component may need professional attention.

Time

15–60 min

Difficulty

Easy–Moderate

Tools

Towels, flashlight

DIY Cost

Free–$60

What the E18 / E0110 Code Means

Bosch dishwashers do not use a traditional float-type water level sensor. Instead, the machine detects water level indirectly by spinning up the circulation pump at the start of a cycle and measuring the electrical current it draws. A pump pushing water draws more current than one spinning freely in air. If the measured current is too low — indicating not enough water is present — the control board raises E18 to protect the heating element from running dry and burning out.

This design is clever but means E18 can be triggered by anything that prevents water from reaching the pump in the expected volume and time: a restricted inlet supply, a faulty inlet valve, problems in the internal water distribution system, or even a worn circulation pump that draws unexpectedly low current even with water present.

Bosch's published guidance for E18 focuses on the three most common and easily checked causes — a kinked inlet hose, a blocked inlet filter, and insufficient household water pressure (Bosch specifies at least 10 litres per minute at the tap). These external causes account for the majority of E18 errors and are fully DIY-resolvable in under 20 minutes. If all three check out fine, the fault shifts to internal components that a technician should diagnose.

On newer HomeConnect-era Bosch models, E0110 is the four-digit equivalent of the same fault — the water-level detection system has flagged an insufficient fill condition.

Common Causes — Most Likely First

Water supply valve not fully open or partially closed. The valve under the sink has been turned down — often after maintenance work on the plumbing — and is restricting flow below the minimum the dishwasher needs. Very common

Kinked or pinched inlet hose. The supply hose behind or under the machine has been bent sharply, reducing flow to the point where the tub can't fill in time. This often happens after the machine has been pulled out and pushed back in. Very common

Clogged inlet hose mesh filter. A small stainless mesh filter sits inside the inlet hose fitting where it connects to the AquaStop valve or the machine. Mineral sediment and debris accumulate here over time and restrict water flow significantly. Common

Low household water pressure. Bosch requires a minimum flow rate of 10 litres per minute at the tap. Homes with old pipework, shared supply lines, or pressure regulators set too low may fall below this threshold, especially when other appliances are running simultaneously. Occasional

Faulty AquaStop inlet valve or solenoid. The AquaStop assembly contains a solenoid that opens to admit water. If the solenoid coil fails, sticks, or the internal plunger doesn't seat correctly, water flow is reduced or cut off entirely, triggering E18. Occasional

Faulty "water points" diverter motor or contacts. On many Bosch models a geared motor rotates a disc that directs water flow to the spray arms. If the motor's internal switching contacts become oxidised or dirty, water is sent to unexpected paths causing the circulation pump to see an atypical load — which the control board may interpret as a low-water condition even when the tub is adequately filled. Poorly-washed dishes are a secondary symptom. Occasional — less well known

Worn or failing circulation pump. A pump whose motor windings have degraded may draw lower current than expected even with water fully present, tricking the water-level detection system into raising E18. Less common — needs technician

How to Fix the E18 / E0110 Error — Step by Step

Check and fully open the water supply valve

Open the cabinet under the sink and locate the shut-off valve on the hot or cold water supply line that feeds the dishwasher. Turn it fully counter-clockwise (open). It's surprisingly common for this valve to have been partially closed during sink repairs and never reopened. If the valve was not fully open, run a test cycle after opening it before doing anything else.

Inspect the inlet hose for kinks

Carefully pull the dishwasher out a few inches and trace the water inlet hose from the valve connection at the wall to where it enters the machine. Straighten any sharp bends or kinks you find. The hose should curve gently with no tight angles. Push the machine back in slowly, watching that the hose doesn't re-kink as it tucks away behind the unit.

Clean the inlet hose mesh filter

Turn off the water supply valve, then disconnect the inlet hose at the point where it attaches to the dishwasher's AquaStop inlet assembly (usually a threaded fitting at the back or side of the machine). Inside the fitting you'll find a small flat or conical mesh screen. Remove it with needle-nose pliers or a small flathead screwdriver. Rinse it under running water and use a soft brush to dislodge any mineral scale or grit. Reinstall it securely and reconnect the hose.

Also check: There is often a second removable mesh filter at the tap/valve end of the hose as well. Clean both while the hose is disconnected.

Verify household water pressure and flow rate

Bosch requires at least 10 litres per minute of flow at the supply tap. To check: disconnect the inlet hose at the wall valve end, point it into a bucket, and turn the valve on fully for exactly 6 seconds. If less than approximately 1 litre collects, your household pressure is below Bosch's minimum. Low pressure is more common in older homes or upper-floor apartments. A plumber can advise on a pressure booster if needed.

Reset the dishwasher and run a test cycle

After completing the supply and filter checks, reconnect everything, restore the water supply, and run a short rinse cycle while staying nearby. If the machine fills normally and the cycle completes without E18, the inlet restriction was the cause. If E18 returns despite a confirmed good supply, the fault is internal.

If E18 persists with confirmed good water pressure and a clean filter, the AquaStop solenoid, water-distribution diverter motor, or circulation pump is likely the next suspect — all of which require further disassembly and a technician for definitive diagnosis.

Check the spray arms for blockages

While E18 is primarily a fill/water-level code, blocked spray arms can worsen the symptom by disrupting water circulation during the cycle. Remove each spray arm (they typically unclip or unscrew counter-clockwise) and rinse them under running water, using a toothpick to clear any clogged jets. This takes two minutes and rules out an easy secondary contributor.

Book a technician if E18 persists after all checks

If the supply is confirmed good, the filters are clean, and E18 still returns, a technician should inspect the AquaStop solenoid valve for solenoid resistance and plunger operation, test the diverter motor's internal contacts, and assess the circulation pump's current draw to determine whether it is producing the expected load signal.

When to Call a Technician

Supply and filter checks resolve most E18 errors. Book a professional repair if:

E18 persists after confirming the supply valve is open, the hose is kink-free, and the inlet filter is clean
Household water pressure has been verified at 10+ litres per minute but E18 still appears
The tub appears to fill with water but E18 fires anyway — suggesting a circulation pump current issue or diverter motor fault rather than a true fill shortage
Dishes are coming out poorly washed alongside E18, which can indicate a diverter motor problem
The AquaStop solenoid appears to be sticking or not fully opening
You hear the pump running but the machine reports low water

Repair Cost Expectations

If You Fix It Yourself

Free–$60

Opening the supply valve and cleaning the inlet filter costs nothing. A replacement AquaStop inlet valve as a DIY part runs $30–$60 for most Bosch models.

Professional Repair

$130–$350

Typical range in the Boston area for diagnosis plus AquaStop valve, diverter motor, or circulation pump replacement — parts and labor included.

Still Getting E18 or E0110? We'll Fix Your Bosch Dishwasher.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are E18 and E0110 the same error?

Yes — they describe the same fault on different Bosch display generations. E18 appears on older two-digit displays and means the water level is too low or water is not being pumped correctly. E0110 is the four-digit equivalent used on newer HomeConnect and Series 8 models. The troubleshooting steps are identical for both.

How does a Bosch dishwasher detect water level if it has no float sensor?

Bosch dishwashers sense water level indirectly by measuring the electrical current drawn by the circulation pump motor at the start of a cycle. A pump moving water draws significantly more current than one spinning freely in an empty tub. If the control board sees current below the expected threshold, it concludes insufficient water is present and raises E18. This is why E18 can also be triggered by a worn pump motor or a faulty water-distribution component, not only by an actual shortage of incoming water.

My water supply is on and the hose is fine — why is E18 still showing?

If the obvious external causes have been ruled out, the fault is likely internal. The most common less-obvious causes are a blocked or dirty mesh filter inside the inlet hose fitting (separate from the tub filter), a faulty AquaStop solenoid valve that isn't opening fully, a diverter motor with oxidised internal contacts that misroutes water flow and confuses the pump's current reading, or a circulation pump that has degraded and draws lower current than expected even with a full tub.

My dishes also come out poorly washed when E18 appears. Are these related?

Yes, potentially. If the "water points" diverter motor — the geared motor that directs water to the different spray arms — has developed oxidised or dirty internal contacts, it can both misroute water (causing poor wash results) and produce an unusual load on the circulation pump that the board misreads as a low-water condition (causing E18). Both symptoms clearing after a diverter motor repair is a strong indicator that this was the underlying cause.

How much does it cost to fix an E18 or E0110 error?

Opening the supply valve and cleaning the inlet mesh filter costs nothing. A replacement AquaStop inlet valve as a DIY part runs $30–$60. Professional repair in the Boston area for diagnosis plus AquaStop valve, diverter motor, or circulation pump replacement typically runs $130–$350, parts and labor included.