Bosch · Washing Machine
Bosch Washing Machine E13 Error Code
Drain pump exceeded its run time
What this error means
E13 reports the same drain-time failure as E18 on many Bosch platforms—the pump ran but water did not leave the drum within the allowed interval. Some firmware shows E13 where others show E18; the troubleshooting path is identical.
How E13 is detected
When E13 appears on a Bosch washing machine, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Bosch WAT2440UC, Bosch WAW285H1UC, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most E13 calls are resolved without parts: open the bottom-front service panel and drain residual water via the emergency hose. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If E13 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Blocked pump filter stopping water from reaching the impeller
- Partially clogged drain hose at the standpipe connection
- Weak drain pump motor that spins but moves little water
- Pressure switch stuck reporting water when the tub is empty
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Open the bottom-front service panel and drain residual water via the emergency hose
- 2Remove and clean the pump filter, checking the impeller cavity for fabric
- 3Disconnect the drain hose at the standpipe and confirm gravity flow during spin
- 4Retry on Drain/Spin with an empty drum before washing a full load
When to call a technician
Replace the drain pump if E13 returns with a verified clear hose and a filter that stays clean between cycles.
Affected models
- Bosch WAT2440UC
- Bosch WAW285H1UC
- Bosch WAT28400UC
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use washing machines to prevent E13 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when E13 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Bosch washing machine—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for E13; Bosch uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting E13; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.