Bosch Washer Error Code E13 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E13 error means your Bosch washer took too long to drain the water out. The machine expected to drain within a set time, but water is still present. This is usually caused by a blocked drain filter, kinked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump. It's a moderate error — the washer won't continue the cycle until the water drains.

Affected Models

WAT28401UC
WAW285H2UC
WAS24460UC
WAE24469GB
Many Bosch front-load washers

Common Causes

Clogged drain pump filter blocked by lint, coins, or small items
Kinked or crushed drain hose preventing water from flowing out
Drain hose installed too low — the end should be 60–100 cm above the floor
Faulty drain pump that is not spinning or is running too slowly
Blocked household drain standpipe causing water to back up into the washer

How to Fix It

Press Pause/Cancel to stop the cycle and select a drain/spin program.

Try to drain the remaining water using the drain cycle before opening the filter. This makes cleaning the filter much less messy.
Locate and clean the drain pump filter.

The filter is behind a small panel at the bottom front of the washer. Place towels and a shallow pan underneath. Slowly turn the cap counter-clockwise to drain water and remove the filter. Clean out any lint, coins, or debris.
Check the drain hose at the back of the washer.

Make sure the hose is not kinked, bent sharply, or crushed behind the machine. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose has a smooth path to the drain.
Check the height of the drain hose end.

The end of the drain hose should enter the standpipe or sink drain at a height of 60–100 cm (24–39 inches) above the floor. Too low and water siphons back in.
Run a drain/spin cycle after reassembling everything.

Replace the filter cap firmly, close the access panel, and run a drain cycle. If the E13 error persists, the pump is likely faulty and needs replacing.

When to Call a Professional

If clearing the filter and hose doesn't fix E13, the drain pump may be faulty. Pump replacement requires accessing the front or bottom of the washer cabinet. A licensed appliance technician can replace the pump and clear any internal blockages. Expect repair costs of $100–$250 for a drain pump replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the Bosch washer drain filter?

Every 2–3 months is a good schedule for regular users. If you wash items that shed a lot of lint or have small children who leave items in pockets, clean it monthly. A clean filter prevents E13 errors and keeps the pump running efficiently.

Why does the drain hose height matter?

If the drain hose end is too close to the floor, gravity creates a siphon effect. Water drains out but then is immediately sucked back into the drum. The washer keeps trying to drain but never empties — eventually timing out with E13. The hose end should be at least 60 cm above floor level.

Can a blocked household drain cause the E13 error?

Yes — if your kitchen or laundry sink drain is partially blocked, the washer's water has nowhere to go. The pump is working fine, but the backed-up drain pipe prevents the water from leaving. Check if other drains in your home are slow — if they are, the drain blockage is the problem, not the washer.