The E18 error on your Frigidaire washing machine means the control board has detected that the washer is taking too long to drain water from the tub. Check the drain hose and pump filter for blockages before calling for service.

Error code E18
Meaning Long drain time / drain system fault
Severity Medium — the washer won’t complete a cycle until the drain issue is resolved
Time to fix 15–40 minutes
Tools needed Towels, a shallow pan, pliers, flashlight

What the E18 error means

E18 shows up when the washing machine’s sensors detect that water is not leaving the tub within the expected time frame during the drain cycle. The control board waits a set period for the water level to drop, and if it doesn’t, it stops the cycle and flags E18 to prevent the machine from moving into spin with water still in the tub.

This is one of the more common Frigidaire washer fault codes, and in most cases it comes down to something physically blocking the flow of water rather than a failed electronic part.

Common causes

  • Clogged drain pump filter full of lint, coins, or small items of clothing
  • Kinked, crushed, or clogged drain hose behind the machine
  • Drain hose installed too high or with an improper loop, restricting flow
  • Faulty or jammed drain pump that can’t push water out
  • Blocked household drain pipe or standpipe the washer empties into
  • Failed pressure sensor (water level sensor) giving the control board a false reading

How to fix the E18 error

  1. Power down and unplug the washer. Cut power at the outlet before touching any hoses or panels for safety.
  2. Check and clean the drain pump filter. Locate the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a shallow pan underneath, open the filter, and remove any debris, coins, or lint.
  3. Inspect the drain hose. Pull the washer out slightly and check the hose for kinks, tight bends, or blockages. Straighten it and make sure it isn’t pushed too far into the standpipe.
  4. Check the standpipe or household drain. Run water down the drain separately to confirm it isn’t backed up or blocked further along the line.
  5. Restart the machine. Plug it back in, run a short cycle, and watch whether water drains properly within a couple of minutes.
  6. Call a technician if the error persists. A stuck drain pump or faulty pressure sensor will need professional testing and possible replacement.

FAQ

Can I keep using the washer with an E18 error?
No. The cycle will stop before spinning, so clothes stay wet and soapy until the drain issue is fixed.

Is the E18 error expensive to fix?
Usually not. Most cases are a clogged filter or hose, which costs nothing to clear yourself. A replacement drain pump typically runs £60–£120 including labour if a technician is needed.

Why does E18 keep coming back after I clear the filter?
This often points to a partially blocked hose further down the line or an early-stage pump failure. If cleaning the filter doesn’t stop the error from returning, have the pump and pressure sensor tested.

If you’re troubleshooting other Frigidaire appliance faults, see our guides on the Frigidaire EF Error Code: Causes and Fixes, Frigidaire CA Error Code: Causes and Fixes, and Frigidaire CE Error Code: Causes and Fixes. If you own a different brand, our Maytag Washer F1 Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide covers a similar drain-related fault.