Bosch Washing Machine: error code e13
What is this symptom?
If your Bosch washing machine displays error code E13, it indicates a drainage issue, preventing water from leaving the drum. This can interrupt your wash cycle and leave water standing in the machine. Common causes include a clogged drain filter or a kinked drain hose, both of which can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting.
Important Tips for Bosch Models
- E13 on Bosch washing machines specifically refers to water drainage issues when water isn’t evacuated within the allocated time.
Possible Causes
Clogged drain filter
How to Identify: Water remains in drum after cycle; visible debris in filter; E13 error appears routinely.
Part: Drain filter
Blocked or kinked drain hose
How to Identify: Hose bends/kinks at the back; water fails to flow freely when detached; E13 persists after filter cleaning.
Part: Drain hose
Faulty or jammed drain pump
How to Identify: Unusual noises during drain attempt; spinner not engaging; drains slowly or not at all after clearing visible blockages.
Part: Drain pump
Pressure switch or sensor malfunction
How to Identify: Incorrect water level readings; machine fails to initiate drain/pump operations even when unblocked; E13 persists after physical blockage removal.
Part: Pressure switch / level sensor
Control board failure
How to Identify: No response from machine after clearing blockages and verifying pump/sensor; intermittent or unexplained error persistence.
Part: Main control unit (electronic board)
DIY Solutions
Clean drain filter
- Turn off and unplug the washer.
- Locate the drain filter access at the bottom front/back of the machine.
- Place towels and container to catch water.
- Remove and clean the filter of debris, lint, and objects.
- Reinstall filter and run a test cycle.
Inspect and clear drain hose
- Turn off and unplug the washer.
- Detach the drain hose from the washer and drain outlet.
- Check for kinks, bends, and blockages.
- Flush the hose with water or use a flexible brush to clear debris.
- Reattach the hose correctly (no sharp bends) and test.
Next step
Choose the next step for error code e13
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Hose
Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $30
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace or repair drain pump
Pressure switch or sensor replacement
Control board diagnosis/repair
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain filter: Blockages leading to E13 error
Frequency: every 3-6 months -
Inspect drain hose for kinks and debris: Drainage issues and E13 codes
Frequency: every 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Bosch Washing Machine error code e13?
How do I fix Bosch Washing Machine error code e13 myself?
How much does it cost to fix error code e13?
When should I call a technician for error code e13?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Clogged drain pump or filter
- Faulty water inlet valve
- Detergent residue buildup in the detergent drawer
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clean the drain pump and filter. Unplug the machine, locate the filter at the bottom front, and remove any debris. Run a rinse cycle to check for proper drainage.
-
Inspect and replace the water inlet valve if necessary. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hoses, and test the valve with a multimeter for continuity. Replace if faulty.
-
Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or Affresh to eliminate detergent residue. Add the cleaner to the detergent drawer and run an empty cycle on the hottest setting.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
e13 error code
Running a cleaning cycle with vinegar or Affresh to eliminate detergent residue.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
User Comments (0)
Share your experience or solution below.
Please login to post a comment.
Be the first to comment!