Candy Dishwasher: error code 18

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing Candy Dishwasher error code 18? This error indicates unusually long fill or drain times, often interrupting your wash cycle. It may result from an obstruction in the drain or pump resistance, impacting your dishwashing efficiency. Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Candy Models

  • Error code E18 is commonly interpreted by community repair sources as extended drain or fill time error rather than strictly PCB failure.

Possible Causes

Extended drain time due to obstruction or pump resistance

How to Identify: Dishwasher attempts to drain water but takes significantly longer than normal; water may remain at the bottom; cleaning filters and hoses may improve behavior.

Part: Drain pump / drain hose

DIY Solutions

Clean filters, drain sump and check drain hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, clean cloth
  1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher, and shut off the water supply.
  2. Open the dishwasher and locate the filter assembly at the base.
  3. Remove and thoroughly clean the filter, removing any debris or food particles.
  4. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages; detach if accessible and clear any obstruction.
  5. Reassemble the filter and reconnect hoses, then run a short test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before accessing internal parts.

Clean water inlet hose and inlet filter

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, bucket
  1. Turn off water supply and unplug dishwasher.
  2. Locate the water inlet hose at the back of the dishwasher.
  3. Disconnect the hose from the tap and check for kinks or debris.
  4. Remove and rinse the inlet filter mesh under running water.
  5. Reconnect the hose and restore water and power, then test.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid water spills; have towels or a small bucket ready.

Reset dishwasher by power cycle

Easy 10-15 minutes
  1. Turn off the dishwasher and disconnect it from the power supply.
  2. Wait approximately 10–15 minutes to allow internal electronics to reset.
  3. Reconnect power and run a short diagnostic or rinse cycle to see if the error persists.

Next step

Choose the next step for error code 18

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

$35 - $80 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Dishwasher 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.

Find a part that fits my model

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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.

Maintenance supply

Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler

Supports routine removal of mineral scale, grease, and odor. It is maintenance, not a repair for a failed pump, valve, or control.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Dishwasher Inlet Hose

For replacement of an externally damaged supply hose. Verify connection size, length, and appliance installation requirements before ordering.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $70 - $150

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120

Control board diagnosis / replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Error persists after clearing filters, hoses, and inlet cleaning.
Unusual sounds from the drain pump suggesting mechanical failure.
Signs of electrical faults or control board errors remain after DIY steps.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and drain path: Blockages that can trigger extended drain time errors
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect inlet hose and filter: Slow fill issues due to debris in inlet
    Frequency: every 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Candy Dishwasher error code 18?
Error code 18 indicates extended drain times due to pump resistance or blockages.
How do I fix Candy Dishwasher error code 18 myself?
Clean the filters, drain sump, and inlet hose. Power cycle the dishwasher to reset.
How much does it cost to fix error code 18?
Professional repairs range from $40 to $350, depending on the necessary parts.
When should I call a technician for error code 18?
If DIY solutions fail, or if the issue persists after resets, it's time to call a professional.

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Blocked drain pump or filter
  • Faulty water level sensor
  • Electrical issue or faulty wiring

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the drain pump and filter. Unplug the dishwasher, remove the bottom spray arm, and access the filter. Clean any debris and ensure the drain pump is free of blockages.

  2. Test the water level sensor for faults. Use a multimeter to check the sensor's resistance. If it's faulty, replace it with a new one.

  3. Inspect the wiring and connections for any signs of damage or corrosion. Repair or replace any damaged wires.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Candy dishwasher error 18

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