E20
Bosch Washer
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
The E20 error on a Bosch washing machine means the machine cannot drain water properly. The drum still has water in it and the drain cycle has timed out. This is usually caused by a blocked pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or a clogged household drain. The machine will not spin or open the door while it holds water.
Affected Models
- WAW285H2UC
- WAS28460UC
- WAT28400UC
- WFVC3300UC
- Most Bosch front-load washing machines
Common Causes
- The pump filter is clogged with lint, coins, or debris and is blocking water flow
- The drain hose is kinked, twisted, or blocked
- The household drain or standpipe is blocked
- The drain pump impeller is jammed by a foreign object like a coin or piece of wire
- The drain pump motor has burned out
How to Fix It
-
First, manually drain the water remaining in the drum.
Locate the access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Open it and you'll find a small emergency drain hose (usually capped). Place a shallow tray under it and uncap it to drain the water.
-
Clean the pump filter.
Behind the access panel is the circular pump filter cap. Turn it counterclockwise slowly — water will pour out. Once drained, fully remove the filter and clean it under running water. Remove any coins, lint, or debris.
-
Check the drain hose at the back of the machine.
Make sure the hose is not kinked, twisted, or squashed. The standpipe it goes into should be between 60–100 cm (24–40 inches) high.
-
Run water down the household drain or standpipe to confirm it's not blocked.
If your sink drains slowly, the household drain is partially blocked. Clear it before restarting the washer.
-
Replace the filter, close the access panel, and run a drain/spin cycle.
If E20 clears, the clogged filter was the issue. If it returns, the drain pump needs professional inspection.
When to Call a Professional
If cleaning the pump filter and checking the drain hose doesn't clear E20, the drain pump likely needs replacement. A technician can replace the pump for $120–$280 including parts and labor. If a foreign object has jammed the impeller without breaking it, a technician may be able to remove it without replacing the pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't the door open when E20 is showing?
The door lock is automatic on Bosch washers. When water is detected inside the drum, the door stays locked as a safety measure. You must drain the water first — either by manually opening the emergency drain hose or clearing the blockage and running a drain cycle. Once the drum is empty, the door will unlock.
How often should I clean the pump filter on a Bosch washer?
Bosch recommends cleaning the pump filter every few months. If you wash items with heavy lint or frequently wash pockets with loose items, clean it monthly. A regular cleaning schedule prevents E20 errors and keeps the pump healthy.
Can a coin cause the E20 error?
Yes — coins are one of the most common items found in a clogged pump filter. They fall out of pockets during the wash. Always check pockets before loading the machine. A coin lodged in the pump impeller can also jam the motor, which requires more than just filter cleaning to fix.