Error code · Washer

GE UltraFresh Code Fault 18: water still in tub after draining

Medium · inspection needed

Code: Fault 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed
Appliance: Washer
Brand: GE
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What Fault 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed means

On GE UltraFresh front-load washers, Fault 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed appears to mean the pressure sensor still indicates water in the tub after the washer attempted to drain it. The control runs a routine to clear the pump and, when water is still reported, it shows this message. You may see water left in the drum, a cycle that stops, or clothes that stay very wet. Please treat the exact wording as our best reading.

Common causes of Fault 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed

Drain pump filter or hose restricted
Drain pump not moving water
Pressure sensor reporting water that is not there
Drain hose too low or pushed too far into the standpipe

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Check the drain hose for kinks and make sure it is not pushed too far into the standpipe. 2. Clean the pump filter following your owner's manual. 3. Run a drain and spin. 4. If water remains or Fault 18 returns, call us.

! Why to stop there

Water in the tub and a wrong pressure reading look the same on the display.
We check the pump, the filter and the sensor line one at a time.
Standing water can leak, so we take care when opening the filter.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Washer codes

Two furthest lights flashingGE Top-Load Washer Two Furthest Lights Flashing: General Cycle Error PoGE Top-Load Washer Message "Po": Slow to Pump Out the Water bALAnCINgGE Top-Load Washer Message "bALAnCINg": Load Is Uneven in the Tub CLrFLtrGE Compact Washer Message "CLrFLtr": Drain Pump Filter Needs Cleaning Load RebalancingGE Front-Load Washer Message "Load Rebalancing": Washer Is Correcting an Uneven Load A problem has been detectedGE Profile Harmony Washer Message "A problem has been detected with this unit": Electronics Alert 70GE UltraFresh Washer Code 70: Inverter Start-Up Repeats 78GE UltraFresh Washer Code 78: Board Software Mismatch

Fault 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm FailedFault 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed questions

What is the drain pump clearing algorithm?

It is the routine the washer uses to clear water out through the pump. When the pressure sensor still reports water in the tub afterward, the control shows Fault 18 and stops the cycle.

Is water really left in the tub?

Often yes, but not always. The pressure sensor reads water level, so a wrong reading can show the same message. We confirm by looking inside the drum and testing the sensor line and pump.

What can I try before calling?

Clean the pump filter as shown in the owner's manual and check the drain hose for kinks. If those are fine, we diagnose the pump and the sensor and give you a written price first.

Book a visit

Still seeing Fault 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 547-5545