Washing machines are used daily by many homeowners. However, washing machine hoses, which provide hot and cold water to your washing machine, are typically one of the least thought-about items when performing routine washing machine maintenance. Homeowners do not consider their washing machine hoses until a leak or burst happens, resulting in flooding and potentially thousands of dollars worth of water damage. Checking your washing machine hoses each month (or at least two times a year) will keep you ahead of any costly repair needs and will save you stress down the line.
If you have seen any signs of hose wear, leaking or damaged hoses, contacting a plumber near me will ensure that your issue is quickly resolved so that the issue does not get worse.
Why Washing Machine Hose Maintenance Is Important
The hoses that connect the water supply lines to your washing machine are constantly under pressure. Eventually the hoses can become weakened due to a combination of factors including: age; vibration; heat; and/or chemical corrosion from detergent and hard water. If a hose becomes weak enough it will eventually break, releasing large amounts of water into your laundry room within minutes.
Statistics show that broken washing machine hoses are among the top reasons for household water damage. For this reason, plumbing services near me often recommend checking your washing machine hoses at least two times per year and replacing the hoses every 3-5 years.
Checking your hoses on a regular basis will not only prevent leaks, but will also help keep your washer operating efficiently and extend the life of your washing machine.
Identifying Common Signs Of Hose Problems
Knowing what to look for will greatly aid in identifying issues before they become major problems. The following are the most common warning signs that your washing machine hoses require maintenance:
Visible Bulging or Blistering: Indicates the inner lining of the hose is deteriorating and the hose could fail at any moment.
Cracks Or Frays: Visible damage on rubber hoses typically indicates the hose is aging or deteriorating.
Rust Or Corrosion On Fittings: Rusty or corroded metal fittings can cause leaks around the connection areas.
Small Amounts of Moisture Or Dripping Water: While a little bit of water may not be a problem, any amount of water near the hose connection area is an indication of a slow leak.
Stiff Or Brittle Hoses: Over time, rubber hoses will lose flexibility, creating increased risk of cracking and bursting.
If you identify any of the above symptoms, please do not wait until disaster strikes. Call a plumber near me immediately to inspect and replace the hoses.
Types of Washing Machine Hoses
There are many different types of washing machine hoses available, not all are made equally. When replacing your washing machine hoses, it is recommended to choose the correct type of hose for your specific situation:
Rubber Hoses
Rubber hoses are inexpensive and are the most common hose type. However, they are also the most susceptible to wear and tear. They are suitable for short term use or for temporary applications but should be inspected frequently.
Reinforced Rubber Hoses
Reinforced rubber hoses feature an additional braided mesh reinforcement to increase strength. Reinforced rubber hoses provide more resistance to damage than standard rubber hoses, however, they can also deteriorate over time due to heat and pressure.
Stainless Steel Braided Hoses
If you’re looking for maximum protection and piece of mind, then stainless steel braided hoses are the way to go. Stainless steel braided hoses are resistant to bursting, kinking, and corrosion. Many plumbing services near me prefer stainless steel braided hoses.
Automatic Shut Off Hoses
Automated shut off hoses feature a built-in automatic shut-off mechanism that will turn off the water flow to the washing machine in case a rupture occurs. By doing so, they can greatly minimize the potential for flooding in your laundry room while you’re away from home.
How To Inspect Your Washing Machine Hoses
You don’t need to be a plumbing expert to conduct a basic inspection of your washing machine hoses. Here’s how to do it:
Turn Off Water Supply: Begin by turning off the hot and cold water valves located behind the washing machine.
Carefully Move Washer: Next, gently pull the washing machine away from the wall to gain access to the hoses.
Check Hoses: Carefully examine the connections between the hoses and both the washing machine and the water supply valves for any signs of moisture, rust, or leaks.
Inspect Hose Condition: Check for signs of cracking, bulging, or stiffening along the full length of the hoses.
Replace As Needed: If you’ve identified any damage to your hoses, contact a plumber near me to replace the hoses as soon as possible.
Even if your hoses appear to be functioning properly, it’s a good idea to have a professional from a reputable plumbing service near me check the water pressure. High water pressure can weaken hoses and fittings, ultimately causing premature failure.
When to Replace Washing Machine Hoses
As a general rule of thumb, experts recommend replacing your washing machine hoses every three to five years, regardless of whether they appear to be functioning properly or not. Additionally, you’ll want to replace your hoses whenever you purchase a new washing machine, as this will ensure a strong seal and eliminate potential vulnerabilities from old components.
A professional plumber near me can also install stainless steel braided hoses or shutoff valves to add another level of protection and give you peace of mind knowing that your laundry room is protected against water damage.
What Professional Plumbing Services Can Do
While checking your hoses is easy, replacing them properly requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise. A qualified plumber near me can ensure that your new hoses are installed securely and that your water supply lines are in good working order. In addition, a professional plumber can also identify any other early signs of plumbing-related issues, such as excessive water pressure or loose fittings, that could potentially cause larger problems down the road.
Plumbing services near me offer complete plumbing system inspections and maintenance to protect your entire plumbing system, not just your washing machine hoses. From replacing old hoses to installing a water shutoff valve to fixing a leak, our team of professionals will do the job right the first time.
Conclusion
Although washing machine hoses may seem like relatively insignificant components of your home, they are a vital component in protecting your home from water damage. Taking a few minutes to check your washing machine hoses on a regular basis can help prevent unwanted flooding and costly repairs.
If you feel there may be a problem, or simply want peace of mind, call a plumber near me for a quick inspection. Locally-based plumbing services near me can replace worn-out hoses, make sure connections are secure, and protect your home from unknown plumbing threats.
Schedule a washing machine hose check with your trusted local plumber today to protect your home before it’s too late!
