How to Care for Washing Machine Hoses

Introduction:

Washing machine hoses are one of the most neglected and potentially most damaging utility items in the home.  Because they are out of view they are forgotten and give little warning of an impending disaster. A failed hose can cause a major disaster in your home in just a few minutes. To avoid a potential disaster the hoses should be checked periodically for their general condition to insure that they will not burst causing a major flood.

Most homeowners can't remember how old their washing machine is or when it was installed. Because washing machines are so reliable, they just sit in the laundry area year after year working away until a hose fails and has to be replaced. Unfortunately the washing machine hoses do not last as long as machines do. They become brittle or dry rot and start to leak. If your washing machine hoses are over ten years old you are fortunate if they have not failed yet. Before they do fail you should replace them.  

Replacement hoses:

There are two basic types of washing machine hoses available in most hardware stores, reinforced rubber and stainless-steel reinforced. Reinforced rubber hoses are old style hoses used in your parents and grandparents time. Most reinforced hoses are reinforced with a braided rayon or polyester mesh to decrease the chances of bursting.

A better hose is the stainless steel washing machine hose. It is a braided hose that is virtually burst-proof. It consists of a very flexible plastic hose encased in a twisted flexible mesh of stainless steel wire. It is more durable to physical damage such as cutting and twisting than rubber hoses and generally carries longer guarantees. But burst-proof hoses can fail too. 

Whichever the type of hose that you use they should be checked frequently and replaced approximately every five years as part of a proactive preventive maintenance plan. Replacing the hoses is an easy DIY task.

When replacing the hoses avoid sharp kinks or bends in the hose. They can weaken the hose itself or the seal at the connectors.  To avoid pressure on the hose and connectors allow at least 3 - 4 inches between the back of the washing machine and the wall.  Purchase hoses longer than you need to allow for some slack.

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