Monday, June 2nd, 2014

All Washed Up: Old washing machine hoses

Over 50% of insurance claims related to water damage are from broken water supply hoses. The average claim is more than $6,000.

The laundry room is one of your home’s most important work spaces, yet it typically receives the least attention…until it’s out of service.

This week, we’re taking a closer look at a simple home maintenance item: washing machine hoses. Did you know that in a typical home, water can spill out of a single hose at a rate of about 650 gallons per hour? At that rate, damage adds up quickly.

Reasons why hoses fail
• Age – Insurance industry studies show that 80% of these types of insurance claims are related to hoses 8-10 years old.

• Materials – Reinforced rubber is a popular option for hoses. It becomes brittle as it ages, making it subject to cracks, leaks, and bursting.

• Installation Errors – The most common installation error is lack of sufficient room to prevent kinks in the hose, especially near the valve connections.

Visual Inspections – A Good Habit
File this under “Things We Should Do, But Seldom Remember.” In most homes, laundry is a family affair – everyone’s doing it, but few think to look behind the washer and check the hoses. Sometimes, a sign next to the washer is a good reminder. Check for:

• Deterioration: blisters, bulges, or bubbles; cracks; unraveling (if using braided steel hoses); bends or kinks near the connections.

• Leaks: Moisture, drips, rust, discoloration, or leaks on or around hoses and connections or in the catch pan (if present).

Easy Precautions
• Don’t leave the washer unattended. When washer failures happen in an empty home, losses multiply by 150%.

• Turn off water between uses. Relieve water pressure in the hoses by turning off the water supply when the machine is not in use or when you will be away.

• Do not delay – Replace old hoses ASAP. A good practice is to replace hoses every 3-5 years; hose breakdown is happens from the inside-out, so it’s easy to miss the warning signs. For a few bucks, a hose maintenance plan can save you thousands of dollars in damage and lost time.

Water You Waiting For?
At Allied, proactive water supply line maintenance is at the top of our to-do list. Give us a call for a free estimate and to learn more about the latest in washer hose technology. We’re here 24 hours a day: 513-396-5300.