All Washed Up: Old washing machine hoses
- Tim Friedrich
- Jun 2, 2014
- 2 min read
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
- Insurance industry studies show that 80% of these types of insurance claims are related to hoses 8-10 years old.
- Reinforced rubber is a popular option for hoses. It becomes brittle as it ages, making it subject to cracks, leaks, and bursting.
- 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:
blisters, bulges, or bubbles; cracks; unraveling (if using braided steel hoses); bends or kinks near the connections.
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.
At Allied, proactive water supply line maintenance is at the top of our to-do list. Give us a call, or contact 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.
We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs.