Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Washing Machine Hoses*

Washing machine hoses are one of the most neglected but potentially damaging maintenance items in a home. Because they are out of sight, they are forgotten and give little warning of impending disaster. I can remember quite well the night I was sitting watching television and hearing a "hissing" sound. I was trying to figure out what was wrong with the TV when all of a sudden I realized that it wasn't the TV; it was the washing machine hose. Fortunately I had safety valves that I was able to shut off quickly and minimize the damage.

Not checking your washing machine hoses is like not checking your oil. If you can't remember how old your washer is, or if you think its age is in the double-figures, its time to replace those hoses!! My hoses were rubber hoses that were old and had dried out. When I took them off the washer I was able to break them in half because they were so dried out.

Choosing a replacement hose... it's not so easy!

There are two basic types of hoses available in hardware stores... reinforced rubber and stainless-steel reinforced.

Reinforced rubber hoses are reinforced with a braided rayon or polyester mesh to increase bursting strength. If you choose this type of hose, be sure the label says, "reinforced" or you may be getting a low-quality hose product.

The newer kid on the block is the stainless steel braided hose, often called "burst-proof" or "burst resistant". The construction is a very flexible plastic hose encased in a twisted, flexible mesh of stainless steel wire. This type of hose is more durable to physical damage (cutting and twisting) than rubber hoses and generally carry longer guarantees... but do not necessarily last longer!

Despite their name, burst-proof hoses can fail...

"There are many factors involved in why a hose would leak or burst; such as age of the hose, water chemical content that may cause deterioration inside the hose and eventual failure, (many of the metal braided hoses have rubber interiors which are also subject to deterioration) and of course, manufacturing defects are also responsible for many failures.

Regardless of the type of hose that a homeowner uses, I recommend you check them frequently and replace them every 3-5 years as part of a proactive maintenance plan."

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