Washing Machine Hoses: How to Avoid Damage

Washing machine hoses are often one of the most overlooked maintenance items in the home, yet they are notorious for bursting and causing significant water damage and flooding. It is essential to replace washing machine hoses every four or five years. Even with this replacement schedule, it is always recommended to turn off the hot and cold water valves when the machine is not in use, especially when you are away from home for an extended period.

If you have hard water, turning these valves may be difficult, particularly if they are old. In such cases, replacing the valves should also be added to your “to-do” list. When replacing valves, do not skimp on quality. Purchase the best parts available, preferably from a plumbing parts distributor. A professional plumber will have access to high-quality hoses and parts.

Consider installing ¼ turn valves, which make it easy and quick to turn the water on or off. There are also single lever valves available that can control both the cold and hot water simultaneously. By regularly turning these valves on and off, you can prevent the buildup of deposits inside them, ensuring they are always ready for use.

A small up-front investment in high-quality parts and regular maintenance will make it easy to follow this safe practice routine and save you from costly water damage and repairs.