Prevent a Washing Machine Hose Disaster

By Kellie Pearson

When it comes to disastrous water damage in your home, burst washing machine hoses have to be the worst. It’s also generally known as one of the most common complaints insurance companies receive when dealing with flood claims. How can you prevent a burst washing machine hose from happening to you?

Know how to spot signs of trouble by looking at the 90-degree turns either coming from the wall or at the washing machine connections. The hoses will form a large bubble, giving the homeowner a warning 99 percent of the time. Once you see this warning sign, call a Mr. Appliance® professional to replace your current hoses with steel braided hoses. Even without visible evidence of trouble, many homeowners elect to change their rubber hoses over to steel braided hoses just for their own peace of mind.

The standard black rubber hose typically included with a purchased washing machine is not made to withstand long-term constant water pressure. Consequently, they often deteriorate by cracking over time. A stainless steel braided hose consists of a flexible plastic hose encased in a twisted stainless steel wire mesh. The encasement of the wire mesh makes the hose much more durable and resistant to cracking and bulging due to the water pressure.

To prolong the life of your washing machine hose, follow these quick tips:

• Make sure you allow four inches of space between the wall and back of your washing machine for the hose to vibrate without rubbing against the wall. This will prevent the wall from bending or kinking the hose, which will weaken it.
• Whether you leave for a weekend getaway or week-long vacation, it’s smart to shut off the water valve when you won’t be using your washing machine for a prolonged period of time. No need to put the hose under water pressure if it’s not necessary.