You can avoid Washing Machine Hose Failure

According to insurance companies, washing machine related failures are one of the top 10 leading sources of residential claims. You can protect yourself from a flooding disaster by taking some simple preventive steps.

THE CAUSE

Washer hoses can fail at, or within a few inches of the coupling, especially the common black orignal washer hose. It most often bursts where the coupling is crimped, or attached to the hose.




Washer hose about to burst


The life span of rubber hoses are effected over time by the bend in the hose, water pressure, chemicals and minerals naturally found in water. These chemicals can easily corrode and rust the light metal coupling, inside and out. The corroded insert inside the hose becomes jagged and sharp. The washing machine’s vibration, movement and constant water pressure causes the jagged leading edge of the insert to gradually cut through the hose’s inner tube, allowing the pressurized water to escape and migrate between the tube and outer cover, forming a bubble. When eventually that bursts, you could end up with an expensive mess to cleanup. With 70 pounds of water pressure, a burst washing machine hose can dump 2271 litres of water per hour into your home. With this water weighing in at 2268 kilograms, you can only imagine the damage this happening while you’re sleeping, away for the weekend, or on vacation for several days or weeks.http://www.castanet.net/news/About-the-House-Hugh-Cairns/63881/Leaking-washing-machine-hoses

THE IMPACT



Water damage

Many washing machine manufacturers caution owners to shut off the water supply when not using the machine and to replace the hoses regularly every 3-5 years. Check your manual!

THE SOLUTION(S)

One good option is to steel install braided supply lines. Stainless steel braided washing machine hoses are encased in a woven metal sleeve that help prevents weak spots in the rubber from developing into leaks. They are much more resilient and last longer. They can be purchased at most DYI home centers, hardware and plumbing supply stores. They are more resistant to any cuts or twists in comparison to the rubber hoses.

There are many other options available as well:

     Automatic Water Shutoff at the washing machine

  

     Floodsafe Connectors

     FloodStop

 

     FloodChek washing machine hoses

How to upgrade your washing hoses

Check all appliance hoses frequently and replace at any sign of wear!