Inspect Water Hoses For Washing Machine.
Did you know bursting washing machine hoses are a top 10 insurance claim?
Leaking washing machine water hoses may be one of the most common causes of catastrophic water damage in homes. Your washing machine usually comes with cheaper rubber water hoses. Manufacturers advise you to turn off the water supply to the machine after every use to prevent a bursting hose.
As you know, rubber washing machine hoses weaken under constant water pressure, get stiff, even crack with time. We advise you to replace rubber washing machine hoses with stainless steel braided hoses. If you need washing machine hose replacement, shut off valves or any plumbing service please contact PDM Since 1885.
How many gallons of water come from a washing machine burst water hose?
- In a typical home, water will spill out of a burst hose around 650 gallons per hour (or six gallons per minute).
- Water will flood from a broken hose until someone notices it and turns off the main supply valve.
- If the hose breaks at night or when a building is unoccupied, thousands of gallons of water might flood the building before the problem is discovered.
- If your washing machine is on an upper floor, the damage will be extensive as the water pours through the floors.
- Inspect your main water shut off valve. Make sure it is functioning safely and everyone knows where the valve is in case of an emergency.
How long will a washing machine hose last?
- Rubber hoses resiliency weaken as they age, making them subject to cracks, leaks, and bursting.
- Studies show failure rates increase significantly in hoses that are more than five years old.
- The average age of failed hoses was 8.7 years.
- 80% of hoses fail within 10 years.
- Recommend to replace rubber washing machine hoses every three to five years.
Stainless steel braided hoses have problems too. We found it’s a good practice to replace washing machine hoses every three to five years whether rubber or metal. It’s also a good idea to check the hoses for damage, cracks or leaks once a year as part of your regular plumbing maintenance.
Signs of washing machine water hose failure.
Look for obvious signs of deterioration or imminent failure.
- Blisters
- Bulges
- Bubbles
- Cracks
- Unraveling
- Discoloration
- Crimps, or kinks, especially near the connections and turns in the hose.
Washing machine hose leaks.
- Check for moisture, drips, rust, or leaks in, on, or around the hoses and connections or in the catch pan (if present).
- Check the connections to be sure that they are tightened properly. Even a small leak may indicate an imminent failure.
- Install a water alarm for water heater, washing machine, sump pump leaks.
Proper washing machine positioning.
- Be sure that the washing machine is located at least four inches from the connections (usually at the wall) so that the hose is not bent or kinked.
- Check to see that the machine is properly balanced so that it does not“walk” during use, putting stress on the water hoses.
Automatic washing machine water shutoff valve with leak sensor.
If it is time to upgrade your washer water shutoff valve you can protect against catastrophic water damage from a burst inlet hose connected to a washing machine in use or unattended. The valve senses when the washing machine is on or off, and then opens or closes the hot and cold inlet valves as needed to allow or prevent water from flowing to the washer. Call PDM for washing machine shutoff valve options.
The simple washing machine water hose solution.
PDM plumber will carefully move your washing machine. We will replace your hot and cold water hoses with the new, stainless steel braided hoses. Clean up, test hoses and shut-off valves for safe operation. We also can install an emergency shut-off valve to help prevent a catastrophic flood automatically. Water leak alarms work.
PDM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has assembled an award-winning team. You’ll get top-notch service for any HVAC and plumbing service in Bolingbrook, Homer Glen, Joliet, New Lenox, Plainfield, IL area and SW Chicago Suburbs.
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