What To Do About A Leaking Washing Machine Hose
The washing machine hose is responsible for connecting the washer to the water source so it can fill up with cold or hot water needed to clean the contents inside. When your washing machine hose is leaking, it can be a huge inconvenience. A leaking washing machine hose can be a sign of an issue with your equipment’s drainage line, or it could mean you need a new washer altogether.
But, fear not! The good news is that these problems are usually easy to fix. Here are some things you consider if your washing machine hose is leaking.
Why is Your Washing Machine’s Hose Leaking?
In order to understand how to troubleshoot a faulty washing machine hose, it’s important to identify the source of the leak.
Here are three major reasons that you could be dealing with a leaking washing machine hose:
A Worn-out Hose
The average lifespan of a washing machine hose is five years. Following five years, the hose often starts showing signs of cracking and bursting; even from minor pressure. Additionally, rubber hoses are less durable than their steel braided counterparts. It’s important to note the installation date of your washing machine’s hose as a reminder of the next replacement date.
Pro tip: We recommend using stickers to label your appliances with dates of service to help you stay on top of routine maintenance.
Loose Seals and Washers
Washing machine hoses have rubber seals or washers that prevent water leaks. Overtime, with normal wear and tear, these devices wear out and loosen. This allows water to escape through, and cause leaks. While maintaining your machine, it’s important to check that all washers and seals are in good condition.
Leaking Connections
A loose connection between the wall and the washers can also cause leaks alongside a washing machine hose. Leaking connections may result from the constant vibrations from your machine. To fix these leaks, simply tighten the hose connection.
Fixing a Leaky Washing Machine Hose
As we mentioned above, it’s essential to identify the cause of a leaking washing machine hose before you can fix it. Start by checking both the external and internal hoses of your washing machine to identify any defective hoses.
If all hoses are in good condition, check the connections to find out if the leaking is a result of loose attachments at the back of your machine. Tighten any loose ends. In the case where the connections are tight but the leaking continues, the problem could be with the machine’s internal hoses.
Before checking leaks in the internal hoses, disconnect your machine from electricity to avoid electrocution. After this, if you’re comfortable, open its cabinet from the back. A washing machine has several internal pipes; check each one of them carefully for any signs of a leak.
Pro tip: The presence of rust, cracks, or calcium deposits along the hoses could be a red flag for damage.
If you find any defective hoses, you’ll likely need to replace it. Please note that Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric never recommends doing any maintenance if you aren’t comfortable or lack the basic knowledge of how to do it safely. In these instances, always contact a professional.
If you are capable of changing a washing machine hose, here are tips to guide you:
Gather the Tools You May Need
Ensure that you have all the materials you may need to fix the hose leak. Some of them include a slip-joint plier, a bucket, and of course, a new washing machine hose.
Unplug External Hoses
Turn the cold and hot water valves off and disconnect the external hoses from your machine. Use the bucket to trap any spilling water.
Connect the New Hoses to the Washer and Water Supply
While matching the cold-water hose to the cold-water source and the hot water hose to its connection, replace the leaking washing machine hose with the new one. After this, connect the other end of the new hoses to their respective water sources.
Test for Leaks
After replacing the worn-out hoses, turn on the water valves and run water to test for any leaks.
Do You Need a Professional Plumber to Fix a Leaking Washing Machine Hose?
Sometimes plumbing DIYs can turn out to be a mess, especially if you don’t have the right tools or experience. You may end up flooding your home or rendering your machine even more useless than when you began. Therefore, you should always call an experienced plumber to help you fix complicated incidents of leaking washing machine hoses.
At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, we have experts who can help keep your washing machine operating in its best condition. Contact a plumber today to schedule an appointment for any plumbing issue plaguing your pipes.
