There is nothing quite as frustrating than when you go to switch your laundry from the washer to the dryer only to find yourself standing in a puddle of water. Chances are you have a leaking washing machine hose. This can certainly be an annoying problem to deal with and a challenging problem to resolve. Water that is leaking from your washer can lead to damaged floors and walls as well as mold and mildew problems. With that said, the team here at Steve Mull Plumbing wants to tell all our valued clients that when you detect a leaking hose it is imperative you resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Signs That You Have a Leaking Hose
There are a few common signs that indicate that you have a leaking hose with the biggest of these signs being the presence of water on the floor. The lifespan of a hose is but a few years and then they begin to wear out. Hoses should be checked from time to time to ensure they have no cracks, splits or other issues. Should you notice a crack or split in a hose, then this is indeed an indication that you have a leaking hose and it should be replaced immediately.
What Causes a Hose to Leak?
Three common reasons why a washing machine hose will leak include:
- Extensive wear and tear – Hoses do not last forever. The average healthy lifespan of a hose is that of five years. After a five-year period, you may experience cracks, splits and leaks in the hoses. Over the years hoses become worn out and require replacement.
- Poor connection – If you have a leaking connection from your washing machine to the hose, no doubt you will experience a leak. Washing machines vibrate continuously which can lead to a loosening of the hoses. If hoses become loosened, simply tighten them up again. If you fail to tighten them you will most definitely find yourself faced with leaks and potential damage.
- Washers that are old and damaged – Washers attached to water fill hoses ensure that water does not leak out. If the washers become distorted in shape or in any other way damaged, water is allowed to leak through. The fix is a simple one. Simply replace the old worn-out washers with new ones and your leak will disappear.
How the Do-It-Yourselfer Can Replace a Hose
Before you can actually replace a washing machine hose, you have to determine which of the hoses is leaking. Begin by checking the connections and tightening any hoses that appear to be loose. Next, disconnect the washer from the power supply, open up the access panel and check the internal hoses. If you discover a damaged hose, then take these steps to replace it:
- Be sure the washing machine is disconnected from its power supply.
- Shut off both the hot and cold-water valves.
- Place a bucket underneath the external hoses and unplug the hoses from the washing machine allowing the bucket to catch any of the excess or overflowing water.
- Connect your new hoses ensuring that you match the proper hoses to the hot and cold-water lines appropriately.
- Turn the water valves back on and check the new connections to make sure they are tightened properly and there are no leaks.
Trust Our Top-Rated Plumbing Specialists
There you have the simple steps to identify a leaking washing machine hose and how to change it out. If, however, you are not comfortable to perform this repair on your own, then the team of professionals here at Steve Mull Plumbing have got you covered. Simply give a shout out to schedule your service appointment and we will take care of the rest. For all your plumbing needs look to the highly reputable team of plumbing specialists here at Steve Mull Plumbing. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality plumbing parts and services this side of Lebanon and to our every opportunity to serve you!
