Which Washer Hose Is Right For You?

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Most homeowners are not particularly picky when it comes to washing machine hook up. Is it hooked up? Does it work? Okay great! Unfortunately, the components that you choose to hook your washer up can impact your home and family more than you would like to think.

There are three different kinds of washing machine hoses that you can choose from.

Reinforced Rubber

These are the hoses that people are most familiar with. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. They are made of a polyester mesh that makes the rubber stronger and less likely to burst.

If your machine is located inside of your home these hoses are not recommended as they can burst. If your machine is located outside of the home these are a good solution for you.

Steel Braided

A stainless steel hose is the minimum hose style recommended for indoor use. They are not the cheapest that you can find as far as hoses are concerned, but the added safety is worth the extra money. A stainless steel braided hose is better than the basic rubber hose and meets a minimum standard when your washing machine is located inside.

Auto-Shutoff Hose

For a few more dollars you can have additional peace of mind using auto-shutoff hoses. These hoses have an auto shut off at one end as an added safety feature. These hoses provide the best safety features for added peace of mind.

Here are some helpful tips on hose installation and maintenance to help avoid hose failure.

-Ensure that you have the proper length hose. Do not force the hose to fit.

-Always allow ample space between the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinks.

-Inspect your hose regularly. At minimum you want to inspect your hose once yearly. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your hose when you inspect your smoke detectors at Daylight Savings Time.

-Shut water off when you are on vacation or away from the home for an extended period of time.

-Replace your washing machine hoses regularly. The manufacturer of your hose will state the average life expectancy and recommend when the hoses should be replaced.

I you find that your machine has been leaking over time when checking your hoses. Call our office to have an inspection of the damage.