Washing Machine Hoses

Here's a fact that's hard to believe: broken washing machine hoses are responsible for $150 million in home damage every year. Worse yet, this kind of damage is easily prevented.

To prevent hose problems: check to see that your washing machine is at least four inches from the wall. This will prevent the hoses from bending and kinking. Inspect the hoses every month for bulging and cracking, and replace both hoses every five years or as needed. It's a very simple home repair, like hooking up a garden hose.

• First, shut off the water supply to the washing machine. If there isn't a shutoff valve near the washer, shut off the main water valve.
  
• Unscrew the old hoses and hook up the new ones. Make sure they are screwed on tightly. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.

There are several types of washing machine supply hoses available, those made of rubber and those made of stainless steel. Given the possibility for problems, it's probably better to pay the added cost for the steel hoses and avoid being part of that $150 million damage statistic.