How often should I replace my washing machine hoses?

The hoses stay under water pressure whenever the valves behind the washer are open, not only during a wash. From an IBHS study, quoted in its water-damage tips: “A burst water supply line caused half of all water damage incidents involving washing machines.” On average, those incidents caused “more than $6,000 in damage per incident.”

The same tips put the replacement interval plainly: “Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every 5 years.”

1. 1

   Look along each hose

   IBHS: “Check the hoses for cracks, kinks or blisters, which are most commonly found near the hose connection.”

2. 2

   Give it room

   IBHS advises leaving “a 3 to 4 inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall” so the hose doesn't kink near the valve.

3. 3

   Snug, not over-tight

   Make sure each connection to the valve is secure without over-tightening. IBHS's method: hand-tighten first, then an additional 2/3 of a turn with pliers.

4. 4

   Know your valves

   IBHS suggests turning the supply valves off when the washer isn't in use (a lever-type valve makes that easy) and not running the washer while nobody is home.

IBHS suggests you “consider reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.” Braided hoses still go on a clock: Whirlpool's dishwasher manual, for one, says to replace a flexible braided inlet hose after 5 years to reduce the risk of hose failure.

HavnOS puts a hose check on your calendar every six months for each washing machine on your house's record. For the five-year replacement, click the day you fitted the hoses on your HavnOS calendar and add a task that repeats every 60 months.