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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Avoid Washing Machine Hose Leaks

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

A bad washing machine hose could ruin your day.

Washing machine hoses are notorious in the restoration industry because washers often outlive their hoses. Most washers have a ten-year lifespan, but rubber hoses start failing at around five years.

When a washer’s hose fails, water can start pouring out of the hose at a rate of 650 gallons/hour. If you are not home to turn off the water main, you will quickly have a major water damage. Washers located aboveground will leak into living area. For apartment dwellers the risk is even greater as a loss from a washer in one unit may affect several adjacent or lower units.

Here are some tips to reduce the possibility of a washing machine hose leak and to minimize the damage should one occur.

Inspect Washer Hoses

Look for signs of corrosion and bulging areas in the hose to spot problems before they become floods. Replace the hose if you see signs of stress.

Replace Aging Washer Hoses

Most experts recommend replacing washing machine hoses every five years even if you do not see damage. If you have easy access to your washer and the area behind it, hose replacement is a simple task. 

Consider a Water Shutoff

Your plumber can install a simple water shutoff valve between your water source and the hoses. By shutting off the water when the washer is not in use--recommended by washing machine manufacturers--you will reduce pressure on the hoses and extend their life.

Stay Home While Washing

You may be tempted to dash out for a quick trip to the store while your washing machine runs through its cycle. However, if the hose fails while you are out, you face a much bigger water damage than if you had been home to cut off the water supply at the first sign of flooding.

Identify Water Shutoff

Be sure you and all responsible adults in your home know where to find the water shutoff. Keep the path to the shutoff clear at all times. You want to be able to respond quickly in the event of a washer hose failure.

Finally, remember SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford is available 24/7 in the event of a washing machine leak or other emergency water damage. Call 781-861-0500 to begin mitigating the problem and avoiding secondary damage like mold growth. 

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