Rubber hoses on your washing machine are something you don’t think about. All they do is connect the washing machine to the valve that supplies the water. However, these hoses can and will burst causing expensive water damage that will need to be repaired.
The best way to burst proof your hose is to use the proper hose for your situation and make sure that they’re properly installed and maintained. So let’s discuss the merits of using stainless steel or rubber washing machine hoses in your home.
Key Takeaways
- Two main types of washing machine hoses: stainless steel and rubber hoses.
- Stainless steel hoses are more durable and recommended for indoor use, while rubber hoses are not as reliable and should only be used outdoors.
- Replace washer hoses every 3-5 years and regularly inspect them for damage, kinks, or leaks.
- Proper installation and maintenance, including leaving space between the washer and wall, are crucial to prevent issues.
Types of Washing Machine Hoses
When you browse the shelves, you’ll find two main types: stainless steel and rubber hoses.
Stainless Steel Washer Hoses
Stainless steel braided washing machine hoses are recommended for use inside the house. Inside the braided stainless steel is a rubber hose. The stainless steel gives extra protection against bursting and has a lower failure rate than a plain rubber hose.
You will need to be careful with regards to tight spaces that may cause kinking or bending. The bending of the hose may cause the stainless steel to bite into the rubber hose, eventually causing it to burst. If this is an issue in your home, you can look for a stainless steel hose with an elbow at the end which will allow the hose to bend without kinking.
Another type of stainless steel hose you can use in the home is one with an auto-shutoff. The auto-shutoff hose is very similar to the regular stainless steel braided washing machine hose, but it has a shutoff mechanism.
If the hose should burst, the shutoff mechanism senses the change in water pressure and will turn off the water keeping your laundry room flood safe.
Rubber Washer Hoses
You’ll find that there are two types of rubber hoses available. The first is a regular rubber hose which is not very durable. It will lose flexibility and strength over time and is not recommended for use with a washing machine.
The second type of rubber hose is a flexible rubber hose that’s reinforced with a braided rayon or polyester mesh to help prevent bursting. This type of hose is not recommended for use inside of a house because it has a higher chance of bursting than a stainless steel hose.
However, it may be used for washing machines that are located outside of your house.
Stainless Steel Vs Rubber Washer Hoses
To easily see the difference between the stainless steel and rubber washing machine hoses, please consult the table below.
Stainless Steel Vs Rubber Washer Water Hoses
| Cost | Durability | Lifespan | Recommendation | |
| Plain rubber hose | Least expensive | Not likely to hold up to the pressure | 3-5 years | Not recommended for use with a washer |
| Reinforced rubber hose | Slightly more expensive | More likely to burst | 3-5 years | Recommended only for washers outside the home |
| Stainless steel hose | More expensive | Less likely to burst | 3-5 years | Recommended for washing machines |
| Stainless steel hose with auto-shutoff | Most expensive | Includes safety mechanism to prevent flooding | 3-5 years | Recommended for washing machines |
What Else to Consider When Buying a Hose
When you’re heading to the store to purchase a washer hose, you should consider the length of the hose you will need to purchase, installation requirements, and the temperature range of the hose.
Proper Length
When you’re purchasing a new hose or replacing an old hose for your washing machine, it’s very important that you purchase the proper length. A hose that’s too long will increase the risk of kinks and bends. A hose that’s too short will put a strain on the connections which will increase the risk of leaks.
Washer hoses usually come in a variety of lengths between 3 ft and 12 ft. Pick an appropriate length that will give you several inches of slack.
If you have a larger distance such as 20 ft between your water line and washer, you may need to pick up couplers to connect several hoses together. This is not ideal as you increase the risk of leakage.
Installation Requirements
Check the installation requirements for the hoses when you purchase them as well. Double-check to find out if you need to pick up washers, tools, or plumber’s tape in order to install the new hoses correctly.
Temperature Range
Washing machine hoses also need to handle a wide temperature range as well. Make sure that your water hose can handle a temperature range of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit for cold and 90-120 degrees Fahrenheit for hot.
Check the product specifications on your hoses. They’re usually color-coded for hot and cold, and some hoses must be fitted correctly while other hoses may be interchangeable.
How to Replace a Rubber Washer Hose
If you discover that your washing machine is fitted with a rubber washer hose, you will need to replace it with a stainless steel hose to prevent flooding.
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- 2 stainless steel braided hoses of the proper length
- Bucket
- Pliers
- Old towels
1. Turn Off Power
Use your breaker box to turn off the power to your washing machine and dryer. Then unplug your washer by pulling the plug from the wall socket.
2. Pull Out Washing Machine
Pull out your washing machine from the wall so you can access the hoses and water supply valves behind the machine.
3. Turn Off Water Supply
Turn off the water supply to your washing machine at the valves before you begin changing the hoses. At this time you should see 2 smaller hoses for hot and cold water, and a large drain hose. You will be replacing the small hoses.
4. Remove Old Hoses
Place a bucket under the hookup to catch any water that may drain from the hose, and use towels to mop up any mess that occurs. Use the pliers if necessary to turn the fittings clockwise giving each hose time to drain into the bucket before moving to the next connection.
Remove the old hoses. If necessary mark the hot water connections so you don’t mix up the hot water and cold water connections.
5. Attach New Hoses
Make sure that the washer is properly placed inside the hose connector before you attach the hoses. If your hoses are color-coded, make sure that you connect the red hose to the hot water and the blue hose to the cold water.
Tighten all 4 connections by hand until you feel a strong resistance. Then give it another ¼ turn with pliers. Do not over-tighten the connection.
6. Turn On Water Supply
Slowly turn on the water supply to check for leaks.
Push your washing machine back into place leaving at least 4 inches of space between the washer and the wall. This will prevent the hoses from kinking. If you don’t have enough room, consider purchasing hoses with an elbow at the end.
7. Turn On the Power
Plug in the washing machine and double-check your washing machine hoses to make sure nothing is kinked or bent. Finally, turn on the breaker box to send power to your washing machine.
Washer Water Hose Maintenance Tips
- Keep 3-4 inches between the wall and the washer to prevent kinks and sharp bends in your hoses.
- Inspect your washer hoses once or twice a year looking for kinks, damage, rust, snags, and signs of leakage.
- Shut off the water supply valves when you’re on vacation and not using the washing machine for a longer period of time. The constant water pressure in the hoses may contribute to hose failure.
- Replace the hoses every 3-5 years.
- Consider purchasing a water hammer arrestor which will help absorb the shock of increased water pressure that happens in the hose after the washing machine cycle ends.
FAQs
Are Washing Machine Hoses Universal?
Yes, washing machine hoses use standard sizes and fittings so they will fit most washing machines.
How Long Do Stainless Steel Washing Machine Hoses Last?
Stainless steel washing machine hoses usually last 3-5 years.
How Long Do Metal Washer Hoses Last?
Metal hoses are made from stainless steel braided hoses and last around 3-5 years.
How Often Should You Change a Washer Hose?
It’s recommended that you replace your washer hoses every 5 years. However, you should replace them immediately if you discover cracks, distortions, or damage.
Why are My Washer Hoses Leaking?
Your washer hoses could be leaking for several reasons, including broken seals, incorrect fitting, or perished or split rubber that lets water seep through.
Are Dishwasher and Washing Machine Hoses the Same?
Dishwashing and washing machine hoses are the same. They have the same function, to carry water from the source to the machine. They even have the same screw fittings that attach to the back of the appliance.
Can I Use a Garden Hose to Drain My Washing Machine?
Knowing whether you can connect a garden hose to your washing machine is crucial in an emergency. Some experts say you can, while others warn against it, claiming that it may not take the pressure and damage the pump.
