A washing machine hose is a vital component of one of your home's most used appliances. In fact, most washers utilize three hoses, both hot and cold water supply hoses as well as a single discharge hose. Since the hoses attach to the back of the machine, they are often out of sight and go unnoticed. That is until one develops a leak or ruptures and you find yourself standing in a pool of water wondering where it all came from. The following post will discuss the importance of regular washing machine hose inspection; the warning signs to watch for as well as the consequences should a hose rupture.
Regular Inspection is Important
A homeowner should visually inspect all three of their washing machine hoses at least once a year. While it would be impossible to ignore a ruptured hose due to the vast amount of water flowing through your home, a hose that develops a small leak or drip could go unnoticed. Even a small leak can ruin flooring and baseboard over time. Even worse, the damp conditions caused by the leak will create a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew spores.
Warning Signs of a Weak Hose
Determining when to replace your washing machine supply and discharge hoses can be difficult. To be on the safe side, if your hoses are over five years old, you should have them replaced immediately. The costs of hose replacement will pale in comparison to how much you will spend repairing your home should one fail. With that being said, there are signs you can look for to determine the condition of your hoses. Most washing machine supply hoses are made of rubber. If your hoses lose their flexibility or you notice small hairline cracks in their surface, you should contact your plumber for replacement even if they are not leaking.
Consequences of a Ruptured Washing Machine Hose
A ruptured washing machine hose can dump hundreds if not thousand of gallons of water into your home. If this unfortunate circumstance occurs, you could face significant water damage throughout your home. Flooring, cabinetry, walls and baseboard are all susceptible to water damage. In addition, the damp conditions could invite the growth of mold and mildew, a known health hazard. The repairs could be expensive especially after factoring in the mold remediation costs necessary to protect you and your family from the toxic spores produced by the mold and mildew.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
