Washing Machine Hose Inspection Tips

Water damage is one of the most common reasons for home insurance claims.  Your home is 10 times more likely to be damaged by water than by fire.  Failed washing machine hoses are a frequent reason for these types of claims.  These failures average around $5,300 in insurance claims for each incident.  Here are a few steps to take to help reduce your risk of an issue…

– Inspect your washer supply hoses monthly.  Things to look for include blisters in the hose, worn tubing, stress cracks or a loose connection.

– Tighten the connection if it feels loose.  Be sure to check both ends of the supply hoses.

–  Closely observe where the hose bends and at each end.  The most common site of failure is near the connection.

– Make sure your washing machine is at least 4 inches from the wall.  This prevents the hoses from bending and kinking.

– Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves when the machine is not in use.  This is especially important if you will be away for several days.

– Replace your hoses with a burst proof type of hose.  Some of these are wire reinforced and carry a lifetime warranty against any failure.

Water damage to your home can lead to big expenses and even bigger headaches.  Even a small leak can become a major issue.  Following these simple tips can help you reduce your chances of running into future problems.