Summers in the Lowcountry are hot, hot, hot! With lots of heat, you’ve likely been washing sweaty garments for an entire season now and it is quite possible that your washing machine has taken a beating this past summer. With all that extra use, be sure to check that the water supply hoses which connect to your machine are in good condition. 

Why wouldn’t they be in good condition? Some of the following reasons lead to hose leakage on a washing machine:

  • Wear and Tear – General aging will affect the hose.
  • Poor Water Quality – Water can corrode the inside of the washing machine hoses and cause sediment build-up, especially water that is poor quality or hard water.
  • Installation Errors – If a hose connector is not correctly fitted and tightened to the water valve or washing machine, a leak could form after installation. 
  • Worn Rubber Washer – Over time the rubber washer that sits at the end of the hose and seals the supply valve starts to wear down and loosen, allowing water to seep through.

The good news is you can prevent a washing machine issue by keeping up with proper maintenance to the machine! 

Here are a few tips to ensure your washing machine connections are up to par: 

  • Frequently inspect your washing machine hoses to ensure they’re not twisted, bent, or corroding
  • Replace your washing machine hoses every 3-5 years
  • Turn off the water supply to washing machines when they are not actively in use in order to minimize the amount of water pressure the hoses are exposed to over time

Happy washing!