Did you know a burst washing machine hose can discharge up to 500 gallons of water in one hour? If you’re not at home and able to respond, a big puddle can quickly turn into a pool of catastrophe, especially if your machine is on the home’s main floor or in a finished basement. Fact is, the water can spread and soak anything in its path, regardless of the washer’s location.
Replacing your washing machine hose is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do.
We know, it’s something few people think about. In most homes, washing machine hoses are out of sight and, therefore, out of mind. To help reduce the chances of failure, State Farm Insurance Company recommends the following precautionary steps:
Make sure there are at least 4 inches between the water connection and the back of the washing machine. (Kinked hoses are more prone to burst.)
- Replace the hoses every three to five years.
- Keep track of the last time you inspected the hoses by labeling each with an inspection date.
- Check that hose connections are secure, including the drain hose.
- Be sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valves are, and how to open and close them. (Consider having a professional plumber install a single-handled valve.)
