Appliance Expert LLC

Floodsafe brand washer hoses are a popular product at big box hardware stores, but they cause a pesky problem for customers, sometimes leading to an unnecessary service call. Here's why: the hoses have a device built into the faucet end (as opposed to the end that goes on the washer) that will cut off the water in case it senses a leak. The problem is that normal house water pressure or surges will trip this device, and no water will go to the washer even when there is no flood. The customer now thinks he has a broken washer and they call me for help. Sometimes I can identify problems like this over the phone, and it is a simple matter of resetting the hoses. Better yet, don't buy them in the first place. Black rubber or metal braided hoses are just fine in most applications. How to know if it is time to replace your rubber hoses? The best way is to pinch the hose at each end and if it feels soft or has a water bulge, it is time to replace. I have never seen metal hoses burst. Finally, don't operate your washer in an area where the hoses will freeze. In the coldest days of winter, make sure the laundry room is open to the heated area of the house, or put a small heater in there if it can be done safely.