Things That Go Drip: Washing Machines

There is nothing a homeowner dreads like hearing a drip in the night. But sometimes, leaks come on suddenly; not with a steady drip, drip, drip, but with a wild spray of water. Undetected, that can mean a nasty flood. Washing machines are one of the leading causes of water damage in a home. Whether your laundry facilities are on the first floor or in the basement, an undiscovered leak can wreak havoc. As with most things around the house, prevention is your first line of defense. If you have black rubber hoses, you should inspect them frequently. Replace them as if they appear dried out, brittle, bulging or cracked. Even if they appear to be fine, you should replace them every 3-5 years. If you have the premium metal non-breakable hoses, you should still check them often to make sure they are not kinked. Metal hoses should be replaced every 10 years or sooner if the hose gets kinked as leaks are more likely to develop in a damaged hose. Don’t forget to check the drain hose on the washer. Also, be sure your washer has at least four inches of clearance from the wall behind it. Check this periodically as washers have a tendency to ‘walk’ across the floor over time. Finally, it’s a good idea to shut off the water to the washing machine when you are going to be away on vacation.