Connect New Hoses — Connect New Hoses to the Washing Machine
Part of project
How to Replace Washing Machine Supply Hoses · Step 4 of 6
In this video
Now it's time to install the new hoses. The hoses are color-coded: red for hot and blue for cold. Connect the red hose to the hot water supply valve (usually on the left) and the hot inlet on the washing machine. Connect the blue hose to the cold connections. Start each connection by hand, turning the fitting clockwise until it is snug. This helps prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use your channel-lock pliers to give each connection an additional quarter to half turn to ensure it's secure. Be careful not to overtighten, especially on the plastic washing machine inlets.
Goal: Securely attach the new hot and cold hoses to the supply valve and the washing machine.
- To ensure you are starting the threads correctly, turn the fitting counter-clockwise slightly until you feel a click, then turn clockwise to tighten.
- Do not overtighten the fittings. A snug fit plus a small turn with pliers is sufficient. Overtightening can damage the washer or crack the fitting.
Used in this video
- Channel-Lock Pliers (Tool Type: Pliers, Pliers: Channel-Lock) — Providing the final tightening on the hose fittings.
729K subscribers
FAQs
What's the most important safety precaution I need to take before starting this project?
The most critical safety step is to completely shut off both the water supply to the washing machine and its electrical power. Shutting off the water prevents flooding, while disconnecting power protects you from electrical shock, especially if there's any water spillage during the process.
Do I need specific tools, or can I use an adjustable wrench for the hose connections?
While an adjustable wrench can work, tongue and groove pliers (like Channellock) are highly recommended. They provide a much better grip on the hose connections and nuts, reducing the chance of stripping or slipping, especially in awkward spaces behind the machine. Make sure to use two pliers – one to hold the valve steady and one to turn the hose fitting – to prevent damaging the water supply valves.
What type of washing machine hoses should I buy to prevent future leaks or bursts?
Always choose braided stainless steel washing machine hoses. Unlike rubber hoses which can degrade and burst over time, braided stainless steel offers superior durability and resistance to kinking and pressure, significantly reducing the risk of a catastrophic leak. Ensure they come with new rubber washers for a proper seal.
How tight should I connect the new hoses to ensure they don't leak without overtightening them?
Connect the hoses hand-tight first, then use your pliers to tighten them an additional quarter to half a turn. Overtightening can strip threads or damage the rubber washer, leading to leaks. The goal is a snug fit that compresses the washer just enough to create a watertight seal.
Connect New Hoses — Connect New Hoses to the Washing Machine
Part of project
How to Replace Washing Machine Supply Hoses · Step 4 of 6
In this video
Now it's time to install the new hoses. The hoses are color-coded: red for hot and blue for cold. Connect the red hose to the hot water supply valve (usually on the left) and the hot inlet on the washing machine. Connect the blue hose to the cold connections. Start each connection by hand, turning the fitting clockwise until it is snug. This helps prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use your channel-lock pliers to give each connection an additional quarter to half turn to ensure it's secure. Be careful not to overtighten, especially on the plastic washing machine inlets.
Goal: Securely attach the new hot and cold hoses to the supply valve and the washing machine.
- To ensure you are starting the threads correctly, turn the fitting counter-clockwise slightly until you feel a click, then turn clockwise to tighten.
- Do not overtighten the fittings. A snug fit plus a small turn with pliers is sufficient. Overtightening can damage the washer or crack the fitting.
Used in this video
- Channel-Lock Pliers (Tool Type: Pliers, Pliers: Channel-Lock) — Providing the final tightening on the hose fittings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most important safety precaution I need to take before starting this project?
The most critical safety step is to completely shut off both the water supply to the washing machine and its electrical power. Shutting off the water prevents flooding, while disconnecting power protects you from electrical shock, especially if there's any water spillage during the process.
Do I need specific tools, or can I use an adjustable wrench for the hose connections?
While an adjustable wrench can work, tongue and groove pliers (like Channellock) are highly recommended. They provide a much better grip on the hose connections and nuts, reducing the chance of stripping or slipping, especially in awkward spaces behind the machine. Make sure to use two pliers – one to hold the valve steady and one to turn the hose fitting – to prevent damaging the water supply valves.
What type of washing machine hoses should I buy to prevent future leaks or bursts?
Always choose braided stainless steel washing machine hoses. Unlike rubber hoses which can degrade and burst over time, braided stainless steel offers superior durability and resistance to kinking and pressure, significantly reducing the risk of a catastrophic leak. Ensure they come with new rubber washers for a proper seal.
How tight should I connect the new hoses to ensure they don't leak without overtightening them?
Connect the hoses hand-tight first, then use your pliers to tighten them an additional quarter to half a turn. Overtightening can strip threads or damage the rubber washer, leading to leaks. The goal is a snug fit that compresses the washer just enough to create a watertight seal.