Reconnect Hose, Turn on Water, and Test — Connect New Hoses to Wall Supply Valves
Part of project
How to Replace Washing Machine Supply Hoses · Step 5 of 6
In this video
Carefully reattach the hot water supply hose to the shutoff valve. Screw the nut on by hand first to ensure it is threaded correctly and not crooked. Once hand-tight, use the wrench to give it a final snug turn, being careful not to over-tighten. Turn the shutoff valve back on by turning it counter-clockwise. Use the rag to dry the connection and the surrounding area, then check carefully for any leaks. Finally, turn on the hot water at the faucet to confirm that the water pressure has been restored.
Goal: Generic Sink Repair
- Do not over-tighten the nut with the wrench, as this can damage the fitting. A snug fit is sufficient.
- Wiping the connection dry makes it easier to spot any small drips or leaks after turning the water back on.
Used in this video
- Wrench (brand: Craftsman, Adjustable Wrench Size: 10-inch) — Tightening the supply line nut.
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.
Reconnect Hose, Turn on Water, and Test — Connect New Hoses to Wall Supply Valves
Part of project
How to Replace Washing Machine Supply Hoses · Step 5 of 6
In this video
Carefully reattach the hot water supply hose to the shutoff valve. Screw the nut on by hand first to ensure it is threaded correctly and not crooked. Once hand-tight, use the wrench to give it a final snug turn, being careful not to over-tighten. Turn the shutoff valve back on by turning it counter-clockwise. Use the rag to dry the connection and the surrounding area, then check carefully for any leaks. Finally, turn on the hot water at the faucet to confirm that the water pressure has been restored.
Goal: Generic Sink Repair
- Do not over-tighten the nut with the wrench, as this can damage the fitting. A snug fit is sufficient.
- Wiping the connection dry makes it easier to spot any small drips or leaks after turning the water back on.
Used in this video
- Wrench (brand: Craftsman, Adjustable Wrench Size: 10-inch) — Tightening the supply line nut.
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.