Disconnect and Remove Old Mixing Valve — Disconnect Old Hoses from Wall Supply Valves
Part of project
How to Replace Washing Machine Supply Hoses · Step 2 of 6
In this video
Place a bucket and towel under the old thermostatic mixing valve to catch water. Using a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, and channel-lock pliers, loosen the compression nuts connecting the valve to the hot and cold water pipes and the mixed water outlet. Use a second wrench to counter-hold the valve or pipes to prevent them from twisting. Once loosened, unscrew the nuts by hand and carefully remove the old valve.
Goal: Remove the old valve from the plumbing
- Using two wrenches for leverage—one to hold the pipe or valve steady and one to turn the nut—prevents stress on the rest of the plumbing.
Used in this video
- Adjustable Wrench (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual, Adjustable_Wrench_Size: 8_inch) — Loosening and tightening compression nuts on the plumbing fittings.
- Channel-Lock Pliers (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual, Pliers_Type: Channel-Lock) — Gripping and turning larger nuts and fittings on the valve and pipes.
- Pipe Wrench (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual) · optional — Providing a strong grip on round pipes and large fittings, if needed.
- Bucket (brand: Unbranded, Material: Plastic) — Catching residual water that drains from the pipes when the valve is disconnected.
- Towel (brand: Unbranded, Material: Fabric) — Soaking up any water spills to keep the work area dry.
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.
Disconnect and Remove Old Mixing Valve — Disconnect Old Hoses from Wall Supply Valves
Part of project
How to Replace Washing Machine Supply Hoses · Step 2 of 6
In this video
Place a bucket and towel under the old thermostatic mixing valve to catch water. Using a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, and channel-lock pliers, loosen the compression nuts connecting the valve to the hot and cold water pipes and the mixed water outlet. Use a second wrench to counter-hold the valve or pipes to prevent them from twisting. Once loosened, unscrew the nuts by hand and carefully remove the old valve.
Goal: Remove the old valve from the plumbing
- Using two wrenches for leverage—one to hold the pipe or valve steady and one to turn the nut—prevents stress on the rest of the plumbing.
Used in this video
- Adjustable Wrench (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual, Adjustable_Wrench_Size: 8_inch) — Loosening and tightening compression nuts on the plumbing fittings.
- Channel-Lock Pliers (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual, Pliers_Type: Channel-Lock) — Gripping and turning larger nuts and fittings on the valve and pipes.
- Pipe Wrench (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual) · optional — Providing a strong grip on round pipes and large fittings, if needed.
- Bucket (brand: Unbranded, Material: Plastic) — Catching residual water that drains from the pipes when the valve is disconnected.
- Towel (brand: Unbranded, Material: Fabric) — Soaking up any water spills to keep the work area dry.
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.