Disconnect Old Hoses — Shut Off Water and Disconnect Hoses
Part of project
How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor to Stop Banging Pipes · Step 2 of 5
In this video
Starting with the cold water hose, use groove-joint pliers to loosen the connection at the wall faucet. Once loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Have a bucket and towel ready to catch water. Then, move to the other end of the hose and unscrew it from the cold water inlet on the back of the washing machine. Repeat this entire process for the hot water hose, removing it completely.
Goal: Remove the old hot and cold water hoses
- If the connections are too tight to unscrew by hand after loosening, use the pliers to turn them.
Used in this video
- Groove-joint Pliers (Tool Type: Pliers, Power Source: Manual) — Loosening the hose connections.
- Bucket (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Bucket: Plastic) — Catching residual water from the hoses.
- Towel (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Towels: Old Cloth) — Wiping up spills and water.
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FAQs
Why do my washing machine pipes bang, and how do these arrestors help?
Washing machines often cause "water hammer" because their solenoid valves close very quickly, creating a sudden pressure surge in the water lines. Water hammer arrestors absorb this shock wave, preventing pipes from banging, vibrating, and potentially damaging your plumbing system over time.
What specific tools and materials are essential for installing these screw-on arrestors?
You will primarily need two adjustable wrenches or groove joint pliers (e.g., Husky 12 in. Adjustable Wrench, Channellock 12 in. Tongue and Groove Slip Joint Pliers) to properly tighten the connections. PTFE thread seal tape (plumber's tape) is crucial for preventing leaks, and a bucket and towels will be useful for catching any drips.
Is this a difficult project for someone new to DIY, and how much time should I set aside?
This is considered a beginner-level plumbing project, making it very approachable for DIY novices. The actual installation of the arrestors is quick, but accounting for water shut-off, hose disconnection, installation, and thorough leak testing, allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete the task.
What are the most important safety precautions to take during this installation?
Always shut off the water supply to the washing machine (or the main house supply) before starting to prevent flooding. Have a bucket and towels handy for any residual water. Be careful not to overtighten connections, as this can strip threads or crack fittings, potentially leading to leaks.
Disconnect Old Hoses — Shut Off Water and Disconnect Hoses
Part of project
How to Install a Water Hammer Arrestor to Stop Banging Pipes · Step 2 of 5
In this video
Starting with the cold water hose, use groove-joint pliers to loosen the connection at the wall faucet. Once loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Have a bucket and towel ready to catch water. Then, move to the other end of the hose and unscrew it from the cold water inlet on the back of the washing machine. Repeat this entire process for the hot water hose, removing it completely.
Goal: Remove the old hot and cold water hoses
- If the connections are too tight to unscrew by hand after loosening, use the pliers to turn them.
Used in this video
- Groove-joint Pliers (Tool Type: Pliers, Power Source: Manual) — Loosening the hose connections.
- Bucket (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Bucket: Plastic) — Catching residual water from the hoses.
- Towel (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Towels: Old Cloth) — Wiping up spills and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my washing machine pipes bang, and how do these arrestors help?
Washing machines often cause "water hammer" because their solenoid valves close very quickly, creating a sudden pressure surge in the water lines. Water hammer arrestors absorb this shock wave, preventing pipes from banging, vibrating, and potentially damaging your plumbing system over time.
What specific tools and materials are essential for installing these screw-on arrestors?
You will primarily need two adjustable wrenches or groove joint pliers (e.g., Husky 12 in. Adjustable Wrench, Channellock 12 in. Tongue and Groove Slip Joint Pliers) to properly tighten the connections. PTFE thread seal tape (plumber's tape) is crucial for preventing leaks, and a bucket and towels will be useful for catching any drips.
Is this a difficult project for someone new to DIY, and how much time should I set aside?
This is considered a beginner-level plumbing project, making it very approachable for DIY novices. The actual installation of the arrestors is quick, but accounting for water shut-off, hose disconnection, installation, and thorough leak testing, allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete the task.
What are the most important safety precautions to take during this installation?
Always shut off the water supply to the washing machine (or the main house supply) before starting to prevent flooding. Have a bucket and towels handy for any residual water. Be careful not to overtighten connections, as this can strip threads or crack fittings, potentially leading to leaks.