Hoses are an integral part of your home’s plumbing appliances, but not all hoses are not created equal.

If your appliances, such as your washing machine and your dishwasher, have rubber hoses, it’s time to consider upgrading them to braided steel hoses.

Here are some of the top reasons to replace the rubber hoses on these appliances.

Braided steel hoses last longer

You’ll get a lot more use out of a braided steel hose on your washing machine or dishwasher than you will a rubber hose, which are sensitive to heat, water, and chemicals. Those elements can lead to leaks or bursts, possibly leading to flooding and water damage. Steel hoses, though, are tougher and can withstand more wear and tear, such as higher water pressure.

Braided steel hoses are safer

Because a steel hose is less likely to burst and cause water damage to your home, you’re also less likely to heave to deal with electrical hazards and slippery surfaces that could cause you or your family members to trip and fall.

Braided steel hoses don’t bend

Rubber hoses are easily bendable, which hampers water flow and therefore how well your washing machine and dishwasher works. Steel hoses are rigid and won’t kink or bend like a rubber hose will.

How to replace a rubber hose on your washing machine

If you want to replace your washing machine’s rubber hose, you’ll just need a few items aside from two steel hoses – a bucket, a pair of pliers, and some towels. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate your breaker box and turn off the power to your washing machine and dryer, then unplug the washing machine.
  2. Pull the washing machine out from the wall.
  3. Turn off the water supply. You’ll be able to see the two rubber hoses that are for hot and cold water.
  4. Remove the rubber hoses, but first put the bucket beneath the hookup for water. You might need to use the pliers to turn the hose fittings clockwise.
  5. Before you attach the hoses, be sure that the washing machine is inside the hose connector. Make sure the connections are tight and secure, but don’t overtighten.
  6. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
  7. Plug in the washing machine and turn on the power at the breaker box.

How to replace a rubber hose on your dishwasher

  1. Locate your breaker box and turn off the power to your dishwasher.
  2. Shut off the water supply valve for the dishwasher, which will probably be either under the sink or in your basement. If you can’t find it, give us a call!
  3. Take a 1/ 4 inch nut driver and remove the dishwasher’s bottom front access panel and toe panel.
  4. Pull out the dishwasher. First, you’ll have to find your junction box behind the appliance’s bottom front access panel. Disconnect the wires and remove the two screws that from the brackets connect the dishwasher to the cabinet opening.
  5. Disconnect the drain hose from the drain pump – you may have to use pliers.
  6. Remove the drain hose from the water inlet assembly. You’ll need channel lock pliers to disconnect the assembly, which connects the drain hose to the dishwasher’s outside left panel. Pull out the assembly to release the drain hose.
  7. Disconnect the drain hose from the drain line to the kitchen sink.
  8. Connect the new steel hose to the drain pump, then secure it with the wire hose clamp. Pull it through the water inlet bracket, then connect to your sink.
  9. Reinstall the water inlet bracket and the dishwasher.
  10. Restore the water supply by opening the water supply valve, then turn the power back on at the breaker box.

While braided steel hoses do last longer, you’ll still need to plan on replacing them over three to five years. Even though steel hoses are far less likely to kink or leak, you should still inspect them once or twice annually just to make sure there is no damage.

If it’s time for you to replace your rubber hoses, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help. Contact us today online or call us at 1-877-BEN-1776!