Washing Machines and Flooding. How common is this?

Q. My neighbor’s home was flooded when their washing machine hose ruptured. How common is this?

A. Far more common than you might think. Washing machine related failures are the leading cause of home water damage losses. Most washing machines come with a black rubber hose from the manufacturer. These rubber hoses should be replaced after 3 years. If your hose is older than that your home is at risk. Replacement hoses with steel or nylon braiding are rated to last longer, but nothing lasts forever.

The washing machine itself lets hot and cold water in as it needs it, but the water is always on and the hose is always under pressure. Eventually it will fail. Murphy’s Law indicates it will likely fail when you are not at home, increasing the damage. When traveling it’s a good idea to shut off the water supply behind the washer as an extra precaution.