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Time Required

10 minutes

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Difficulty

beginner

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Tools Needed

Pliers (if needed), Bucket

⚠️ Safety Tips for Replace Your Washing Machine Fill Hoses

•Turn off the water supply valves (hot and cold) before disconnecting hoses to prevent sudden water spray
•Hoses may contain hot water if recently used — allow cooling or wear gloves to avoid scalds
•Ensure new hoses are the correct length and type for your connections (most use 3/4-inch fittings)

# Replace Your Washing Machine Fill Hoses

The flexible hoses that connect your washer to the water supply don’t last forever. Over years, they can crack or bulge, risking a burst that could flood your home. It’s recommended to replace rubber hoses every 5 years (or upgrade to braided stainless hoses).

## When to Replace Hoses

- Hoses are over 5 years old (especially rubber ones)
- You notice bulges, cracks, or leaks on the hose
- You’re moving to a new home (good opportunity to start fresh with new hoses)

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Replace Washer Fill Hoses

Changing the hoses is straightforward. Here’s how to do it.

Step-by-Step Guide for Replace Your Washing Machine Fill Hoses

Shut Off Water and Unplug

Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves that feed the washer. Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet to be safe, especially if you need to move it to reach the connections.

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Usually, water shutoff valves are on the wall behind the washer. Turn them clockwise until they stop to close.

Prepare for Water Drips

Have a bucket or towel ready under the hose connections. Even with water off, the hoses will be full of water that will spill out when disconnected.

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Keep the washer upright; moving it excessively or tilting can cause more water to spill from the hoses.

Disconnect Old Hoses

At the back of the washer, use pliers if necessary to loosen the hose couplings. Turn the metal fitting on the hose counterclockwise to unscrew it from the washer’s inlet. Then unscrew the other end from the wall valve. Remove both the hot and cold hoses.

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Be gentle on the valve fittings (especially on the wall); apply steady pressure. If a hose is stuck, try a few drops of penetrating oil and gentle back-and-forth motion to avoid damaging the valve.

Attach New Hoses to Valves

Take your new hoses and attach them to the water supply valves first. They may be marked for hot (red) and cold (blue). Thread the coupling onto the valve by hand until snug, then give it a quarter turn with pliers. Do not over-tighten.

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You can wrap a little Teflon tape on the valve threads for extra seal, but the rubber washer in the hose coupling usually provides a leak-proof fit.

Attach Hoses to Washer

Connect the other end of each hose to the corresponding inlet on the washer (often labeled H and C). Screw them on hand-tight and then a slight additional turn with pliers to secure.

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Make sure you connect hot to hot and cold to cold. Mixing them won’t damage the washer, but your wash temperatures will be off.

Restore Water and Check for Leaks

Plug the washer back in. Turn on the water valves slowly and check each end of both hoses for leaks. Tighten slightly if you see any drips. Push the washer back in place carefully, ensuring the hoses aren’t kinked or pinched.

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Run a test fill cycle on the washer to be sure it’s filling properly with no leaks. Check behind the washer after the first load in case any slow drip appears.

🔧 When to Call a Professional for Replace Your Washing Machine Fill Hoses

Professionals can replace old valves, ensure hoses are installed correctly, and handle any stubborn connections without causing damage. If leaks persist, a technician can identify if the washer’s inlet valves are cracked or need replacing. Expert installation provides peace of mind against future hose failures.

Ready for expert help? Review our Appliance Repair Orlando coverage to see neighborhoods we serve.

Signs it's time to call us for Replace Your Washing Machine Fill Hoses

•The shutoff valves won’t close fully or are corroded (a plumber may need to fix the valves before hoses can be changed)
•A hose connection is leaking even after tightening (the valve or washer inlet might be cross-threaded or damaged)
•You’re unsure about the hose routing or have very tight space that’s hard to work in

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Replace Your Washing Machine Fill Hoses