Which inlet hose for a washing machine is better to choose? Service life and repair methods for hoses
When purchasing a new device, users do not always wonder which inlet hose is best for the washing machine, since it is included in the kit and there is no need to purchase an additional accessory. But in the basic configuration, the parts may not be of very high quality. Moreover, the hose gradually wears out, so the question arises of buying a new one. To make the right choice, you need to study several criteria, which are described in this article.
The content of the article
Types of hoses
Even something as simple as a hose comes in several types:
- Simple - they are a rubber pipe. It is the cheapest of all, but is not of high quality.
- Reinforced – equipped with a reinforced outer layer made of stainless steel. It also has a nylon braid, so reliability is noticeably higher, which is reflected in speed.
- A double tube with an additional valve or knob with a special powder mixture inside. This is the most reliable part, which practically eliminates the possibility of leakage. Protection is provided by automatic closing of the valve or swelling of powder particles due to incoming water.
Another classification is related to the ability to adjust the length. According to this parameter, there are also 3 types:
- Fixed length hoses – usually 2-3 m, maximum 5 m.
- Corrugated products that can be stretched to the required length. A very convenient option, especially if the washing machine is located relatively far from the water supply.
- Tubes in a coil are a rather rare type of hose that allows you to connect the unit even at a great distance (maximum distance 10 m).
Main selection criteria
First of all, you need to decide on the type of accessory, then understand what thread is on the washing machine hose. The standard is 3/4 inch, which corresponds to a stopcock. But even if they have different sizes, you can purchase an adapter so as not to buy a new hose.
Below are a few more parameters:
- Length - usually 2-3 m is enough. First you need to estimate at what distance from the water supply the washing machine is or will be located. The size of the inlet hose for a washing machine can vary, usually within 5 m, which is quite sufficient in almost all cases.
- The maximum internal pressure that the walls of the hose can withstand is indicated on the marking. For an apartment, 20 Bar is enough, and for a private house – 30-40 Bar. It is better to take it with a reserve, because it is possible to accurately determine the maximum pressure only in practice. It is worth remembering that the length of the inlet hose of the washing machine and the pressure indicator are in no way related.
- The maximum water temperature that the product material can withstand. Typically, manufacturers guarantee performance at 100 degrees, that is, boiling temperature. Although if the accessory is cheap and made of low-quality materials, this can be doubted.
Service life and repair methods
Even the highest quality part can wear out, so over time the question arises of how to change the inlet hose on a washing machine. It’s not difficult to figure this out, the main condition is to turn off the tap that supplies water (cold pipe).
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- If the hose for the washing machine has expired (on average 4-5 years), you need to carefully inspect it and make sure it needs to be replaced.
- Purchase a new product of the same type. It is important that it has sealing gaskets.
- Find an L-shaped tip (right angle) on the side where the product is connected to the washing machine.
- Disconnect the old part.
- Screw on the new one - installing the washing machine inlet hose will take a few minutes.
- Then install it into the pipe.
- Make sure that it does not twist or break anywhere.
- Open the water supply tap.
- Make sure that the water flows normally and carry out a test wash.
If you correctly install a product made from high-quality materials, the service life of the inlet hose for a washing machine will be much longer than that stated by the manufacturer. During operation, you need to periodically inspect it to avoid torsions. This is especially important if the machine has been moved or moved to another place. If necessary, you can purchase a new accessory and then return to the instructions on how to replace the inlet hose in a washing machine.