The most damaging washing machine fault we see in Kenton-on-Sea and Bushmans River Mouth is not a broken machine. It is a burst hose in an empty house. Here is how hoses fail, how to spot the warning signs and simple steps that prevent a flood.
Washing machine inlet hoses carry mains pressure all the time the tap is open. In salty, humid coastal air, rubber hoses perish faster, crack and burst. Close the tap whenever you leave, replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel ones, check hoses before each season and consider a leak sensor with phone alerts.
Why hoses are the weak point
Your washing machine has two hoses. The drain hose carries water out during draining and is only under pressure briefly. The inlet hose connects the machine to the cold tap. As long as the tap is open, that hose is under full mains pressure, day and night, whether the machine is running or not.
Rubber hoses age. Heat, sunlight, ozone, chlorine in the water and the constant pressure all break down the rubber over time. On the coast, humidity and salt in the air speed this up, and hoses in outdoor laundries or garages suffer most. Eventually the rubber cracks, bulges and bursts.
Why a burst is worse in a holiday home
In a home where someone lives, a burst hose is noticed within minutes. In a Kenton holiday home that stands empty for weeks, water can flow for days. Depending on where the laundry is, that can mean:
- Soaked floors, skirtings and built-in cupboards
- Water running into living areas or bedrooms
- Damage to walls, plaster and paint
- A large water bill
- In some cases, water reaching electrical points
Insurance may cover some of this, but many policies have conditions about unoccupied homes and maintenance. Prevention is far better.
Warning signs
Check your hoses at the start and end of every visit. Look for:
- Bulges anywhere along the hose, especially near the ends
- Cracks in the outer rubber
- Stiffness, where the hose no longer flexes easily
- Discolouration or a chalky surface
- Drips or damp at the connections
- Rust on metal fittings
- Kinks where the hose bends sharply behind the machine
If you see any of these, replace the hose before you use the machine again.
Prevention steps
1. Close the tap when you leave
This is the single most effective step. With the tap closed, there is no pressure on the hose, and even if it fails, very little water escapes. Make it part of your lock-up routine, along with switching off the geyser and locking the windows.
2. Use braided stainless steel hoses
Braided hoses have a rubber core protected by a woven stainless steel outer layer. They are far more resistant to bursting and last longer than plain rubber. They cost a little more but are well worth it in a holiday home.
3. Replace hoses regularly
Even good hoses do not last forever. Replace rubber hoses every few years, and braided hoses as recommended by the manufacturer, or whenever they show signs of wear.
4. Leave space behind the machine
Push the machine back far enough to be neat, but not so far that the hoses are kinked or crushed against the wall.
5. Consider a leak sensor
Simple water leak sensors placed on the floor near the machine can send an alert to your phone if they detect water. Some systems can also shut off the water supply automatically.
6. Ask a caretaker to check
If a caretaker or neighbour visits the house, ask them to glance at the laundry floor and the hose connections each time.
The drain hose
Drain hoses fail less often but can still cause floods. Make sure the drain hose is securely fixed into the standpipe or sink so it cannot pop out during draining, and that it is not blocked or kinked. In older Kenton homes, check that the drain pipe it empties into is not blocked by roots or debris.
Other holiday-home washing machine tips
- Leave the door and detergent drawer open to prevent mould.
- Clean the pump filter before leaving.
- Switch off at the wall to protect against power surges.
- Run a hot cleaning wash when you return.
If it does flood
1. Close the tap to the machine, or the main water supply. 2. Switch off the electricity to the laundry at the distribution board before touching anything wet. 3. Remove standing water and open windows to dry the area. 4. Photograph the damage for insurance. 5. Call us to replace the hose and check the machine before it is used again.
Frequently asked questions
How often should washing machine hoses be replaced?
Rubber hoses every few years, or sooner if they show bulges, cracks or stiffness. Braided stainless steel hoses last longer but should still be checked every season.
Is closing the tap really necessary?
In a holiday home, yes. It removes pressure from the hose, so a weak hose cannot burst while nobody is there.
Can you replace hoses during a repair visit in Kenton?
Yes. We can replace inlet and drain hoses with durable braided ones during any visit, which is worth doing while we are there.
Apex HVAC is an independent company and is not affiliated with or authorised by any appliance manufacturer. This guide is general advice. For anything involving electricity or refrigerant gas, use a qualified technician.
Need a hand? See our washing machine repair service in Kenton-on-Sea.