Washing machine hoses are one of the most neglected but potentially damaging maintenance items in a home. Because they are out of sight, they are forgotten and give little warning of impending disaster.
Not checking your washing machine hoses is like not checking your oil. Nothing seems to be wrong until that moment when your life seems to flash in front of you – as well as the floating dresser, and sofa table, and dog – all magically cascading out the front door on a burst-hose tsunami. If you can’t remember how old your washer is, or if you think its age is in the double-figures, it time to replace those hoses.
Consider replacing old reinforced rubber hoses with new stainless steel braided hoses, often called “burst-proof” or “burst resistant”. The construction is a very flexible plastic hose encased in twisted, flexible mesh of stainless steel wire.