The two connectors most homes have
Both types are sold in every hardware store. They age differently.
| Plain rubber or vinyl hose | Braided stainless steel over a rubber core |
|---|---|
| Common as the original washing machine hose in older installs | Braiding resists bulging and abrasion |
| Can bulge, crack or split as the rubber ages and hardens | The inner hose still ages; the braid hides early signs |
| Damage is often visible as swelling near the ends | Failures often occur at the crimped end or the plastic nut |
| Many appliance makers suggest replacing on a regular schedule | Still worth replacing periodically, especially on washers |
Why these lines fail without warning
A supply line connects a rigid shutoff valve to a fixture or appliance. It sits at static household pressure every hour of the day and takes a jolt each time a washing machine valve snaps closed. Over years, rubber hardens, plastic coupling nuts crack, and the crimped ferrule where the hose meets the fitting can loosen.
Parker's water is supplied by several different providers, and pressure varies by neighborhood and by elevation within a system. Homes near the bottom of a pressure zone can see higher static pressure than ones uphill. A plumber can measure your pressure with a gauge on a hose bib. If it is high, a pressure-reducing valve may be missing or failing, and every supply line in the house is working harder than it needs to.
Location makes these failures expensive. A second-floor laundry, a powder room above finished space, or a kitchen island with a refrigerator line can push water through floors and into ceilings within minutes.
Where to look and what to check
| Connector | What to look for | Simple habit that helps |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine hoses | Bulging, cracking, rust at the ends, kinks against the wall | Leave room behind the washer so hoses are not bent sharply |
| Toilet supply line | Cracked plastic nut, corrosion at the valve, drips on the floor | Hand-tighten plastic nuts; overtightening can crack them |
| Faucet supply lines under sinks | Moisture on the cabinet floor, stained or swollen particleboard | Keep stored items from pressing on the lines |
| Refrigerator and ice maker line | Thin plastic tubing, compressed or kinked behind the fridge | Ask about braided or copper replacements |
| Water heater connectors | Corrosion at the top fittings, white or green crust | Look each time the heater is checked or flushed |
A twice-a-year supply line routine
- Turn each fixture shutoff off and back on so it does not seize in place.
- Replace any supply line whose age is unknown or that shows swelling or corrosion.
- Write the install date on a piece of tape on new hoses.
- Close the washer valves when leaving for more than a few days.
- Consider leak sensors under the washer, water heater and kitchen sink.
General information for Parker, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.