OLD WASHING MACHINE HOSES CAUSE SOME OF THE WORST PLUMBING DISASTERS
Most people don’t think about their home appliances until they break. Often when the appliances do give out, any number of plumbing disasters can strike and the average person won’t be prepared for that kind of emergency. A common scenario plays out in a variety of different ways, all involving water (and lots of it!) where you least expect or desire it.
Water ends up everywhere, and if you don’t know how to turn off your water, you’re in for a big mess. Small leaks can turn into burst pipes that leave you with a flooded basement, soaked carpet, and destroyed family heirlooms. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to wait for the next plumbing disaster to strike.
That’s why I want to educate you to be smart about your plumbing so that you can prevent plumbing emergencies – and save more money in the long run.
Disaster Strikes
One of the worst culprits for water damage is old washing machine hoses. People who have heard me talk about them before think I’m a fanatic about this, but the worst leak I’ve ever seen was a leak in a 12-unit condo building … and was a result of built up water pressure that caused old washing machine hoses to burst.
The leak happened on the top floor, and of course the owner of the unit was out of town. It was 2:00 in the morning, and caused the perfect storm. All the other residents were at home and wringing their hands as they wondered what to do about the water seeping into their homes. They were all afraid to break into the unit, and when I arrived I had to pry the front door open with a crowbar. Then I just walked over to the laundry room, reached behind the washing machine, turned off the water, walked out, and went home. Nine of the twelve units were completely flooded.
Plumbing Disasters are Costly
The cost of water damage can be incalculable. Not only can it damage flooring and the structure of a building, but can destroy personal property that a lot of times has sentimental value attached to it. Family photos, important documents, furniture, books, and more can be completely destroyed by water. Usually the cost to hire a plumber to stop the problem is more expensive in an emergency, too, because emergencies can happen at any time. A plumbing call at 2:00am costs a lot more than 2:00pm.
So what can you do to prevent this type of plumbing emergency? It’s actually simpler than you might think. Your washing machine hoses should be changed every 3-4 years, so if you don’t remember the last time you changed yours, stop whatever you’re doing (except reading this article, of course) and take care of that now. This is a relatively simple thing that practically anyone can do. They are always under pressure and if your Pressure Reducing Valve fails, your water pressure can easily double or triple and a washing machine hose cannot handle that much pressure very long. You can get steel braided hoses with auto shut off valves built in from us at Plumb Smart for only $59.00 installed.
I hope this plumbing tip helps. Remember, it’s always cheaper to take preventative measures than to have something fixed after an emergency. Plumbing disasters are never convenient, so be plumb smart and take the steps now to save money down the road.
Schedule a Plumber
Schedule a plumber if you need assistance, we are happy to help.
Read our reviews to learn more about us or our services.