Risk Management Tip- Washing Machine Supply Hoses

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Are you one of the many homeowners that are currently using black rubber supply hoses on your washing machine? Well then, “how lucky do you feel?”

Water damage from washing machines is one of the top five causes of claims to homeowners’ insurance companies. According to the Institute of Business and Home Safety, approximately 55% of all water damage claims caused by washing machines are as a result of water supply hoses that leaked or burst. These types of claims can be very costly with the average claim running to more than $6000.

In most homes, water will spew out of a burst hose at a rate of 6 ½ gallons per minute or hundreds of gallons in just one hour. Imagine how much water would flood your home if a burst hose is leaking while you are away from home on vacation or at work all day! 

Rubber supply hoses vs. stainless steel hoses? Rubber hoses are typically rated at 800 pounds per square inch (PSI) burst strength. However, stainless steel hoses are usually rated at 1500 (PSI) burst strength. They have a much lower failure rate compared to rubber supply hoses. Stainless steel hoses are also more heat resistant than rubber hoses.

Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you replace your black rubber hoses with stainless steel hoses. Stainless steels hoses cost about $25 - $30 for a pair of them. Seems like such a small investment to help avoid having massive water damage from a burst rubber hose.

Are your washing machine hoses a disaster waiting to happen?