plastic strainer

[mpatel]

Hi,

I have an Amanda washing machine that is from 2003, but the hot water valve/tap and hose are from a house built in the late 70's. I am replacing the hoses and washers/gaskets. I noticed the washer connected to the tap has a plastic screen/strainer shaped like a thimble. Can anyone tell me the purpose of this design? Also, does this design have any effect on the water pressure going into the machine?

Thank you.

 

[rp2813]

The screen/strainer is there to keep any particles from deteriorating pipes from getting into the fill valves on the washing machine.  This is mainly a concern if your house has galvanized pipe as opposed to copper.   You can find large laundry hose washers with an integrated screen at any hardware store that will serve the same purpose as the plastic thimble.

 

The strainer isn't meant to be a flow restrictor, but in older homes like mine with 90 year old galvanized pipe, it can function as one if it gets clogged with debris.  It's the same with aerators on your kitchen and bathroom faucets.

 

[tomturbomatic]

It also serves to catch any bits of disintegrating water heater cold water inlet dip tube from jamming up the washer's fill valve, to say nothing of bits of mineral sediment that travel through the lines.