Buried in the manual for the current Bosch washer is this: "To prevent water damage, the hot and cold water valves should be accessible when the washing machine is in place and should always be turned off when the washing machine is not in use." This type of instruction/procedure is new to me and I have never done it (actually I just checked and found the current valves are stuck in the open position-23 years and I've never had a repair on the old Maytag so there has been no need to close the valve...). Am I missing something here, has this been common practice and I've not done it right all along? Thanks in advance for your input...
Washers and water turnoff
- Thread starter Practigal
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Help Support :
It is a good idea to shut the valves off when not in use. Mine are always off when washer stops. I know of a few instances when hoses burst and flood a home causing major damage. Better to be safe than sorry.
Faucets Off: That's my policy as well. It costs nothing and takes only a couple of seconds. Can't find cheaper insurance than that!
Yes, common practice...
... but not for us! We have a basement laundry area, the washers sit on concrete and there is a floor drain. Further both of our washers came with these cheap mechanical flood prevention hoses. So we actually do not care to much.
On dishwashers, thats a different story. Our DW has an AquaStop system (the hose-in-hose system with the electric double valve at the end). Some mauals even state that with this system, as long as it is plugged in and in regular use, you should NOT turn of the water as the valves in this system need the pressure to shut completly and otherwise over time might get damged if there are to much pressure changes.
German insurences all demand any kind of anti flood system on any water using applaince in the covered area. If there is non, the insurance will not pay the damage.
... but not for us! We have a basement laundry area, the washers sit on concrete and there is a floor drain. Further both of our washers came with these cheap mechanical flood prevention hoses. So we actually do not care to much.
On dishwashers, thats a different story. Our DW has an AquaStop system (the hose-in-hose system with the electric double valve at the end). Some mauals even state that with this system, as long as it is plugged in and in regular use, you should NOT turn of the water as the valves in this system need the pressure to shut completly and otherwise over time might get damged if there are to much pressure changes.
German insurences all demand any kind of anti flood system on any water using applaince in the covered area. If there is non, the insurance will not pay the damage.
I've never bothered to shut off the water supply between washer uses. If the valves were more conveniently located, I might.
When we remodeled the bathroom adjacent to our laundry room, the large utility sink next to the washer had to be changed out for a slightly smaller one. The supply valves for the washer are located under that sink, and they were replaced with new ones that operate like ball valves. 1/4 turn is all it takes to open or close them. I have a feeling that they'd be more likely to operate after 23 years than the typical screw type with a neoprene washer.
This might be a good time for you to consider replacing the valves, since it sounds like you're going to have to shut the whole house water supply off when it comes time to disconnect the washer anyway. I'm not 100% sure of this, but I think the ball valve types have triangular knobs as opposed to the oval shape found on the old-school variety.
When we remodeled the bathroom adjacent to our laundry room, the large utility sink next to the washer had to be changed out for a slightly smaller one. The supply valves for the washer are located under that sink, and they were replaced with new ones that operate like ball valves. 1/4 turn is all it takes to open or close them. I have a feeling that they'd be more likely to operate after 23 years than the typical screw type with a neoprene washer.
This might be a good time for you to consider replacing the valves, since it sounds like you're going to have to shut the whole house water supply off when it comes time to disconnect the washer anyway. I'm not 100% sure of this, but I think the ball valve types have triangular knobs as opposed to the oval shape found on the old-school variety.
well, valves like hoses, there are pros and cons....
I had the anti flood hose on the dishwasher....it was a 1/4 ball valve, which cracked open, dripped water into the basement, and dripped off onto the projection tv.....a lot good that hose did at that point....but it can happen at any location or setup....
probably the thing to think about is how much damage would be done should a leak of any sort happen....cabinets, floors, walls, etc....if your home, only a few gallons can have you pulling your hair out, imagine if your away and return to a lake.....
most home owners policies will cover the damage, but not what caused it.....
now, think further, if you rent, there goes your security deposit should a machine fail, even if a hose inside fails.....I am a big fan of renters insurance, my landlord never raised my rent for the 5 years I lived there, as long as provided a paid policy every year...I was the first tenant that ever provided him with one....
an ounce of prevention can go a long way......
I had the anti flood hose on the dishwasher....it was a 1/4 ball valve, which cracked open, dripped water into the basement, and dripped off onto the projection tv.....a lot good that hose did at that point....but it can happen at any location or setup....
probably the thing to think about is how much damage would be done should a leak of any sort happen....cabinets, floors, walls, etc....if your home, only a few gallons can have you pulling your hair out, imagine if your away and return to a lake.....
most home owners policies will cover the damage, but not what caused it.....
now, think further, if you rent, there goes your security deposit should a machine fail, even if a hose inside fails.....I am a big fan of renters insurance, my landlord never raised my rent for the 5 years I lived there, as long as provided a paid policy every year...I was the first tenant that ever provided him with one....
an ounce of prevention can go a long way......
If I am going to be away
more than one night in a row, like 2-3 or 3-4 nights, you better believe I turn the valves off! Mine is the single lever type, with the plumbed in drain.
Since this is a multifamily structure, it's just cheap insurance.
As for Bosch, it's just a CYA move. (Cover Your---).
Lawrence/Maytagbear
more than one night in a row, like 2-3 or 3-4 nights, you better believe I turn the valves off! Mine is the single lever type, with the plumbed in drain.
Since this is a multifamily structure, it's just cheap insurance.
As for Bosch, it's just a CYA move. (Cover Your---).
Lawrence/Maytagbear
Comes down to your choice... Mine is to ignore the valves and leave then on all the time. Never had an issue.
ronhic
Well-known member
There's little point turning off the taps if you don't take the pressure out of the hoses and off the inlet solenoids.
I don't do this with the Beko, but used to with my older Hoover front loader.
- turn taps off
- turn programmer to next cycle that will take in hot/cold water (or cold only if cold connect)
- start the empty machine as if you were going to run it
- you should hear a 'thunk shhh' and a few drops of water come into the detergent drawer etc.
- turn off
- turn programmer back to 'off'
- open door/lid
Doing this takes all the pressure off the hose and inlet solenoid and with the way machines are being made down to a price, it could well save you a flood.
I don't do this with the Beko, but used to with my older Hoover front loader.
- turn taps off
- turn programmer to next cycle that will take in hot/cold water (or cold only if cold connect)
- start the empty machine as if you were going to run it
- you should hear a 'thunk shhh' and a few drops of water come into the detergent drawer etc.
- turn off
- turn programmer back to 'off'
- open door/lid
Doing this takes all the pressure off the hose and inlet solenoid and with the way machines are being made down to a price, it could well save you a flood.
Wandering off topic
Yes, now that I know that I have a problem I'll be getting it fixed. It seems like the best practice on a go forward basis is to learn to close the valve consistently...about relieving the pressure-wouldn't turning it off at the wall relieve enough pressure on the solenoid valve? I have very high water pressure and the regulator to the house has been changed more than once. The pressure relief valve on the regulator certainly works but has proven to be worthless....(the water heater blew up-good thing I came home early that day, just in time to hear the "boom" and to run to turn off the water from the street but nothing happened to the appliances.)
Yes, now that I know that I have a problem I'll be getting it fixed. It seems like the best practice on a go forward basis is to learn to close the valve consistently...about relieving the pressure-wouldn't turning it off at the wall relieve enough pressure on the solenoid valve? I have very high water pressure and the regulator to the house has been changed more than once. The pressure relief valve on the regulator certainly works but has proven to be worthless....(the water heater blew up-good thing I came home early that day, just in time to hear the "boom" and to run to turn off the water from the street but nothing happened to the appliances.)
ronhic
Well-known member
No, not at all.
If you don't take the pressure out of the line, all you have done is created 2 zones at the same pressure.
So, if your pressure is at 100lb and you turn the tap off, on the mains side of the tap it's 100lb....but because the hose to the washer was previously subject to the same pressure before you turned the tap off, it too is at 100lb.
Try it. Turn the tap off and try and squeeze the hose to the washer. It'll be hard as rock.
Now follow the process I mentioned in my previous post until you hear the 'thunk shhh' (which takes about 1 second). Now try and squeeze the hose to the washer. It should be more pliable as the pressure has been released.
You can also try this with a garden hose. Turn the nozzle off hard and the tap on full. See if you can squeeze the hose together. Now turn the tap off and then open the nozzle....some water will come out, the hose will go limp and you can squeeze the hose together.
If you don't take the pressure out of the line, all you have done is created 2 zones at the same pressure.
So, if your pressure is at 100lb and you turn the tap off, on the mains side of the tap it's 100lb....but because the hose to the washer was previously subject to the same pressure before you turned the tap off, it too is at 100lb.
Try it. Turn the tap off and try and squeeze the hose to the washer. It'll be hard as rock.
Now follow the process I mentioned in my previous post until you hear the 'thunk shhh' (which takes about 1 second). Now try and squeeze the hose to the washer. It should be more pliable as the pressure has been released.
You can also try this with a garden hose. Turn the nozzle off hard and the tap on full. See if you can squeeze the hose together. Now turn the tap off and then open the nozzle....some water will come out, the hose will go limp and you can squeeze the hose together.
Now, you are right, if you do not remove the pressure of the hoses, they break just as commonly.
BUT if they break, only the small amount of water in the hose can leak out. And on a rarely breaking 10$ item, personally, I wouldn't waste this amount of time with this procedure, minding all modern lock&sense washers...
BUT if they break, only the small amount of water in the hose can leak out. And on a rarely breaking 10$ item, personally, I wouldn't waste this amount of time with this procedure, minding all modern lock&sense washers...
ronhic
Well-known member
My mothers ASEA was one that was made before the fitting of PEX inlet hoses. I'm here to tell you that the hot water hose blew out of the connection on the back of the machine.
She had to cover herself with 3 blankets in order to get in the laundry door and walk the 4 feet to the tap all the while being sprayed with 70c water from the inlet hose that was behaving like a stung cobra.
.....if only she'd listened.
She had to cover herself with 3 blankets in order to get in the laundry door and walk the 4 feet to the tap all the while being sprayed with 70c water from the inlet hose that was behaving like a stung cobra.
.....if only she'd listened.
Part of your decision to shut off the valves may hinge on where your laundry is installed. On a finished upper level vs an unfinished basement with a floor drain etc.
Personally I have never, and likely will never shut off the valves to my washer. But bear in mind my washer sits in an unfinished basement with a floor drain a foot or two away. I figure if the hoses are just cared for properly, its extremely unlikely a problem will ever happen.
I do still have some water damage paranoia though. Anytime I leave the house on its own for more then a day or so, I do throw the main water shut off valve. My biggest fear is having a water heater rupture, which I have had happen. I've never had a problem with a washer hose.
Personally I have never, and likely will never shut off the valves to my washer. But bear in mind my washer sits in an unfinished basement with a floor drain a foot or two away. I figure if the hoses are just cared for properly, its extremely unlikely a problem will ever happen.
I do still have some water damage paranoia though. Anytime I leave the house on its own for more then a day or so, I do throw the main water shut off valve. My biggest fear is having a water heater rupture, which I have had happen. I've never had a problem with a washer hose.
davetranter
Well-known member
Just my '2c worth'.....
My 'Good Lady' had a hose burst on her washer a couple of years ago. It was just a 'random event', possibly a pressure surge on the main, the washer wasn't in use at the time, so wasn't a failure as a solenoid valve closed.
Luckily she was at home, and in the kitchen at the time, and was able to drag the washer out and close the isolation valve before too much flooding ocurred. The metal 'crimp' on the hose end had failed.
Sadly, most U.K. homes with their cramped kitchens and/or laundry rooms have the isolation valves 'out of the way' behind the machine and under the worksurface, where their regular operation is out of the question, and even 'emergency' operation difficult in the extreme.
All best
Dave T
My 'Good Lady' had a hose burst on her washer a couple of years ago. It was just a 'random event', possibly a pressure surge on the main, the washer wasn't in use at the time, so wasn't a failure as a solenoid valve closed.
Luckily she was at home, and in the kitchen at the time, and was able to drag the washer out and close the isolation valve before too much flooding ocurred. The metal 'crimp' on the hose end had failed.
Sadly, most U.K. homes with their cramped kitchens and/or laundry rooms have the isolation valves 'out of the way' behind the machine and under the worksurface, where their regular operation is out of the question, and even 'emergency' operation difficult in the extreme.
All best
Dave T
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
I have read this thread, and thought to myself
Much like when you watched the movies in driver's ed. "that won't happen to me."
Now when we leave on vacation of something, I always shut the main water off in case a pipe burst, but I have Never turned off the washer valves.
Well tonight, Christmas Eve, company over, Chicken and Noodles on the table. Just as we were sitting down, I thought to myself, well actually bladdert said I had to go to the restroom before sitting to dinner. Just as I started to the bathroom I hear POP-WOOSHHHHHHHHHHHH.
The hose, actually not the one to the washer, but the one to the dryer burst. When I got downstairs I couldn't turn the valve so I had to turn off the main. Then spent about an hour sucking up water (good ole Bissell Big Green Clean Machine)
I promise as God as my witness, after I am able to get to Lowe's on Friday, I will never leave the water on the washer again.
Thinking to self--What if I hadn't been home? Holy crap do you know all my vacuums down there that would be damaged. Never, Never, NEVER will I leave the water on, lesson learned.
Here it is now after 2:00, dishes done, presents wrapped, yes I procrastinate. Basement floor drying. Why would someone put carpet over the floor drain? It was a mess, but oh lordy what a mess it could have been.
Came back to add. These were not old hoses. They were installed when the washer was new, so five years and three months ago.
Much like when you watched the movies in driver's ed. "that won't happen to me."
Now when we leave on vacation of something, I always shut the main water off in case a pipe burst, but I have Never turned off the washer valves.
Well tonight, Christmas Eve, company over, Chicken and Noodles on the table. Just as we were sitting down, I thought to myself, well actually bladdert said I had to go to the restroom before sitting to dinner. Just as I started to the bathroom I hear POP-WOOSHHHHHHHHHHHH.
The hose, actually not the one to the washer, but the one to the dryer burst. When I got downstairs I couldn't turn the valve so I had to turn off the main. Then spent about an hour sucking up water (good ole Bissell Big Green Clean Machine)
I promise as God as my witness, after I am able to get to Lowe's on Friday, I will never leave the water on the washer again.
Thinking to self--What if I hadn't been home? Holy crap do you know all my vacuums down there that would be damaged. Never, Never, NEVER will I leave the water on, lesson learned.
Here it is now after 2:00, dishes done, presents wrapped, yes I procrastinate. Basement floor drying. Why would someone put carpet over the floor drain? It was a mess, but oh lordy what a mess it could have been.
Came back to add. These were not old hoses. They were installed when the washer was new, so five years and three months ago.
arbilab
Well-known member
Nothing is totally safe. Ever had the metal flex hose to your toilet let go? Last apartment, early morning, thought neighbor was showering but no, a little loud for that. Trundled to the bathroom and splashed into a half inch of water. Like above, if I hadn't been home I would have returned to water cascading out the front door. Do you turn your toilet off when you're not using it? Thought not.
Speaking of metal flex hose, in previous house had the one under the back bedroom sink start spraying. Also caught that before bad things happened. You spoze the Romans had these problems?
BTW, if you turn off the main for vacation etc, also turn off the water heater. Water heaters behave VERY badly if they manage to siphon empty while still heating.
Speaking of metal flex hose, in previous house had the one under the back bedroom sink start spraying. Also caught that before bad things happened. You spoze the Romans had these problems?
BTW, if you turn off the main for vacation etc, also turn off the water heater. Water heaters behave VERY badly if they manage to siphon empty while still heating.
whirlcool
Well-known member
We had a neighbor at our last house that had a washer hose burst while she was out shopping. It put about an inch and a half of water throughout the entire house. House was a single level rancher with no floor drains anywhere. I asked her how old those rubber hoses were, she said probably about 15 years old. We then replaced ours which were about 8 years old at the time, just as a precaution. Most of the neighbors house was carpeted except for the kitchen and bathrooms. It took a cleanup company forever to get all the water out and the carpet to completely dry.
In this house we have those steel flexible hoses, I think we paid about $30. for the set. They advertise them as being "burst proof", even if they freeze. They are 14 years old. I check them periodically but will they eventually blow out too? If so how do they do it? You'd think the steel exterior would prevent that.
In this house we have those steel flexible hoses, I think we paid about $30. for the set. They advertise them as being "burst proof", even if they freeze. They are 14 years old. I check them periodically but will they eventually blow out too? If so how do they do it? You'd think the steel exterior would prevent that.
Some years ago I had a toilet fill tube crack below the float valve inside the tank as I was walking out the door to work. Water was spewing up against the tank lid and running out. I heard an odd noise coming from that direction so very luckily caught it before serious trouble occurred.
No tragedies with washer hoses thus far. However, picking up one from one of the neighbor's rent houses for a repair, found the hot hose had an unhealthy tumor. The machines are in a hall closet between the kitchen and master bedroom ... potential for some serious damage to the wood laminate flooring.
I have turned off my washer in my laundry room on a few occasions but not as matter of habit, which needs to change. Typical time between laundry runs is more than a week so turning it off isn't a serious inconvenience. I do always turn off the two or three machines in my master bathroom that run off the tub faucet.
Dishwashers and refrigerators that aren't connected via copper line are also a point to consider ... but those appliances are used on a daily+ basis.
Last time I left for a few days road-trip, I turned off the house main at the tank.
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