Washing Machine Help Forum

Despite constant nagging on my part and siting the valves in a convenient location, I cannot train my family to turn off the isolation valves to the washing machine (now about 5 years old) after use.

My fear is that once the power is off the inlet valves could let by or the inlet tubes could come off/split. Are my fears unfounded ? Is it common for this to happen or am I paranoid ?

I myself have heard of only one incident where a neighbour had this problem and the valve/tube leaked water all over his kitchen floor. Should I be considering fitting new valves (we are in the hard water area of W. London).

I would be grateful for anyone's views.

You should get your local engineer in to service the machine.
They can, check internal hoses, check and clean the solinoid filters etc. etc.

You could also fit new fill hoses at the same time.

This might help you sleep at night.



John.

I'd disagree with what A1 tec has said.

the pipes from your plumbing to the machine, normally screw straight onto the inlet-valve.....it's very unusual for a valve to leak (though not unheard-of)
therefore, the major leakage-potential is the hoses themselves that connect the machine to the taps. the plastic ends do get brittle with age and the hose loses it's "springiness" where the metal sleeve crimps it to the plastic end. They'll usually last 10 years or so if not disturbed,so it's safe to say they should last the life of a fixed-position machine.

if you move the machine frequently, check the hoses regularly. otherwise just make sure the house insurance covers the (very unlikely) flood from a burst hose.

Thanks guys. I do move the machine once a year to clean the corrugated outlet hose and ball valve which seem to get a build up of soap/scale. I'll put the hose inspection on my checklist.