Leaky Washer

July 7, 2004 7:20 AM

It seems like at least once a year my washing machine starts leaking where the hot and cold water hoses screw into the back of the machine. This time it leaked for at least a few days before I caught it, leaving water spots on the ceiling downstairs. I usually take the hoses off and replace the washers in the ends of the hose. Anyone have any better ideas or is there anything I can do so they never leak again?
posted by ttrendel to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

Replace those seals every 6 months.
posted by mischief at 7:37 AM on July 7, 2004

There are new washer valves that you could install that only all water into the hoses (the weak link!) when a wash cycle is happening... they might be a good start when upgrading.

The This Old House crew uses them religiously in their work... but I can't find a link to the product.

*gack*
posted by silusGROK at 7:56 AM on July 7, 2004

It's bizarre that your washers (actually gaskets) are failing this fast. I've NEVER had this happen, and have owned the same washing machine for about 8 years now. Does it happen for both valves about as often? If not, I would check the threads on the trouble valve. Maybe there's some damage that's not allowing you to tighten enough?

Otherwise, I would put a small bead of silicone sealant on top of those gaskets next time you replace them. Also, silus, is this the product you mean? Or this?
posted by luser at 8:25 AM on July 7, 2004

There are also sensors you can hook up, that will cut off the water flow if they detect a leak--basically, you hook the cutoff mechanism to the wall outlets, and the washer hoses to that box. Then you attach a sensor that sits on the floor, and when it detects water, it cuts off the water at the box.

I think you have to have to put the washer on a pan for that to work, since that would trap the water for the sensor to detect, but in your case, that's probably a good first step no matter what. You can generally find the pans at Home Depot/Lowe's I'm sure, and they probably sell the cutoff valves, too.

Most cities require that apartments with washer/dryers at least put the washer in a pan, and many now require the cutoff valves from what I understand. Even if you live in a house, you may even catch a little break on your insurance for installing the valves, which would help with the cost.
posted by LairBob at 8:26 AM on July 7, 2004

Wrap the threads in PTFE tape? Never failed me yet.
posted by punilux at 10:46 AM on July 7, 2004

Luser: The second one was what I was thinking of.

Thanks!
posted by silusGROK at 12:22 PM on July 7, 2004

replace the hose-pipes. you may have some problems with the threads. get some new washers in there and then , as punilux said, wrap the male threads in PTFE.

that stuff is da'BOMB.
posted by Frasermoo at 8:28 AM on July 8, 2004