How Do You Connect a Hose to a Washing Machine?

Last Updated on: 30th July 2023, 12:39 pm

Connecting a hose to a washing machine involves attaching the hoses to the water inlet connections on the back of the machine and connecting the other ends to the corresponding hot and cold water supply valves.

Have you ever wondered how to connect a hose to a washing machine? I reckon most of you haven’t thought about it unless you have an old, dingy washing machine.

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Sometimes, we don’t pay close attention to fixing certain things. Fixing a washing machine or replacing a part of the washing machine is probably one of those things.

Anyway, let’s get to the cream of this blog post where I tell you how to connect a hose to a washing machine.

Connect a Hose to a Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting a hose to a washing machine is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to connecting a hose to a washing machine:

Step 1: Gather the Required Materials

To connect a hose to a washing machine, you will need the following materials:

• Washing machine hose(s): These are usually provided with the washing machine and are specifically designed for this purpose.
• Adjustable pliers or wrenches: These tools will help you tighten the connections securely.
• Teflon tape: This is an optional but recommended material to ensure a watertight seal.

Step 2: Locate the Water Supply Valves

The water supply valves are usually located behind or near the washing machine. There are two valves—one for hot water and one for cold water. Ensure that both valves are accessible and in the closed position before proceeding.

Step 3: Attach the Hoses to the Washing Machine 

Locate the water inlet connections on the back of the washing machine. The hot water inlet is typically marked with a red indicator, while the cold water inlet is marked with a blue indicator.

Take the appropriate hose and hand-tighten it onto the corresponding water inlet. Use adjustable pliers or a wrench to securely tighten the connection, but be careful not to overtighten and risk damaging the threads.

Step 4: Connect the Other End of the Hoses to the Water Supply 

Valves Once the hoses are attached to the washing machine, locate the hot and cold water supply valves. Take the hot water hose and connect it to the hot water supply valve.

Similarly, attach the cold water hose to the cold water supply valve. Again, hand-tighten the connections initially and then use pliers or a wrench to ensure a tight seal. Make sure the hoses are not twisted or kinked.

Step 5: Apply Teflon Tape

For an extra layer of leak protection, you can wrap Teflon tape around the threaded ends of the hoses before attaching them to the washing machine and the water supply valves.

The tape should be wrapped in a clockwise direction and cover the threads completely. This will help create a watertight seal and prevent any potential leaks.

Step 6: Open the Water Supply Valves

Once the hoses are securely attached, slowly open the water supply valves by turning them counterclockwise. This will allow the water to flow into the washing machine.

Check for any leaks around the hose connections. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections further or reapply Teflon tape if necessary.

Step 7: Test for Proper Operation

After ensuring there are no leaks, it’s time to test the washing machine. Turn on the machine and select a short cycle to check if water is flowing properly into the drum.

Monitor the operation closely to ensure there are no leaks or issues with the hose connections.

That’s it.

It’s essential to securely tighten the connections, check for leaks, and ensure proper water flow before using the washing machine.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines and precautions for your particular washing machine model.

What is a standard washing machine hose fitting?

A standard washing machine hose fitting typically has a 3/4-inch female threaded fitting on each end. This is the same female fitting found on garden hoses.

Usually, a couple of hoses are connected from the back of the washing machine to the water supply valves. However, some washers require only cold water, so they have one hold connected to the water supply valve.

The hot and cold hoses are ¾ inches in diameter. The hoses have a 3/4″ FHT (female hose thread) connection that fits most washing machines. The hoses can be connected to a laundry sink or a standpipe.

One 15mm compression pipe connection and two 3/4 inch BSP (British Standard Pipe) threaded connections are also common for washing machine plumbing fittings.

What is the durability of a rubber washing machine hose?

Rubber washing machine hoses are the least durable and lose much of their flexibility and strength over time, resulting in corrosion and cracks that lead to leaks or busted hoses. Rubber supply lines are generally not recommended.

Rubber hoses are not as durable as braided stainless steel hoses. Rubber hoses are more prone to failure and should be replaced every five years.