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Should you turn off the water when not using the washing machine? The basic rule is if you’re going to be away from home for longer than a day then yes you should. The main cause of water damage to your home actually comes from burst washing machine hoses. And, if any internal connections and switches fail on your appliance water continues to enter and flooding will quickly occur.
There are several things you can do to prevent this from happening and turning off the water supply when not in use is just one of them. Look at simple steps you can take to maintain your washing machine hoses:
Understanding washing machine hoses
Washing machines generally have three hoses: one for hot water, one for cold water and one for draining. The drain hose carries water less frequently than the other two hoses.
Each time your washing machine shuts off the water it causes what is known as a water hammer that’s essentially a shock wave that passes down the pipe due to the sudden change in the rate of water flow. This can cause the pipe to move slightly and is often heard during the wash cycle.
Inspecting the hoses on a regular basis will ensure you see the first signs of deterioration such as cracks or parts that are worn. Any leaks detected at an early stage will also be easier to resolve. Checking for signs of moisture around connections is also important.
You should change the water hoses every three to five years to prevent worn out hoses from bursting. If you can’t deal with this task yourself you can call on the professionals to do it for you. You could then arrange to have them replaced with stainless steel braided hoses that are extremely resilient and durable. As the stainless steel braid reinforces the rubber this makes the hoses less likely to burst.
How to turn off the water supply
The valves for the supply of hot and cold water are typically located behind the washing machine. They can easily be turned off by turning them clockwise until you’re unable to turn them any further.
If you have a gate valve connection this is a different process as they are designed to be fully open or fully closed. To prevent any wear on the valve the water will need to be turned off at the main water valve. This won’t cause any problems and can save potentially save you hundreds of pounds from water damage.
A ball valve is open when the handle is parallel to the pipe. When it’s perpendicular to the pipe this means that the valve is closed.
Washing machine problems
Washing machine filling when not in use
When this happens the water from your cold water supply can be blocking the water solenoid valve and jamming it open. This may simply need cleaning, or if faulty will need replacing.
Alternatively, this could be a problem relating to a malfunctioning pressure switch. As the water fills the drum the pressure inside the switch is compressed and shuts off the inlet valve, stopping the flow of water when the correct level is reached. When the switch fails it can stop the water inlet valve from being turned off.
Washing machine leaking from the bottom
In most cases, the leak will be due to a loose or damaged drain hose, a fault with the drain pump, or worn-out pump hose connections. Less common causes include the seals that go around the drum that may become loose or split. The detergent dispenser can become blocked with residue and excess suds can cause leakage, and a defective water inlet valve can also cause leaking issues.
When you need a washing machine repair in London
Simply contact award-winning repair specialists who offer same or next day appointments without any call-out charges. You’ll be able to choose the day and time for your booking and you’ll be sent a one to two-hour window when your engineer is due to arrive.
Washing machine repairs from door gasket replacements and blocked pumps to problems with spin cycles will be carried out quickly and efficiently. And you’ll get a 12 months guarantee on any repairs following your service.