What You Need to Do Before You Start
Replacing washer hoses takes about 30 minutes and requires only basic tools you likely have at home. Turn off the water supply to your washing machine first — look behind the machine for two shut-off valves, one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn both clockwise until they stop. If you cannot find shut-off valves, turn off the main water supply to your house.
Next, unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet. This is not optional. Even though you are working with water, not electricity, you need the machine off so the inlet valve cannot suddenly open while you are working. Pull the machine away from the wall far enough that you can reach behind it comfortably — usually 12 to 18 inches is enough.
Open a nearby sink or bathtub faucet to release any remaining pressure in the water lines. You will see why this matters the moment you loosen the first hose connection.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off both water shut-off valves behind the machine and unplug the washer before you touch any hoses.
- Hoses connect to the inlet valve on the back of the machine with a threaded collar that unscrews by hand — no tools needed for most connections.
- Rubber washers inside the threaded collars wear out and cause leaks; replace them when you install new hoses.
- New hoses cost $15 to $40 per pair and come with washers included, and you should replace both hoses at the same time even if only one is leaking.
- Tighten the connections by hand until snug, then give them a quarter-turn more with an adjustable wrench — over-tightening cracks the plastic fittings.
Disconnect the Old Hoses from the Inlet Valve
The inlet valve is the plastic or metal box on the back of the machine where the hoses connect. You will see two hoses screwed into it — the hot water hose (usually red) and the cold water hose (usually blue). Place a bucket or towel under the connections because water will drip out, even after you shut off the valves.
Grip the threaded collar at the base of the first hose with your hand and turn it counterclockwise. Most people can unscrew these by hand without tools. If the collar is stuck, wrap a cloth around it for grip and try again — do not use a wrench yet, because you can crack the plastic fitting. Once the collar is loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and pull the hose away. Water will spill into your bucket.
Repeat this step with the second hose. Look inside each threaded collar and you will see a small rubber washer — this is what wears out and causes leaks. If the washer looks cracked, hardened, or flattened, that is why your machine was leaking. Keep these old washers so you can compare them to the new ones.
Disconnect the Hoses from the Water Supply
The other end of each hose screws onto the water shut-off valve on the wall behind your machine. Place your bucket under these connections too. Grip the threaded collar where the hose meets the shut-off valve and turn counterclockwise by hand. If it will not budge, use an adjustable wrench to grip the collar while you turn it — hold the shut-off valve steady with your other hand so you do not bend the water line.
Once both hoses are disconnected from the shut-off valves, you can remove them completely. Inspect the rubber washers inside these collars as well. If they are damaged, the new hoses you buy should include replacements.
Install the New Hoses
New washer hoses come as a pair (hot and cold) and cost between $15 and $40 depending on the length and material. Buy hoses that match the length of your old ones — standard lengths are 4 feet, 6 feet, and 8 feet. If you are not sure, measure your old hoses or measure the distance from the shut-off valves to the inlet valve on the back of the machine.
Start by connecting the new hoses to the water shut-off valves. Take the hot water hose (red) and screw its threaded collar onto the hot water shut-off valve by hand. Turn it clockwise until it is snug, then use an adjustable wrench to tighten it one-quarter turn more. Do not over-tighten — you are looking for a seal, not maximum force. Repeat this step with the cold water hose (blue) on the cold water shut-off valve.
Now connect the other ends of the hoses to the inlet valve on the back of the washing machine. Screw the hot water hose onto the inlet valve by hand first, then tighten it with a wrench one-quarter turn past snug. Do the same with the cold water hose. Both connections should feel firm but not locked down.
Check for Leaks and Restore Power
Turn the water shut-off valves back on by turning them counterclockwise. Open them slowly — do not crank them all the way in one motion. Watch all four connection points (two at the shut-off valves, two at the inlet valve) for drips. Small beads of water may appear for a few seconds as air escapes the lines, but steady dripping means the connection is not tight enough.
If you see a leak, turn the shut-off valves back off, wait 30 seconds, and tighten that connection one-eighth turn more with your wrench. Turn the water back on and check again. Repeat until the leak stops. Do not skip this step — a small leak now becomes a big problem in a few weeks.
Once all connections are dry, push the washing machine back into place and plug it into the outlet. Run a test cycle with no clothes inside to make sure everything works and no water leaks onto your floor.
Common Mistakes That Cause Problems
The most common mistake is over-tightening the threaded collars. The plastic fittings on the inlet valve are fragile, and cranking down with all your strength will crack them. You need only hand-tight plus a quarter-turn with a wrench. If a connection leaks after that, the problem is usually a worn washer inside the collar, not a loose connection — tighten it more and you will just crack the fitting.
Another mistake is replacing only one hose when both are old. Hoses age together, and if one is leaking, the other is usually close behind. Replacing both at the same time saves you from doing this job again in three months. The cost difference is small.
A third mistake is forgetting to turn off the water before you start. People often think they can just loosen the connections slowly and catch the water. This does not work — the moment you crack the collar loose, water sprays out under pressure. Turn off the valves first, every time.
When to Call a Plumber Instead
If the shut-off valves behind your machine will not turn, or if they turn but water still flows, the valves themselves are broken and you need a plumber. Do not try to force them — you can break the water line inside the wall.
If the threaded collar on the inlet valve cracks while you are working, or if you crack it while tightening, the inlet valve itself must be replaced. This is a more complex job that usually requires a technician, because the valve is bolted to the machine and may require partial disassembly to reach.
If water leaks from inside the machine after you have installed new hoses and checked all the connections, the problem is inside the machine, not the hoses. This also calls for a technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace the rubber washers inside the hose collars?
New hoses come with washers already installed, so you do not need to buy them separately. If you are reusing old hoses (which is not recommended), you should replace the washers. They cost a few dollars and come in packs at any hardware store. A worn washer is the most common reason hoses leak.
What is the difference between braided and rubber hoses?
Braided hoses have a steel mesh cover over rubber and last longer — usually 8 to 10 years instead of 5 to 7 years. They cost more (around $30 to $40 per pair) but are worth it if you plan to keep the machine for many years. Rubber hoses are cheaper and work fine if you replace them on schedule.
Can I use the same hoses if I move the washing machine to a different location?
Yes, as long as the hoses are long enough to reach from the new shut-off valves to the inlet valve. Measure the distance before you move the machine. If the hoses are too short, you will need longer ones — never stretch hoses or use extension fittings, because this creates kinks and weak points where leaks start.
How tight should the connections be?
Hand-tight plus one-quarter turn with a wrench. This is tight enough to seal but loose enough that you can still unscrew the collar by hand next time. If you need a wrench to loosen a connection, it is too tight and you risk cracking the plastic fitting when you remove it later.
What should I do with the old hoses?
Old hoses can be recycled at most hardware stores or waste management facilities. Do not throw them in the trash if your area has a recycling program for rubber and plastic. Some people save old hoses for garden use, but do not use them to carry drinking water — they are not food-safe.