How to replace washer hoses and toilet supply lines
Replace washing machine hoses every three to five years, or now if you don't know their age, and check toilet supply lines the same day. Close the valves, thread on new hoses and tighten about a quarter turn past hand-tight. Braided stainless resists bursting, but its inner tube still ages.
Which washing machine hoses to buy
A washer hose sits under water pressure all day, every day, even when the machine is off. In a house you just bought, you probably can't tell how old they are, and that's reason enough to swap them. One inspector's guide also suggests replacing hoses after a move, because moving the washer stresses them.
| Hose type | Good | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain rubber | Cheap and flexible | The rubber is the only pressure barrier, and it kinks |
| Braided stainless | Resists kinks and bulges; handles more pressure | The inner tube can still burst, especially at the fittings |
| Reinforced polymer (PEX-type) | An alternative to rubber and braided | Check the rating and length |
| Flood-stop hoses | Built to shut off on a burst | May not stop a slow drip |
Measure the length you need before you shop, and leave enough slack for a gentle loop behind the machine. In a tight closet, a hose with a 90-degree elbow avoids a sharp bend.
While you're at the store, pick up matching parts for the other lines in the house: toilet supply lines, faucet supply lines and the fridge ice-maker line. Measure each one and note the fitting size, since these differ from washer hoses.
Where the lines run and when to replace washing machine hoses
Each washer hose runs from a hot or cold valve on the wall to the back of the machine. A toilet line runs from the small valve near the floor up to the bottom of the tank. Faucet lines run from the valves under the sink.
Inspect them every few months, as Oatey advises, and replace anything showing these signs:
- Bulges, blisters, cracks or soft spots in rubber
- Broken strands or fraying on braided hoses, or a braid separating from its crimped end
- Rust, green corrosion or mineral crust on fittings
- Kinks that leave a permanent crease
- Dampness, drips or stains behind the appliance
Keep hoses from rubbing against anything sharp, and don't push the washer tight against the wall. Oatey also suggests hammer arrestors if you hear pipes bang when valves snap shut. A washer pan helps contain a leak, and a plumber can fit one.
How to replace washer hoses and a toilet supply line
- Check every line
Look at the washer, toilets, faucets and fridge line, and note the type, length and age of each.
- Move the washer out
Unplug it and pull it forward. Get help with a heavy front-loader.
- Shut off the water
Close the hot and cold valves. If they won't close fully, use the main shutoff.
- Take off the old hoses
Set a bucket underneath and unthread them from the wall and the machine. Clean the mesh inlet screens if they're clogged.
- Fit the new hoses
Thread them on by hand with the rubber washers seated, then tighten with pliers about a quarter turn.
- Open the valves and test
Open them slowly and check every connection for several minutes. Push the washer back with room for a gentle loop, run a short cycle and check again.
- Swap the toilet supply lines
Close the valve near the floor, flush to empty the tank and unthread the old line at both ends. Fit the new line following its package, without overtightening, then open the valve and check for drips.
- Record the date
Tag the hose or log it in your home records, so you know when the next swap is due.
What it costs to replace washer hoses
| Item | About what it costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pair of washer hoses | $10 to $16 | Sample listings on one inspector's site, November 2026 |
| Burst-resistant or flood-stop hoses | More than basic braided | Prices vary |
| Toilet or faucet supply line | Varies by length and fitting | Measure before you buy |
| Washer box valve replacement | Commonly a few hundred dollars | A plumbing job; depends on access |
| Water damage from a burst hose | Far more than all of the above | Triple-I puts the average water damage and freezing claim at about $15,400 |
Mistakes with washing machine hoses and valves
- Assuming braided means permanent. Oatey says braided hoses can still degrade.
- Overtightening. It can damage the connector and cause the leak you're trying to prevent.
- Skipping the rubber washer, or reusing a flattened one.
- Leaving the valves open when you go on vacation. Close them if you can reach them.
- Forcing a seized valve. If it won't close, turn off the main shutoff and call a licensed plumber.
What homeowners say about braided washer hoses
Check the toilet tank bolts while you're there. If they're rusting, replace them with stainless steel bolts before they give way. Owners also say to buy the best washer hoses you can find, since cheap ones are the flood risk. (Reddit)
Don't assume a fixture valve holds just because you turned it off. One owner closed the washer valve, took off the hose and got a gush of water. Keep a bucket and towels ready, loosen the fitting slowly, and make sure the flow stops before you take it all the way off. (Reddit)
When to replace washing machine hoses: your questions
How often should washing machine hoses be replaced?
Oatey says most experts recommend every three to five years. Replace them sooner if you see bulges, rust or leaks, or if you don't know their age.
Are braided stainless hoses better than rubber?
They resist kinks and bulges better, but the inner tube can still fail. Treat them as a stronger hose with a similar replacement schedule.
Should I turn off the washer valves between loads?
It reduces the time a hose sits under pressure, but valves that rarely move can stick. At minimum, close them before a long trip if you can reach them easily.
Sources: oatey.com, inspectandtest.net, Insurance Information Institute
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.