How to Replace a Leaking Washing Machine Fill Hose
Time required: 15-20 mins · Difficulty 1/5
A burst washing machine fill hose is one of the most common sources of major water-damage insurance claims in the U.S. Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel every 5 years, even if they aren't leaking yet.
Est. DIY Parts: $15 - $20 · Pro Service: $110 - $170 · Est. Savings: $90 - $155
* Estimates based on regional/national contractor rate benchmarks. Actual part prices vary by brand and retailer.
Parts & Tools You'll Need
- 4 ft. Braided Stainless Steel Washing Machine Hoses (2-Pack)
- Rubber Washers for 3/4 in. Hose Connections (4-Pack)
- Channel-Lock Pliers
- Towel or Small Bucket
Step-by-Step Manual
- Turn off both water shutoff valves Find the hot and cold shutoff valves behind the washer (or the single shutoff box) and turn both off completely.
- Disconnect the old hoses Pull the washer out slightly, then unscrew the old hoses from both the wall valves and the back of the washer using channel-lock pliers. Keep a towel handy for drips.
- Inspect and clean the connection screens Check the small mesh screens inside the washer's water inlets — rinse out any sediment or mineral buildup before installing new hoses.
- Attach the new braided hoses Hand-tighten the new stainless steel hoses onto the wall valves and the washer inlets, then snug with pliers a quarter turn past hand-tight — don't overtighten.
- Turn water back on and test Slowly open both shutoff valves and check every connection for drips. Run a short wash cycle to confirm there are no leaks under pressure.