CANTON, Mich. - May 24, 2007 - Have you checked the rubber hoses on your washing machine recently? The appliance-repair experts at RepairClinic.com® report that burst rubber hoses are one of the top causes of costly home flooding - yet this can be prevented with a little preventative maintenance.

"We think this is something that all homeowners should do whenever they replace their smoke alarm batteries," says Chris Hall, president of RepairClinic.com, an online resource that provides consumers with the information and parts they need to fix their appliances. "It takes a few seconds to check the integrity of the water hoses behind a washing machine, and only a few minutes to replace them with new hoses that will prevent a catastrophic flood."


How to prevent costly water damage

Check the hoses that supply water to the clothes washer for any signs of wear and tear such as cracks, blisters or bumps in the hoses. If there is any sign of these problems, replace them immediately. It's best to use stainless steel replacement hoses; they last much longer. Total cost: under $20. For more information click here.

For more peace of mind when it comes to washer leaks, install a water spill/leak floor tray under the washing machine. Some trays can be connected to the household drain pipes to handle larger spills or leaks. Total cost: under $35. For more information click here.

To eliminate the possibility of flooding, use the Floodstop safety device, which automatically shuts off the water supply to the washing machine and sounds an alarm if even a few drops of water hit its sensor on the floor. Whether caused by a burst hose or an overflowing washing machine, the Floodstop will automatically shut off the water supply to minimize water damage. Total cost: about $100. For more information click here.


Three common washing machine problems and some DIY fixes

1. If the washer seems to be out of balance, won't spin properly, or bangs and rocks excessively, its may not be perfectly level. Most washing machines have adjustable, front leveling legs with a lock nut. Adjust the leg to the proper height, then tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg from rotating. For more information click here.

2. If your washer drains water but doesn't spin, it could be a defective lid switch. The switch is located inside the washing machine main housing, near the lid frame. You might have to raise or open the top or possibly even remove the entire cabinet of the washing machine to get to the switch. Appliance cabinets and panels are easy to remove once you know where the hidden screws and clips are. RepairClinic.com can help guide you through this.

3. If your washer spins but won't drain, the pump might be faulty. One of the most common pump problems is a blockage caused by small items left in clothes. It may be possible to clear obstructions without replacing the pump (again, by removing some panels). If you need a new pump, the RepairClinic PartDetective can help find the right pump for your washer.


RepairClinic.com provides tools and parts for all brands of washing machines, along with some additional maintenance and cleaning tips. Not sure what a part is called? Detailed, interactive illustrations are available to help identify the right part, as well as RepairClinic.com's PartDetective.