Search guides

How to fix a washing machine hose leak

We'll tighten the connections or replace the hoses—and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
15–25 min
What you'll need
  • Braided stainless washer hoses (pair, hot and cold)
  • Two adjustable wrenches
  • Towels and shallow pan

At a glance

  • Shut off the hot and cold supply valves behind the washer before working on the hoses.
  • Locate the leak—at the wall valve, at the washer connection, or along the hose.
  • Tighten the hose nuts a quarter turn with two wrenches; do not overtighten.
  • Replace cracked, bulging, or corroded hoses with new braided stainless hoses.
  • Replace hoses every 5 years as a precaution—burst hoses cause major water damage.
Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Steps

Goal: Shut off water, locate the leak, fix the connections or replace the hoses, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Shut off both hot and cold supply valves behind the washer. Turn them clockwise until they stop.
  • Good: No water flows when you disconnect a hose. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Valves will not shut off—call a plumber.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water is escaping.

  • Dry the hoses, wall valves, and washer inlet connections. Turn the valves on and run a rinse cycle. Watch where water appears.
  • Good: You see the leak source. Proceed to Tighten connections or Replace hoses based on location.
  • Bad: Cannot locate—replace both hoses as a precaution.

Tighten connections

Goal: Stop leaks at the wall or washer connections.

  • Shut off the valves. Use two wrenches to tighten the hose nuts a quarter turn. Do not overtighten—the washer inlet is often plastic. Turn the water on and run a short cycle.
  • Good: No drips at either end of both hoses. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks—replace the hoses or call a plumber.

Replace hoses

Goal: Fix leaks from damaged hoses.

  • Shut off the valves. Place a towel and pan under the connections. Unscrew the nuts at both ends. Install new braided stainless hoses. Hand-tighten, then snug a quarter turn. Use the washers that come with the new hoses.
  • Good: No drips when the washer runs. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Connections will not seal—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The wall valves will not shut off.
  • The washer inlet connections are stripped.
  • You see water behind the wall.

Do not force fittings—you can damage the pipes. Replace hoses every 5 years to prevent bursts. For other plumbing fixes, see Fix a washing machine that leaks or How to unclog a drain.

Verification

  • No drips at the wall or washer when the machine runs a full cycle.
  • Both hot and cold hoses are secure.
  • No water on the floor behind the washer.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why do washing machine hoses leak?
Common causes: loose connections at the wall or washer, worn rubber washers, or a cracked or bulging hose. Rubber hoses degrade over time; braided stainless hoses are more durable and resist bursting.
Can I fix a washing machine hose leak myself?
Yes. Most hose leaks are fixable by tightening the connections or replacing the hoses. Shut off both supply valves first. If the wall valves will not shut off, call a plumber.
When should I call a plumber for a washer hose leak?
Call a plumber if the wall valves will not shut off, the connections are stripped, or you see water behind the wall. Do not force fittings—you can damage the pipes.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to