Inlet hose for a washing machine: which is better, aquastop function, hose replacement

Any automatic machine must be connected to the water supply system of a house or apartment: for this, a special inlet hose for a washing machine is used. A tap must be installed between it and the system in order to quickly shut off the flow of water in emergencies or for carrying out preventive maintenance. Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace a hose that has become unusable due to a broken shell, a leak, a broken fastening nut or other important part. You have to buy a new water supply hose, and here various surprises await the user. To purchase a truly reliable product, you need to know its types, as well as the approximate cost.

Design features

The inlet hose is needed to connect the washing machine (they are also suitable for dishwashers) to the pipe through which the water supply is carried out. A high-quality tube is a guarantee of the absence of any leaks. Therefore, after the next wash, you will not find puddles in the bathroom all over the floor and will not have to pay for repairs to the neighbors’ apartment below.

A device for connecting a washing machine to a water supply pipe is made from polyvinyl chloride. For additional strength, manufacturers add nylon braid or reinforced threads to the design.

At both ends of the hose there are fittings and nuts made of plastic. Also, for a more stable connection of the device, pressed metal sleeves must be present near the nuts.

When choosing an inlet hose, consider the distance from the washing machine to the water supply pipe

The manufacturer applies a marking on each hose indicating the maximum permissible water pressure - most often this figure is 20 Bar.

Attention! It is best to tighten the plastic nuts on both ends of the hose by hand. If you use metal tools, they may crack.

Causes of hose failure

As a rule, the device is included with the product and for a long period of time, due to its service life, it regularly performs its functions. The malfunction most often depends on improper operation of the washing machine: not all washing machine owners make it a rule to turn off the water supply tap after washing. This simple failure to follow the operating instructions for the equipment results in early wear of the inlet hose. This happens because in the intervals between washes it remains under the pressure of the water main. Malfunctions can also occur when:

PVC layers are made from low quality raw materials: sand is added to it.
The appearance of breaks in the reinforcing braid made of polyester thread.
Poor quality compression of the compression sleeve.

Types of inlet hoses

When buying a washing machine, we rarely look at the quality of the additional elements that come with it. Problems arise only during connection or after several years of using the household device. Let's look at the main types of inlet hoses:

A simple rubber water pipe. The most inexpensive option of questionable quality.
Reinforced inlet hose. In order for the hose to last for a long time, manufacturers reinforce it with an outer layer of stainless steel and nylon braid. A more durable type of device, but does not guarantee 100% protection against leaks.
A double tube, most often made of rubber, but with an Aquastop system. The tube additionally has a knob with powder or a valve. When a rupture occurs, water arriving through the Aquastop system is blocked - the valve closes or the powder swells. It only works once - after an emergency operation it has to be thrown away, but this can save you from enormous material damage.

Inlet hose for a washing machine with Aquastop - reliable protection against leaks

After the failure of the old hose and overcoming the problems that resulted from this incident (damage to property, disgruntled neighbors, financial expenses), it is better to give preference to higher quality types of hoses. Choose models with the Aquastop system or reinforced ones.

Also in stores you can buy hoses with adjustable or constant length:

hoses with a fixed length of up to 5 m, with already existing fittings;
corrugated tubes that stretch - with them you can vary the distance from the device to the water supply pipes;
tubes in a coil are an option for those who want to install the washing machine at a large distance from the pipes (its length is up to 10 m).

Each well-advertised manufacturer of washing machines and dishwashers produces spare hoses for their own models of household appliances. By giving preference to well-known brands, you will protect yourself from low-quality goods and counterfeits.

Drain hose

The drain hose is designed to drain waste water from the washing machine.

Types of hoses

The water drain hose from the washing machine is made of polypropylene. At the ends of the hose there are fittings for connecting the device.

The following types of hoses can be purchased in stores:

standard hose of a certain length. Manufacturers produce hoses with lengths from 1 m to 5 m;

Regular drain hose for household appliances

telescopic hose. The corrugated hose can be stretched to the desired length. This eliminates the possibility of unnecessary kinks. The main disadvantage of a telescopic hose is its susceptibility to blockages, since the inner surface of the hose is also corrugated.

Drain hose, stretchable to desired length

Main selection criteria

In a plumbing store or in a household appliances supermarket that sells tubes for connecting washing machines, pay attention to the main characteristics of the inlet hoses:

Length. You can place the washing machine in any place desired by the owner. Only the length of the tube for supplying water to the device must correspond to the distance from it and to the water supply pipe. Manufacturers offer hoses 1-5 m long. The tube should not be in a very tense position, but it also does not need to be twisted into rings. The length of its service life depends on this. Pre-calculate the required length.
The internal pressure that the hose can withstand. Limit standards are indicated on the label. It is almost impossible to find out the exact water pressure in the pipes - it changes often, so it is better to purchase devices with some reserve. For apartment residents, a hose with a possible working pressure of 20 bar is suitable, but for owners of private houses it is better to choose tubes with a higher value.

Maximum temperature. The inlet hose must withstand the temperature not only of cold water (that which comes from the pipes), but also of the hot water that appears during operation of the washing machine. The maximum is 90 degrees in the “Boiling” mode, but most manufacturers sell hoses with a thermal holding temperature of 100 degrees. Only the cheapest models can melt when exposed to very hot water.

Choosing a high-quality inlet hose is the key to your peace of mind and safety. When purchasing, pay attention to the type of devices presented, their length and the temperature and water pressure they can withstand. After making the right choice, you will not have any problems with connecting and subsequently operating the washing machine.

What else is important to know when choosing a product

The most popular models include flexible, reinforced inlet hoses. The material used to make drain hoses for washing machines is heat-resistant EPDM rubber, placed in a nylon polymer braid. A drain hose of this type, with an operating pressure not exceeding 20 atmospheres, can easily withstand temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius.

Thanks to the use of a small layer of a substance called polyvinyl chloride in the manufacture of the water drain hose, it is very convenient to use and sanitary cleaning. Chrome-plated polyester threads are added to the nylon braid, so units with such drainage devices look great in bathrooms with chrome fittings.

When purchasing an inlet hose, make sure that the reinforced reinforced film is not damaged or breaks. In addition, it must have a well-compressed compression sleeve. Be careful when choosing exactly the product model that will fit your washing machine.

Types of inlet hose

Inlet hoses for a washing machine have a very simple design. At the base of the inlet hose there is a small polyvinyl chloride pipe, which is reinforced with reinforced thread, as well as nylon braid. This filling device consists of several layers, which allows us to hope for its strength - they have sufficient resistance to rupture and are ready to withstand high water pressure.

At the end, the filling hoses are reinforced with metal sleeves, fittings and nuts are visible from it. One fitting is screwed to the washing machine, the second to the water pipe. Fittings and nuts are made of plastic. They are not particularly strong, so they are tightened by hand rather than with a wrench - this will save them from damage.

This design of the inlet hose is very common - this is how they come in the set with the washing machine. Usually they have a certain length. When the washing machine is not installed near the water supply, an extended inlet hose will be needed to supply water. These tubes can be purchased separately; the length of such a hose varies from 1 to 6 m. If necessary, the length can be made larger by connecting two or more inlet hoses using connectors.

FUM - tape can be used to seal the joints to avoid water leakage. However, it is better to exclude such connections, since they cannot be called reliable.

Is it possible to disassemble the inlet hoses for washing machines? Of course you can do this. However, it is recommended to throw out a damaged inlet hose and buy a replacement. This way you will avoid possible leaks during water supply - new inlet hoses are, of course, more reliable and have serviceable fittings, which is not to say about an old hose that has been repaired.

See also -

Why doesn’t water flow into the washing machine - what to do?

Hose device

The water supply device has a simple design: the base is a polyvinyl chloride tube, which is reinforced with reinforced thread and nylon braid. The product can withstand pressure drops in the water supply system and has decent tensile strength.

There are special fittings on both ends of the device for connection to the plumbing system. The fittings are secured with plastic nuts, the length of the hose varies between 1-5 meters. If the machine is installed at a distance from the water supply system, then the connecting device is purchased in the longest possible length.

Expert advice! When connecting, do not put in much effort or use tools: do everything with your hands. Remember that fittings and nuts are made of plastic and can be easily broken.

For reliability and elimination of leaks, you can use a special tape to seal the connections. If the filling device is faulty, there is no need to repair it. Buy a new one of better quality, this will protect yourself from troubles.

Inlet hose with Aquastop

A design that is protected against leaks is called Aquastop. The simple hoses mentioned above can break - this happens due to natural wear and tear. If there are water leaks, you can easily flood your neighbors. Hoses with the Aquastop system neutralize this possibility.

A hose with an Aquastop protection block is a design where 1 tube goes inside the second. There is a special material between them; when water gets on it, it swells, which triggers the protection valve, which shuts off the water. The system operates as follows:

normal mode - water flows through the internal, main inlet hose;
if it is damaged (rupture or slow leakage), water acts on the swelling material;
the material swells and the valve is activated, shutting off the water, leaving the floor in the building dry.

These hoses are more expensive than classic hoses, but they provide a guarantee of protection against possible leaks. It also happens that the washing machine, even when not working, produces water, in which case the hose with the AquoStop system will not help you.

Aquastop

All materials age over time, and even the most durable washing machine hose can break over time, flooding your neighbors. There is a way out: immediately buy a reinforced product with the Aquastop system to eliminate such a misunderstanding.

The UDI valve is located inside, it copes with the problem in a matter of seconds. In appearance, this is an ordinary device, only it has a build-up on the side where the hose is connected to the water supply: there is a cunning system that blocks the flow of water in the event of a break. The body of the aquastop device is made of stainless steel, which protects it from mechanical damage.

The system reacts sensitively to a drop in pressure, instantly cutting off the water supply. When testing the protection unit, they deliberately cut the hose with a sharp knife, but the water was turned off within a second, so the flood did not happen.

Aquastop works according to the following principle:

In normal mode, water is supplied through the internal, main supply channel.
When damage occurs, water acts on the special material surrounding the main product, as a result it swells sharply. The valve is activated, shutting off the flow of water from the water supply, and the floor remains almost dry.

These devices differ from classic ones in a higher price, which varies between 500-600 rubles, but they provide a full guarantee against leaks.

There is an Aquastop system based on a powder valve to prevent small leaks when the water supply hose is damaged, but it costs three times more. Unlike the UDI valve, this system is disposable and cannot protect you from sudden breaks. However, everyone decides for themselves what protection to use to ensure safety.

Incorrect position of inlet hoses

It is important that it is located in the correct position relative to the connections to the water supply, as well as to the washing machine. The plastic part of the inlet hose located inside must be correctly positioned under the rubber gasket. When twisted, it should exert equal pressure on the gasket on each side. In a place with the lowest pressure during water supply, a water leak can form.

If water leaks for this reason, then it is enough that you position the inlet hose correctly and tighten the joints a little more tightly.

Criteria for choosing a quality drain hose

It is better to choose washing machine models equipped with aquastop, which is necessary for additional protection of the washing machine from leaks. An aquastop is a reusable mechanical device with a regeneration function, which is installed between the inlet hose and the tap. The principle of operation of the valve, called the auto-stop, is very simple. It is based on the pressure difference before it (from the apartment water supply tap to the valve) and after it.

The valve has two operating modes:

Standard, or serviceable, when water passes through it freely before draining.
Emergency, arising from breaks. In this case, the valve automatically operates and stops the flow of water in the direction of the leak.

If the valve is triggered, turn off the tap supplying water and eliminate the cause of the accident, which may include the following:

if it is necessary to replace the sealing gasket;
replacing the drain hose or its damaged section or flexible connection.

Having corrected the problem, turn the aquastop off until it makes a characteristic click. Then the valve is reset and the water supply tap is opened.

Connecting the inlet hose to washing machines

To connect the inlet hose to the washing machine, you need to make sure it is connected to the water supply. In this place, a tee and shut-off valve are installed; a plastic nut and fitting are screwed to the tee. As a rule, during the entire period of using the washing machine, these operations will not have to be constantly performed, as well as replacing the drain hose.

Professionals advise additionally installing a mechanical filter along with the insert that purifies the water (in addition to the mesh that is already installed at the entrance to the machine). Due to this, the washing machine will be protected from dirt penetration. The filter is placed behind the tee, in front of the filling tube.

What to do if the washing machine is not installed near a water supply? In such a situation, several inlet hoses can be connected in series. However, a better solution is to lay an additional plastic pipe to the installation site of the machine - thus, the chance to avoid leaks is higher. Accordingly, shut-off taps are in any case installed at the point of connection to the main water supply.

When connecting plastic pipes, it is recommended to use the appropriate tool. After the washing machine is running, it is necessary to shut off the access of water to the machine.

How to properly tighten the inlet hose? Some users do this with great force, but do not do this - there is a high probability of damaging the nuts made of plastic. You need to tighten them manually, without using tools or other improvised means that increase the effort. It is only necessary to make a tight connection, where the nut will not unscrew, and the connection itself will not allow water leaks.

Incorrect position

When connecting a filling device, the main task is to ensure a high-quality supply of water to the washing machine. To do this, the hose must be in the only correct position, without tension or kinks. Plastic fittings should not pinch the rubber gasket, but should have the same effect on the connection to the machine and the water supply.

If after installation, drops appear from under the connection, turn off the water supply and make the connection again - the gasket may have been clamped misaligned.

Professional plumbers say that it is better to connect the hose to the washing machine once and reliably than to make expensive repairs from the neighbors below.

Before the filling system, some users install a mechanical filter that will prevent small particles from entering the machine, although the design of the machine implies the presence of a special similar device. This is done in order to double the security.

In conclusion, advice from a professional: if the machine is installed at a distance from the water supply system of more than 3 meters, make a branch from a metal-plastic pipe. It is hundreds of times more reliable than any durable hose. Make further connections in the same way as the tips written earlier.

Characteristics

Simple hose

The inlet hose for a modern washing machine has a simple design - a polyvinyl chloride pipe, reinforced with reinforced thread and braided on top with nylon. The ends are equipped with plastic nuts and fittings: straight - for connection to the water supply system, angular - for connection to the washing machine. Experienced plumbers, due to the fragility of the material, recommend that work on connecting to the water supply system be carried out manually, and the joints be additionally sealed with FUM tape.

The nuts have a standard thread size of ¾ inch. The length of the hoses included in the standard kit varies from 1 to 6 meters. If you need to connect to the water supply at a greater distance, you will have to extend the hose by connecting several sections using special connectors.

Thanks to its reinforcement, a standard inlet hose can withstand pressure up to 4 bar, is resistant to bending and kink, but still does not guarantee the absence of ruptures. Water flows into the car under significant pressure, and damage to the hose during its supply threatens to flood your and your neighbors’ apartments.

Therefore, prudent owners prefer to play it safe and, in order to eliminate the risk of flooding, buy a leak-proof inlet hose equipped with the AquaStop system.

Inlet hoses for SMA - automatic washing machine.

“>SMA with full protection against leaks is much more stable - they can withstand up to 70 atmospheres of pressure. The principle of their operation is based on 2 factors: the use of a double PVC pipe and the presence of a safety valve that shuts off the water supply in emergency cases.

A hose with the Aquastop system is a tube with another one of smaller diameter placed inside it. Water is supplied precisely through it. If the main hose tube is damaged, water flows into the inter-wall space, which triggers the protection.

The shut-off valve is located at the junction of the machine with the pipes and is a block filled with a special material - an absorbent. Under the influence of water, it will begin to expand and, depending on the type of protection, will either completely block the inner diameter of the hose tube, thereby clogging it, or switch the fuse, which will close the supply valve.

Important! This is how disposable systems work. After an emergency, they must be replaced!

Full protection

More advanced hose models are equipped with a valve with an electromagnetic sensor controlled by the microcontroller of the washing machine itself. This design will not allow leaks even in cases where damage occurs at the base of the hose inserted inside the device. The outer shell will prevent external leakage: leaked liquid will accumulate in the pan, which is equipped with a sensitive float.

When the sensor is triggered, the microcontroller will send a signal to the protection valve control unit, which will shut off the water. This protection option is implemented in almost all expensive models of washing machines of popular brands (BEKO, Bosch, LG, Siemens, Electrolux, etc.).

I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

Should I take it or not?

Of course, leak-proof hoses differ from standard ones in price - the price is several times higher. However, renovating your own and someone else’s apartment is much more expensive. So is it worth saving today and spending money on unscheduled repairs tomorrow, or is it better to protect yourself from possible troubles? The answer is obvious.

Inlet hoses with AquaStop protection are far from an exclusive product. You can buy them in Moscow or another city in Russia at any household appliance store, including chain stores - M-Video, Eldorado, Technosila and others like them.

Finally, we note that dishwashers use similar hoses. The diameter is completely compatible.

Hose with aquastop for dishwasher

A dishwasher is often sold with drain and fill hoses that are designed to connect to the utilities. To eliminate the possibility of leaks, the equipment is equipped with a protection system. A dishwasher hose with Aquastop is a good choice for those who want to protect their kitchen from flooding. In world practice, many types of protection used are called Aqua-Stop.

Purpose

You can reduce the likelihood of a leak by using a special hose equipped with the Aqua-Stop system. A similar inlet hose for a dishwasher is practically no different from a standard one; the difference lies in the use of special materials and the installation of an element that shuts off the water supply if a leak occurs. The purpose is as follows:

Leak protection. A malfunctioning dishwasher can lead to a minor leak that will cause the room to fill with water.
Automatic flow shut-off. The appearance of a leak leads to the fact that the protective device is activated without human intervention.
Ensuring reliable operation of the equipment in question.

Modern dishwashers are completely protected from leaks. Manufacturers not only install an inlet hose with Aquastop, but also supply the machine body with a special tray with an electromechanical device. An integrated approach to protection allows you to achieve better results. The device works as follows:

For various reasons, a leak occurs inside the dishwasher.
The installed tray at the bottom of the structure is filled.
When completely filled, a device is activated that closes the electrical target and shuts off the water.

How to choose

There are a large number of water hoses on sale with the protection system in question. When choosing, you should pay attention to the type of material used in the manufacture of the hose. It will depend on:

Product reliability. Some materials can withstand mechanical stress and high pressure.
Duration of operation. Modern polymers can last for several decades.
Possibility of use in certain conditions.
Protection from environmental influences.
Flexibility. Some hoses have to be routed in corners. In this case, it is recommended to use materials with high flexibility.

When choosing a hose for connecting a dishwasher, you should also pay attention to the system that was used in the manufacture of the Aquastop valve. The classification is as follows:

Mechanical devices are practically not used when connecting modern equipment. This is due to the fact that it does not provide the required reliability against leaks in comparison with other options. The only advantage is the low cost of the product.
Absorbent ones are installed more often than others. Their peculiarity lies in the use of a special material that changes its shape upon contact with water. The advantages are quick response and reliability, but after a leak the entire hose will have to be replaced.
Electromechanical systems can be called a modern proposal, which has the highest efficiency in application. Compactness, fast response, reliability, and reusability are the main advantages of the model. However, high cost determines low popularity.

A variety of companies are involved in the production of hoses with the system in question. Brand awareness determines that the stated parameters will correspond to the actual ones.

About hose manufacturers

Uglich Polymer Plant is the largest Russian manufacturer of PVC hoses. Before entering the consumer market, TUBOFLEX products from this plant undergo domestic and global certification for compliance with the European standard. Drain hoses are produced on the latest equipment using innovative technologies.

A distinctive feature of hoses from this manufacturer is their absolute environmental safety: when purchasing products from this manufacturer, you don’t have to worry that during washing your laundry will be “enriched” with impurities of heavy metals. This manufacturer, the only one in the Russian Federation, has a large laboratory for quality control of its products.

The hose for the washing machine is produced by domestic and foreign manufacturers. Among them are well-known companies:

Electrolux;
Factory RE-FLEX Srl (Italy)
Candy;
Indesit;
Bosch.

When caring about the quality of a device for removing water from a machine, you need to pay attention not only to the well-known brand of the manufacturer, but also to a number of parameters that will help ensure high-quality and uninterrupted operation of this part. There is no need to neglect the advice of specialists about replacing the water drain hose once every 3-5 years, because too long a service life leads to PVC drying out and loss of elasticity. The washing machine siphon should also be kept clean. Most often, when the siphon is clogged, the washing machine does not drain water.

The choice of products on the consumer market in this area will satisfy any consumer demand. On sale are products that meet European and world quality standards, the requirements of bathroom interiors and design features. It is important to remember the simple requirements for the operation of products of this type in order to enjoy the operation of household appliances for a long time without repairs or accidents.

How to connect

You can install the dishwasher yourself; this requires a small set of tools. The step-by-step instructions are as follows:

The water supply is cut off. When creating a water supply system, a tap is often installed in close proximity to the equipment. Due to it, you can shut off only one part of the water supply.
The old hose is unscrewed. If the dishwasher has been in use for a long time, a key will be required.
A new one is screwed in place of the old product. When choosing a hose, the diameter and type of thread are taken into account. Experts do not recommend using adapters, as they significantly reduce the reliability of the water supply system.
Insulating tape is used to improve the tightness of the connection. Aquastop for dishwashing equipment is often supplied with a plastic connecting element, which must be protected from mechanical impact.
After work, check the tightness of the connection. Do not use a dishwasher even if a few drops appear on the connecting element.

If you install an electromagnetic system, you need to connect the plug to the leak detection sensor. There are no problems with this, since the inlet is located at the fill valve. It is difficult to connect a dishwasher if the hoses are not long enough, since the Aquastop system should not be connected with a large number of connections.

Possible malfunctions and their elimination

The dishwasher's aqua-stop should work quickly. The first sign that the system has worked is the absence of water when the device is turned on. Many dishwasher models display an error that indicates there is no connection to a water source. If it is missing, then you should do the following procedure:

The water supply is cut off.
The hose is unscrewed.
You should look inside the hose, there should be a valve located there.
When the valve is pressed tightly against the nut, there is no gap. This moment indicates that the valve has actuated.

In some cases, there is no water supply due to a malfunction. It can be solved in several ways, which are selected depending on the design features of the system. Possible malfunctions are as follows:

The appearance of corrosion due to the use of non-corrosion-resistant material in the manufacture of the product. It causes decreased valve patency and other problems.
Displacement of the spring or electromagnetic element is associated with poor quality of valve manufacturing.
The appearance of defects due to mechanical stress. In some cases, an impact can cause a change in the shape of the main element, the appearance of a crack or a dent. All this causes a decrease in the efficiency and reliability of the device.

Not all possible malfunctions can be eliminated; in some cases, the entire product must be replaced. Repair recommendations are as follows:

The hose is being dismantled.
The condition of the valve is viewed.
Using a screwdriver, you can adjust the position of the spring element.

In the event of a malfunction, it is recommended to replace the entire hose. The use of high-quality products ensures high safety of the premises from leakage. When purchasing a dishwasher, you should pay attention to which Aquastop system it comes with. If it is of a mechanical type, then the reliability of the leakage protection system will be low.