Do washing machine hoses need screens?

Washing machine hoses connect your washing machine to the water supply in your home. The hoses allow water to flow into the washing machine for the wash and rinse cycles. After the clothes are clean, the hoses drain the dirty water out. Most washing machine hoses have screens installed at the ends that connect to the water supply valves and the washing machine. The screens help filter out sediment and debris in the water to prevent clogs and damage to the washing machine. But do new washing machine hoses really need screens? Let’s take a closer look.

What are washing machine hose screens?

Washing machine hose screens are small filters installed inside the ends of the hoses. They are usually made of plastic or metal and have small holes that allow water to flow through while catching solid particles like sand, grit, and minerals. The screens prevent this debris from entering the hoses and washing machine where it could clog valves, restrict water flow, and damage internal components.

There are a few different types of washing machine hose screens:

– Plastic mesh screens – These are the most common. They consist of a plastic mesh material that easily lets water flow through but traps sediment.

– Metal screens – Made of thin metal with small perforations. More durable than plastic screens.

– Spring screens – Coiled metal spring inside the hose end to catch particles while allowing water flow.

– Filter washers – Flat, circular plastic or metal discs with small holes that attach over the hose end.

Washing machine manufacturers recommend using hoses with built-in screens to protect the appliance from damage and ensure proper functioning. The screens are simple to install and most replacement washing machine hoses come with them already attached.

Are the screens necessary?

Washing machine hose screens are very important for protecting your washer. Here are some key reasons screens are recommended:

Prevent clogs

The number one reason to use hose screens is to prevent clogs. Small pieces of sediment and minerals can easily get caught in the washing machine’s inner workings and restrict water flow. Screens catch this debris before it enters the hoses. A clogged washing machine will not function properly.

Filter out sand and grit

Sand and grit are too large to pass through the screens. These abrasive particles can damage internal valves, pipes, and seals in a washing machine. The screens stop them from scouring these components.

Protect rubber seals

Rubber seals are used inside hoses and washing machines to prevent leaks. Sand and grit can wear down these seals over time. The screens help keep abrasive sediment away from the seals to increase their lifespan.

Prevent mineral buildup

Mineral deposits from hard water can slowly build up inside washing machine components and hoses. Screens help filter out these minerals to reduce scale accumulation over time.

Saves money on repairs

Clogged and damaged washing machines are expensive to repair. Installing washing machine hose screens provides inexpensive protection against sediment damage, saving you money over your appliance’s lifetime.

Extend washer lifespan

By keeping debris away from internal components, washing machine hose screens help prevent premature wear and damage. This can add years to your washing machine’s lifespan.

Are there any downsides to the screens?

Washing machine hose screens come with virtually no downsides. They are inexpensive to install, generally costing $3-$8. The only potential drawback is a minor reduction in water flow.

– Slightly reduced water flow – The fine screens can slow down the water slightly as it passes through. This minor reduction in flow is unnoticeable during the wash cycle.

– Must be cleaned periodically – Sediment may gradually clog the screens over time, requiring them to be removed and cleaned. This maintenance is simple and infrequent.

– Installation takes a few minutes – Attaching the screens to the hoses adds a brief step when connecting your washer.

Overall, the benefits of using washing machine hose screens far outweigh these minor inconveniences. The added protection is well worth a few extra minutes during installation.

When should you install new screens?

Here are some instances when you should install new washing machine hose screens:

– Buying a new washing machine – Always use hoses with screens when installing a new washing machine.

– Replacing old hoses – Any time you replace the inlet or outlet hoses, install hoses with screens.

– Noticing reduced water flow – If your washer struggles to fill, the screens may be clogged. Replace them.

– Routine maintenance – Plan to replace washing machine screens every 2-3 years.

– Moving to a new home – Use hoses with screens when connecting your washer in a new residence. The plumbing system may contain debris that could enter the machine.

– After home repairs – Construction and plumbing repairs can loosen sediment in pipes. Update the screens afterwards.

– Hard water problems – In areas with hard water, mineral scale can clog the screens. Change them regularly.

Taking a few minutes to install new washing machine hose screens periodically is simple preventative maintenance.

How to install washing machine hose screens

Installing washing machine hose screens is a quick, straightforward process:

1. Turn off the water supply valves and drain the hoses. Use a bucket to catch any remaining water.

2. Disconnect the old hoses from the washer and faucet. Check that the screen washers are not stuck inside the machine or valve. Remove them if needed.

3. Clean mineral deposits or debris from the valve and machine inlet. Use vinegar or lime scale remover and scrub with a toothbrush if needed.

4. Slide new washers with screens over the ends of the new hoses. Push the washers fully into the hose ends.

5. Attach the screened end of one hose to the cold water supply valve. Tighten by hand, then give an extra 1/4 turn with pliers.

6. Connect the other hose’s screened end to the hot water supply valve. Tighten securely.

7. Attach the open hose ends to the corresponding hot and cold inlet ports on the back of the washer. Make sure to match hot to hot and cold to cold.

8. Turn on the water slowly and check for leaks. Tighten any leaking connections with pliers.

9. Flush water through the hoses to rinse out any loose sediment.

10. Run a wash cycle to verify full water flow and check for leaks.

The screens should let water flow normally while filtering out any particles. Your washing machine is now protected from damaging debris. Remember to replace the screens every few years.

Signs your washing machine screens need cleaning

Washing machine hose screens can become clogged over time. Here are a few signs that your screens need to be cleaned or replaced:

– Reduced water flow – It takes longer to fill the washing machine tub.

– Clothing not rinsing well – Detergent and dirt residue remain on clothes.

– Grinding noises – You hear grinding from sediment stuck in the inlet valves.

– Leaking hoses – Debris has damaged the seals, causing leaks.

– Error codes – Clogged screens trigger error codes and the machine stops working.

– Musty smells – Sediment builds up in the hoses, causing mildew odors.

– Inlet valves stuck open – The screens are completely clogged, preventing valves from closing.

Regularly inspect your washing machine hoses by disconnecting them from the faucet and washer. Check the screens for debris buildup. Flush the hoses with water to clear out any sediment. Catch the water in a bucket to prevent a mess.

Replace the screens if flushing does not restore full water flow. Over time, the screens get compressed and must be replaced. Catching clogged screens early prevents washer damage.

Removing washing machine screens for cleaning

To clean debris from clogged washing machine hose screens:

1. Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves. Drain the hoses into a bucket.

2. Disconnect the hoses from the washer and water supply. Remove them completely.

3. Locate the circular screen washers inside the ends of the hoses. You may need to squeeze the hoses ends to push out the washers.

4. Rinse the screen washers and inside of the hoses under running water. Scrub away any debris with an old toothbrush.

5. Shake the hoses and tap the screens on the counter to dislodge any trapped sediment.

6. Rinse the hoses and screens again until the water runs clear. Flush from both directions.

7. If the screens remain clogged, replace them with new ones.

8. Secure the clean screen washers back into the ends of the hoses. Reconnect the hoses and turn on the water.

Always shut off the water valves before removing washing machine hoses. Regularly cleaning or replacing the screens will maximize your washer’s performance and lifespan.

Alternative washing machine filter options

While internal washing machine hose screens are the most effective filter method, here are a couple alternative options:

External filter housing

Special filter housings can be installed along the washing machine’s water supply lines. These contain replaceable sediment filters that trap debris. However, they are more expensive and time consuming to install than standard hose screens.

Faucet-mounted screens

Small external screens can attach directly to faucets with quick connects. They filter water at the point of use. However, they only protect the faucet itself, not the entire washing machine. Separate hose screens still recommended.

Whole house filter

A whole house water filtration system cleans all the water entering a home. They provide complete protection but have a high upfront cost. Washing machine hose screens are a more economical solution.

Self-cleaning inlet valves

Some washing machines have inlet valves designed to flush out debris internally. However, they are less reliable than a physical filter screen and often fail prematurely when clogged.

Ultimately, simple washing machine hose screens give the best protection against sediment at the lowest cost. They are quick to install and easy to maintain with proper cleaning.

Conclusion

Installing washing machine hose screens is a smart preventative maintenance step. The fine mesh screens filter out sand, grit, and mineral particles that could damage washing machine components. Screens help prevent clogged valves, leaks, and other costly repairs. They also improve washing performance by allowing full, unrestricted water flow during the wash and rinse cycles.

While a minor reduction in water pressure may occur, it is negligible during normal operation. The benefit of protecting the machine far outweighs any slight loss of flow rate.

Hose screens are inexpensive to install when buying replacement hoses. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully. With proper installation, the screens should function trouble-free for years. But remember to clean or replace them every 2-3 years to maintain effectiveness. Catching a clogged screen before it causes failure can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Overall, washing machine hose screens provide valuable protection against debris for a very small investment. They are a smart upgrade that pays for itself over time by extending the lifespan of your clothes washer. The simple preventative measure helps you avoid costly washer repairs down the road.