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View Full Version : How do I fix a leaking washing machine valve?


kwyche
Sep 11, 2010, 09:34 AM
The water is leaking from the valve where the hose connects to the water supply, not from the machine. Where the knob for cold and hot water come from. What do I do to fix this?

ballengerb1
Sep 11, 2010, 09:47 AM
Shut off that knob and remove the hose, check and/or replace the rubber washer and reinstall.

speedball1
Sep 11, 2010, 10:19 AM
If it's leaking from the hose connection replace the washer and if that doesn't help replace the hose. If it's the faucet leaking from somewhere else let us know. Good luck, tom

massplumber2008
Sep 11, 2010, 11:45 AM
Hi guys...

I'm going to take another approach here as I think that Kwyche is actually talking about a single handle washing machine valve because he/she mentioned the knob in the valve.

kwyche, if your single handle washing machine valve is leaking at the turn on/off knob then you cannot just fix this. You will need to buy a replacement valve and replace the unit entirely.

It is not so bad, however, because you can simply swap out the valve itself... no need to install new connections as you can use the old ones.

Go to home depot and see if you can pick up a matching washing machine valve (usually a WATTS or a SYMMONS brand... see images). If you find a matching unit then you'll only need to shut off the water supply to the valve, remove the hoses and unscrew the large screws on the valve. Pull the body of the valve off the pipes, remove the old washers, install new washers and then install the new valve body. Tighten the screws sequentially (alternate screwing in) and then attach hoses back and turn water on to test.

If you can't find a matching valve check with a local plumbing supply store. Hopefully, they have a matching valve. If no matching valve in your area then you will need to replace the entire unit... a bit more involved here!

That should be all you need to do.

While you are at the store, pick up a pair of stainless steel washing machine hoses. These hoses can't burst like the regular rubber hoses most machines use.

Let us know if this all sounds reasonable... OK?

Mark