I have a build up of a metallic susbtance at the cold water intake trap that goes into the washing machine. I remove the hose, clean out the substance with q-tips, replace the hose and wait for the build up to appear again. I have replaced the hoses to the washing machine, have no build up at any other hoses other than the washing machine. What could be causing this build up. It slows the cold water intake down to a drip until I clean out the hose trap.

Is there mineral buildup on the areator screens,(have you checked?) If you have build up on one cold water branch you have it on all. City water or pump? Is the washer the first fixture that the cold watger enters as it enters the house? Back to you, tom

My husband is a potter. He throws his clothes in the washer with clumps of clay still on them. I think that clay will clog up the machine. Any info on this?

If it hasn't clogged the washer yet I wouldn't worry. The water will mix with the clay and pump it out. Are you on city sewer or a septic system? Let me know, Tom