Inspect Water Supply Lines

Check the flexible supply lines connecting your toilets, sinks, dishwasher, and washing machine for signs of wear, bulging, or corrosion before they burst.

Why it matters#

Supply line failures cause about $150 million in water damage annually in the U.S. and are one of the top five causes of homeowners insurance claims. A burst line at 650 gallons per hour can flood your home with 31,000 gallons over a weekend trip. These inexpensive lines are often overlooked until they fail—a quick inspection prevents disaster.

What you'll need#

Tools#

• Flashlight
• Bucket (to catch drips if disconnecting)

Materials#

• Replacement lines if needed ($5-15 each)

Steps#

1. Locate all supply lines#

Find supply lines behind and under: toilets (one line), bathroom sinks (two lines—hot and cold), kitchen sinks (two lines plus potentially dishwasher and ice maker), washing machine (two lines), and water heater (two lines).

2. Check for visible damage#

Look for bulging, bubbles, blisters, or ballooning in the line—these indicate the hose is about to fail. Check for cracks, discoloration, or any signs the outer covering is deteriorating.

3. Feel for problems#

Run your fingers along each line. Feel for bumps, soft spots, or areas that seem different from the rest of the hose. Pay attention to the ends near connections—that's where failure often starts.

4. Inspect connections for moisture#

Check where lines connect to shut-off valves and fixtures. Look and feel for dampness, mineral deposits, or rust stains—signs of slow leaks that precede failure.

5. Identify line types and ages#

Note what type you have: braided stainless steel (good), reinforced rubber (acceptable), plain rubber (replace soon). If lines are original to an appliance over 5 years old, replacement is wise even without visible damage.

6. Check clearance from walls#

Ensure washing machine lines have at least 4 inches between the machine and wall. Kinked lines fail faster. Hoses shouldn't be pinched, twisted, or stressed.

Pro tips#

• Replace all rubber washing machine hoses with braided stainless steel—they're much more burst-resistant and cost just $15-25 per pair
• Never run your washing machine or dishwasher when you're away from home or asleep—if a line bursts, you want to catch it immediately
• Turn off washing machine supply valves when leaving for extended trips; it takes 10 seconds and could save thousands

Warnings#

• If you see any bulging whatsoever, turn off the supply valve immediately and replace the line before using that fixture
• When checking lines behind appliances, don't stretch or stress them—you might cause the very failure you're trying to prevent

When to call a pro#

For inspection and replacement, this is almost always DIY-friendly—just turn off water, disconnect old line, connect new one. Call a plumber if supply valves are stuck or corroded (you'll need to turn them off to replace lines), or if you're uncomfortable working in tight spaces behind appliances.