Appliance Supply Line Inspection: A 10-Minute Home Check

Appliance supply line failures are one of the most common sources of water damage — and one of the most preventable, since worn lines usually show visible warning signs before they fail completely. A ten-minute walkthrough a couple of times a year catches most of them.

What to Check on Every Line

• Material and age. Rubber hoses degrade faster than braided stainless steel — if you have rubber supply lines older than five years, that's your highest-priority upgrade.
• Visible cracking or bulging. Any sign of wear on the hose itself means replacement, not "keep an eye on it."
• Connection points. Check for mineral buildup, corrosion, or dampness at both ends of the line.
• Kinks. A kinked line under constant pressure is a stress point that fails earlier than a straight run.

The Walkthrough

1. Washing machine: pull it out slightly and inspect both hot and cold hoses.
2. Dishwasher: check the supply line and drain hose where accessible, and the cabinet floor around it.
3. Refrigerator/ice maker: inspect the visible tubing behind the unit.
4. Water heater: check inlet and outlet connections, and the tank itself for corrosion.
5. Toilets: check the supply line and the wax ring seal at the base for any staining on the floor.
6. Under sinks: kitchen and every bathroom, checking supply lines and the trap connections.

When to Upgrade Proactively

Braided stainless steel supply lines cost only a little more than rubber and last significantly longer — a reasonable proactive upgrade for washing machines and toilets especially, given how much water those lines carry under constant pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions