What Is a Water Supply Line?
A water supply line is the short flexible connector running from a fixture shutoff valve to a fixture such as a faucet, toilet, or washing machine. Most modern supply lines are braided stainless steel over a rubber or plastic core. They are among the most common causes of household water damage because they fail suddenly, at full pressure, and often while nobody is home.
Why they fail
The braided stainless outer sleeve looks permanent, but the failure point is usually the crimp where the braid meets the fitting, or the inner rubber core degrading with age. Neither is visible from outside, which is why supply lines fail without warning.
The consequence is disproportionate. A failed supply line releases water at full pressure continuously. If it happens while the household is at work or on holiday, the result is one of the most common large water damage claims there is.
The maintenance nobody does
Replace braided supply lines every five to ten years, and immediately if you see corrosion, kinking, or rust at the crimp. The parts cost a few dollars each and the job takes minutes with the stop valve closed.
Washing machine hoses deserve particular attention because they are under constant pressure and often behind an appliance nobody moves. Steel-braided washing machine hoses, or a lever valve that gets closed when travelling, are cheap insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How often should supply lines be replaced?
Every five to ten years as routine maintenance, and immediately at any sign of corrosion or kinking. This is one of the cheapest ways to prevent a major water damage claim, and almost nobody does it until after the first failure.
Are plastic supply lines acceptable?
Plain plastic supply lines are legal in many jurisdictions but are the least durable option and fail more readily. Braided stainless costs marginally more and is a clear improvement. For washing machines specifically, use hoses rated for that application.
See also
Related services
- Emergency Fixture Repair and InstallationRepair and replacement of faucets, shutoff valves, supply lines, garbage disposals, and other fixtures, including failed connections that leak.
- Emergency Burst Pipe RepairA burst pipe releases water continuously until the supply is shut off. Emergency repair covers isolation, pipe section replacement, and pressure testing.
- Emergency Leak DetectionNon-invasive location of hidden water leaks behind walls, under floors, and beneath slabs using acoustic, thermal, and pressure testing equipment.