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Washing Machine Water Supply Shutoff

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

Use this guide to isolate the water supply to a washing machine before uninstalling it, investigating a leak, or working on the inlet hose. Most washing machines have one cold power supply water feed hose, but some installations also have a hot water feed hose. This guide covers machines next to a sink, machines with a tap behind them, and machines that must be isolated at the power supply stopcock.

  1. Edit

    • Turn off the washing machine before you work around the water supply.

    • Unplug the washing machine if the plug and floor are dry enough to reach safely.

    • Don't touch a plug, outlet, or switch with wet hands or while standing in water.

    • Most washing machines have one cold power supply water feed hose, but some installations may also have a hot water feed hose.

    • If the machine has both hot and cold feed hoses, shut off both supplies.

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  2. Edit

    • If the washing machine is next to a sink, clear the space under the sink so you can see the pipework.

    • Identify the washing machine drainage hose and the power supply inlet water feed hose.

    • Look for the cold water feed with a blue tap fitted to it.

    • The drainage hose carries used water away from the washing machine and isn't the supply hose.

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  3. Edit

    • Turn the blue tap 90 degrees to shut off the cold water supply to the washing machine.

    • The tap should only turn one way from the open position.

    • Do not force a stiff tap, as old taps that haven't moved for a long time may be hard to turn.

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  4. Edit

    • If the washing machine isn't next to a sink, pull the washing machine out far enough to access the back.

    • Move the washing machine slowly so you don't stretch, kink, or pull the hoses.

    • Look behind the washing machine for the same type of water supply tap on the inlet hose.

    • Turn the rear tap 90 degrees to shut off the water supply.

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  5. Edit

    • Use the power supply stopcock if you can't find the washing machine water feed hose or its local shutoff tap.

    • Be aware that closing the power supply stopcock may turn off the water to the whole property.

    • Locate the power supply stopcock before a plumbing emergency so you can shut off the water quickly.

    • Turn the power supply stopcock clockwise to turn the water off.

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  6. Edit

    • Turn the under sink or rear washing machine tap 90 degrees back to restore the water feed.

    • Open the power supply stopcock fully if you used it to shut off the water.

    • Check around the hose connections for leaks after the water supply is restored.

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  7. Edit

    • After opening the power supply stopcock fully, turn it back slightly.

    • This helps stop the stopcock from jamming over time if it isn't used often.

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Conclusion

The washing machine water supply is now isolated or restored. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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