When installing or replacing the hoses that connect your washing machine to the water supply, you may come across fittings that seem to tighten “backwards.” This often leads to the question – are washing machine hoses reverse threaded?
The short answer is yes, washing machine hoses use reverse, or “left-hand” threads on the hose fittings. This is done intentionally by the manufacturers.
Why Use Reverse Threads?
Washing machines have a lot of vibration and movement during the wash cycles. Using reverse threads reduces the chance that fittings will vibrate loose over time.
The vibration tends to tighten regular threads, so reverse threads avoid this issue. It’s a simple but clever solution.
Hose Threading Explained
To understand why reverse threads are used, it helps to understand how threads work in general.
Threading Creates a Tight Seal
The spiral ridges or “threads” inside a fitting allow it to screw tightly onto the matching threads on a pipe, hose, or other connector:
This creates a water-tight seal to prevent leaks.
Different Types of Threading
There are a few standard thread sizes and shapes used for different purposes:
- Straight threads are the most common, used on bolts, screws, etc. They tighten normally by turning clockwise.
- Tapered threads get wider towards the opening of the fitting. This makes the seal tighter as they are screwed in.
- Left-handed or reverse threads tighten towards the left instead of normal righty-tighty.
Washing machine hoses can use straight or tapered threads, but will always be reverse threaded.
Why Reverse Threads Work For Appliance Hoses
When a washing machine runs, there is a lot of vibration energy moving the machine and its hoses around.
With standard threads, this vibration could loosen the fittings over time. Reverse threading prevents that.
Here’s why:
The vibration tends to turn fittings clockwise – tightening regular threads even more, while loosening reverse threads.
Reverse threads are essentially self-locking since any vibration just makes them tighter rather than rattling them loose. No leaks!
Identifying and Working With Reverse Threads
Now that you know why washing machine hoses need reverse threads, how do you work with them in practice?
Recognizing and fitting reverse-threaded fittings takes some adjustment if you’re used to standard threads.
Thread Direction Icons
To identify threading, check fittings for a directional arrow icon:
The arrows indicate which way the fitting needs to be turned to tighten or loosen.
Turn Left (Counter-Clockwise) to Tighten
It’s normal to expect righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. But with reverse threads, remember:
- Turn left/counter-clockwise to tighten the connection
- Turn right/clockwise to loosen the fitting
This takes some getting used to, but it keeps the hose fittings snugly sealed.
Use Two Wrenches
When tightening or removing reverse-threaded fittings, use two wrenches – one to stop the nut, the other to turn the fitting. This avoids putting excess strain on the hoses.
Two wrenches give better control and protect the hoses during installation.
Reverse Threads Keep Things Flowing
And there you have it – washing machine hoses may have “backwards” reverse threads, but this actually makes them less likely to leak.
The threads tighten left instead of right to stand up to vibration while keeping a snug seal. Just remember reverse-direction icons, turn left/counter-clockwise to tighten, and use two wrenches for good control.
Understanding how reverse threads work makes installing washing machine hoses much easier!
References
Wikipedia, Threads – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw_thread
HomeTips, Reverse Threads – https://hometips.com/repair-fix/reverse-threads.html
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.