I don't think that would work very well with all the vibration a washer has, even if coiled.

They sell flexible stainless steel (braided SS over plastic) washer hoses at the local hardware stores.

Is your concern about leaving the washer alone for extended periods of time or simply avoiding a water leak? Regus has the best solution through purchasing the stainless steel braided hosing sets, made for washers that are designed to withstand pressure (they too must be replaced over time). There are other means of safeguards such as automatic shutoffs at the hot and cold water hookups coming from the house and manual ones that are a single lever (single lever meaning that one lever controls both the hot and the cold) hookups that are fairly easy to install and turn off and on with a single throw when you are done using your washer. Rigid copper tubing would simply fatigue over time from constant movement and start to leak.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm familiar with the overall issue and valve shut-off's are a key component. Whether automatic or manual, they leave room for operator error or technical mis-application. Improved hoses, such as those covered with stainless braid offer some improvement, but their effectiveness has not been measured. Annealed copper tubing is not rigid, and would not burst like a hose could, but may still be unsuitable. I'm still interested in opinions or experiences.
Thanks!
Stuart

Stulan, even with all your bases covered, and a foolproof chain of safeguards, you are still at risk that the washing valve itself might fail and leak. I still do not clearly understand what is your ultimate goal? Have you thought about re-plumbing whatever structure you are applying this application to with a home-run system where you can ultimately control every facet of your plumbing?

What washing machine brand are you affixing these hoses to? What is your water pressure? Have you considered a drain base, and wall surround that will drain off any water leaks due to a failure (Floodsaver, as do others manufacturer them)?

F451, my goal here is simply to solicit feedback from any number of readers regarding the use of copper tubing for washer hook-ups. I'm not trying to empirically address the whole system in this thread.
Thanks!
Stuart

FloodSaver looks promising. I wonder how it works with a front-loader (Duet) that will be slid under a countertop.

Stulan, if you have any worries about hoses you can always visit a hose supplier and have custom hoses made to spec with hydraulically crimped fittings; hoses to withstand psi on a commercial/industrial level; hoses that will withstand extreme temperatures, cold or hot; hoses that will withstand UV, etc. I have had custom hoses made, and there is no equivalent as they are built to spec, but be prepared to pay the price. Cheers!

Not a hose expert, but these folks claim to make a better mousetrap.

Here is a link that might be useful: floodchek hose

Ditto FloodChek hoses. They do, indeed, make a superior product. I have them on both of my machines. Not too expensive and well-conceived and constructed. Get them with gooseneck connectors at each end to further relieve stress. Only disadvantage is having to order. Have not found at any retail outlet.

Under no circumstances connect with copper tubing. Washing machines shake, jiggle, and move. The connection your considering won't stand up. The fittings you'll have to install to accommodate it will add to the risk you're seeking to avoid. And it will be annoyingly inconvenient to install, uninstall, or service in any way.

pair of braided S/S hoses about $20

pair of 5' floodchek hoses $37.50 + $10.50 shipping

link below

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.safehomeproducts.com/shp2/sm/flood-chek.asp

FWIW-

None of this stuff is foolproof. Several years ago had a braided SS dishwasher hose (Fluidmaster brand) burst and create a micro-flood. It buldged and burst in the middle of the hose right through the SS braid. Hose was installed for about 7 years when it happened.

If the floodchek hose is really that much better as asolo says, and it's only an additional $30 it's an incredibly good value compared to any water damage you might ever get or even the cost of an insurance deductible. Also a single lever turn-off is good defense. At the end of the day you can only do the best you can and bad unexpected stuff happens and that's why you have insurance.

Best set-up is quality hose PLUS easy shut-off at the wall-supply. Look at your garden hose. Those hoses last longer if they're shut off at the bib, too. Most washers spend most of their time idle. I think solid valve shut-off far superior to pressurized hoses and depending on the machine's solenoid to hold everything in check.

Independent of that opinion, solid copper connection is a very poor choice for this application.

Whatever hoses and valves you use, IMO a "water bug" alarm is still a must. It won't prevent a mess, but it should alert you before it becomes a true flood.

> "a water bug alarm is still a must. It won't prevent a mess, but it should alert you before it becomes a true flood."

IF you're HOME.

"IF you're HOME."

And if you're not home, a water bug can also activate your home's alarm system.

If you don't have an alarm system, $10 for a standalone water bug still sounds like a pretty good investment.

You can go to an extreme to try to cover all bases. There are several whole house water cutoff devices that can be installed. Two that come to mind are the flologic and watercop automatic valves.

With these your remote water sensors can not only trigger an alarm code to your monitoring provider, but can also signal these devices to shut off all water to the house. With the right alarm (or more appropriately automation/security system) it could also take automated preemtive action and shut down the water line upon a power failure.

All of this depends on everything happening right. What if the water sensor contacts get real dirty and are covered with a good layer of sticky dust/dirt? Will it still trigger? If your sensor is battery powered, did you remember to change the batteries on a scheduled basis? Where the leak occurs, will enough water reach the sensor to have it tigger? Etc, etc...

The flologic seems interesting as it has some logic of it's own that "looks" for leaks. If it senses uncontrolled water flow beyond a period of time (which you set) it will trigger. I believe it can also be setup for some exception conditions and can be tied into a security/automation system where it automatically closes everything when you place you security system in the "away" state.

Recently, I found the IntelliFlow Automatic Washing Machine Shutoff Valve that tackles the issue from a different angle. Anyone have this one in use?

In response to regus_patoff's post.

You ca get the FloodChek hoses for 25.99 http://www.lowcostlaundryequip.com/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=183225 there.

Just a heads up.

another vote for floodchek that's what we have -
Not foolproof, but certainly better than alternative hoses

There is also another product carried by Home Depot, the Floodsafe hose made by Watts. My only gripe with them is that they restrict the flow of water, not a problem if you have a FL but it takes forever to fill a full load on my TL. One more option. I am also of the opinion that copper tubes is a catastrophic accident waiting to happen, Copper does not handle metal fatigue that well and a few decent unbalanced load may be all it needs to ruin your day.

Cheers!

Here is a link that might be useful: Flood safe hose