Bill,  
Although your advice is certainly well intended, it falls short of having a clear understanding of washing machine hose design, components, and failure rates. 
 
To be fully educated and informed on why American consumers suffer hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage caused by the failure of substandard washing machine inlet hoses, please visitwww.floodchek.com 
 
For years the standard black epdm (synthetic rubber) 3/8 i.d. washing machine inlet hose was the hose OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) included with new washing machines. Over time, these minimally constructed hoses caused so many millions of dollars in property damage, that eventually a class action suit was initiated against a leading manufacturer and their suppliers. The court awarded the plaintiffs an estimated $75 million dollars. After paying out the judgement, that appliance manufacturer chose NOT to supply inlet hoses with most of their washers as a way of limiting future liability for defective hoses and saving millions of dollars by reducing their overall production costs. 
 
Some 20 years ago, the introduction of a washer inlet hose jacketed clad in wire braid were regarded as a safer alternative to the old black hoses. What the public wasn't aware of was that these wire braided hoses were nothing but a longer version of the flexible supply lines for toilets and sinks that were originally developed to cut construction costs. The wire braid is merely cosmetic and the original single ply hose that was originally part of the assembly was replaced by a plastic tube. I call these hoses "The Emperor's new hose." Trust me they ain't what they appear to be. Visit floodchek.com for a reality check. 
 
To further prove my point, Google "class action" and "FluidMaster" and you'll learn about a new class action suit being organized against this major stainless steel wire braid washer hose manufacturer that you personally endorsed. Like the old black hoses, stainless steel wire braided hoses fail with regularity too. Remember, Bill : Looks can fool you. And if you can be fooled, you can be soaked. You just didn't know that. You do now. 
 
Ever hear about Floodchek, the only washing machine hose that has never failed in 23 years? I have. I invented them. 
 
Steve Vargo, President 
Floodchek Corporation 
(800) 845-9089 

While this appears to be a shameless promotion for a specific product, we've checked out his site and it sure looks like a top-notch solution. (this is not a specific product endorsement - we do not test). 
 
The main point of our blog is to check out hoses for any signs of wear, and replace as needed. 
 
We're shameless self-promoters too, so thanks for posting Steve, and good luck. 
 
Geoff Gordon

To avoid washing machine hose leakage one should always turned off water faucet after load of laundry. Moreover, it is always advisable to check hose on regular basis.