"JKevorkian" wrote in message
...
On 9 Apr 2007 10:40:57 -0700, "
wrote:

Hi all,

I have a one-lever shut off valve for my washing machine. I plan to
get some SS braided hoses, right now I have rubber ones.

Anyway, I want to start using the shut off valve each and every time I
am not using the washer. Maybe a stupid question, but has anyone had
any problems while doing this? Like, the valve leaks or will wear out
over time?

Thanks in advance, John

Going back (way back) to my mother's time, the one-lever shutoff valves
have
lasted about 20 years.
Besides the obvious hose-burst that may occur by leaving the valves on,
there's
an additional reason for shutting them off when not in use:
The water pressure, over time, deforms the mixing valve in the machine,
eventually causing the solenoids to stick open or closed, resulting in
either no
water delivery or no temperature selection.

When you shut the valve off what do you think happens to the water pressure
that's trapped between the S/O valve and the machine solenoids (aka,
hydraulic lock)? Unless there is a way for this pressure to bleed down it
will remain high and will remain the same (or near) as the supply pressure.
Disaster prevention is the best reason for keeping the shutoff valve closed
except when the machine is in use.
MLD