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Appliance Hoses & Gas Connectors

Appliance hoses and gas connectors don't get much attention until one fails. A burst washer fill hose can put a lot of water on the floor in a short time, and a cracked or kinked gas connector is a hazard nobody wants behind a range or dryer. These are inexpensive parts, and replacing them on schedule is one of the easiest ways to prevent a costly service call or insurance claim.

This category covers water supply hoses for washing machines, dishwashers and ice makers, in both reinforced rubber and braided stainless steel, along with flexible gas appliance connectors and steam dryer installation kits. Supco connectors and hoses are used by appliance installers, plumbers, property managers and homeowners setting up a new appliance or replacing an aging line. HVAC365 carries the common lengths and fitting combinations for everyday installs.

Getting the right hose or connector comes down to three things: the fitting type and size at each end, the length, and the rating or certification for the application.

How Appliance Hoses and Gas Connectors Work

Washer inlet hoses connect the hot and cold supply valves to the washer's inlet valve. Both ends typically use 3/4 in. garden hose thread (GHT) female couplings with a rubber washer to seal. Many washer valves include a screen to trap debris.

Dishwasher supply lines run from the under-sink hot water valve to the dishwasher inlet valve. A common combination is a 3/8 in. compression fitting at the supply valve and a 3/8 in. compression or 3/4 in. GHT connection at the dishwasher, sometimes with a 90-degree elbow at the valve.

Ice maker supply lines run cold water to the refrigerator's inlet valve, usually with 1/4 in. compression fittings on both ends.

Gas appliance connectors are flexible, corrugated metal tubes, usually stainless steel and often with a protective coating, that connect a gas range, dryer, water heater or other appliance to the building's gas shutoff valve. They have a flare fitting at each end, and come with adapters for male (MIP) or female (FIP) pipe threads. Connectors are certified for use with gas appliances under ANSI Z21.24/CSA 6.10, and the CSA mark on the connector or packaging shows that certification.

Steam dryer kits supply cold water to dryers with a steam function. They typically include a short fill hose and a Y-connector (splitter) so the dryer can share the washer's cold water supply.

Rubber vs. Braided Stainless Steel Hoses

Reinforced rubber hoses are economical and flexible. They work, but rubber degrades with age, heat and chlorine in the water, which makes it prone to bulging and cracking. Braided stainless steel hoses use a rubber or PVC inner core wrapped in a woven stainless steel jacket. The braid resists bursting and abrasion and is the more durable choice for most installs. Neither type lasts forever, so inspect hoses regularly and replace them on a set schedule.

Hose or ConnectorTypical FittingsMaterial OptionsKey Selection Point
Washer inlet hose3/4 in. GHT female both endsRubber or braided stainlessLength; straight or 90-degree end
Dishwasher supply line3/8 in. compression; 3/4 in. GHT on some modelsBraided stainlessFitting match at valve and dishwasher
Ice maker supply line1/4 in. compression both endsBraided stainless, copper, or PEXLength; fitting at the refrigerator valve
Gas appliance connectorFlare ends with MIP or FIP adaptersCorrugated stainless, often coatedOD, length, BTU capacity, CSA certification
Steam dryer kit3/4 in. GHT; Y-connectorRubber or braided stainlessMatches dryer inlet and washer supply

Signs a Hose or Connector Needs Replacing

  • Bulges, blisters or cracks in a rubber hose, especially near the couplings.
  • Frayed or rusted braid on a stainless hose.
  • Drips or mineral deposits at the fittings.
  • Kinks in the hose or connector from pushing the appliance too tight to the wall.
  • Age. Many appliance manufacturers recommend replacing washer fill hoses about every five years, regardless of appearance.
  • Gas connectors that are old, uncoated brass, damaged, or have been moved and reused. Old brass connectors, especially pre-1970s uncoated types, should be replaced. Any connector that has been kinked or bent repeatedly should be replaced.
  • Any gas smell near an appliance. Leave immediately and call the gas utility from outside.

How to Choose the Right Hose or Connector

  • Measure the run. Choose a length long enough to pull the appliance out for service without stretching the hose, but not so long that it coils or kinks behind the unit.
  • Match the fittings at both ends. Check the supply valve and the appliance inlet. A 90-degree elbow end helps when the appliance sits close to the wall.
  • For gas connectors, check the OD. Gas connectors are sized by outside diameter (OD) and inside diameter (ID). A larger diameter carries more gas. Confirm that the connector's BTU rating meets or exceeds the appliance's input rating, which is on the appliance rating plate.
  • Confirm MIP or FIP. The connector must match the thread on the shutoff valve and on the appliance inlet. MIP is male iron pipe (external threads); FIP is female iron pipe (internal threads). Common sizes are 1/2 in. and 3/4 in.
  • Look for the CSA certification. Only use a gas connector certified for appliance use, and never use a water hose or uncertified tubing for gas.
  • Match the connector to the appliance type. Some connectors are rated for specific uses, such as ranges and dryers. Check the label or product page for approved applications.

Installation and Safety Tips

  • Shut off the water before replacing a water hose, and keep a bucket and towels on hand for the water left in the line.
  • Use new washers in GHT couplings. Hand-tighten, then snug with pliers. Overtightening can crack the coupling or crush the washer.
  • Turn off washer valves when leaving home for extended periods, especially on older hoses.
  • Gas connector installation should be done by a qualified technician or licensed installer, following the connector manufacturer's instructions and local codes.
  • Never reuse an old gas connector. Always install a new connector with a new appliance or after moving an appliance.
  • Use pipe thread sealant rated for gas on the pipe threads (MIP/FIP), not on the flare connections.
  • Leak-test every gas connection with an approved leak detection solution after installation. Never use a flame to check for leaks.
  • Don't route a gas connector through walls, floors or cabinets, or conceal it behind a wall. It must remain accessible and connect to an accessible shutoff valve.
  • Avoid sharp bends. Leave a gentle curve when pushing the appliance into place.

Part Details & Shipping

Supco has supplied replacement parts since 1945. Product pages at HVAC365 list fitting sizes, lengths and spec details, so you can confirm the right connection before ordering. Hoses and connectors in this category ship in 3-5 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use rubber or braided stainless steel washer hoses?

Braided stainless steel is the more durable choice and resists bursting better than plain rubber. Either type should be inspected regularly and replaced on schedule.

How often should washer hoses be replaced?

Many manufacturers recommend about every five years, or sooner if you see bulging, cracking, fraying or leaks at the fittings.

Can I reuse a gas connector when replacing a range or dryer?

No. Gas connector manufacturers specify a new connector whenever an appliance is installed or relocated. Repeated bending can weaken the corrugated tube.

How do I know what size gas connector I need?

Check the appliance's BTU input rating and choose a connector rated for at least that capacity at the length you need. Then match the fittings (MIP or FIP, and thread size) to the shutoff valve and the appliance inlet.

What is a steam dryer kit?

Dryers with a steam function need a cold water supply. A steam dryer kit typically includes a hose and a Y-connector so the dryer can share the washer's cold water valve.

What does CSA certification mean on a gas connector?

It means the connector has been tested and certified to the applicable standard for gas appliance connectors. Only install certified connectors for gas appliances.

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