Can You Run A Washer With Only One Hose? (Explained) 2024

Hoses are one of the most crucial parts of a washing machine, and they contribute significantly to the effective running of the machine.

Most washing machines come with two hoses; one for hot water and the other for cold water; of course, each hose has its peculiar function.

Meanwhile, you may be curious if it’s possible to operate your washer with a hose, leading to the question above.

Yes, you can run some washers with only one hose. Nevertheless, the possibility of your washer operating effectively with just one hose depends on its model. For example, some washers normally use just one hose, while some use both hot and cold water hoses. Hence, such a washer can fail if you use just one hose.

In this article, I will explain more about the possibility of running a washer with only one hose.

Then, I will further explain the kind and number of hoses you can find on your washing machine.

And by the end, you will discover the pros and cons of running a washer with only one hose.

Contents

Can My Washing Machine Work with Only One Hose?

Well, it depends on the kind of washer you are using. Some modern washing machines use just one hose; the cold water hose.

Therefore, such washers can function appropriately with just one hose.

On the other hand, some washers use two hoses, which are cold and hot water hoses.

Hence, if you’re using a washer with two hoses and you operate it with just one hose, the washing cycles will take longer to complete, or the washer will likely develop errors.

The reason is that such washers are programmed to fill cold and hot water during the wash cycles.

Meanwhile, the washer may function properly if you only use the cold water hose. However, the washer will likely produce errors if you only use a hot water hose.

So, operating the washer with only one hose, especially with only the hot water hose, may cause the washer to function differently than expected.

Therefore, if you’re using a washer with one water-supplying hose, the washer will work perfectly with the one hose since that’s how it’s programmed.

Similarly, if you’re using a washer with two hoses, the best thing is to operate the washer using both hoses or only the cold water hose.

How Many Hoses Do You Need for a Washing Machine?

At most, you need three hoses for a washing machine. The hoses include the water-supplying hoses (hot and cold water hoses) and the drain hose.

You can easily differentiate the hose openings with their colors.

For example, the red-colored one is for the hot water hose, the blue-colored one is for the cold water hose, and the grey-colored one is for the drain hose.

However, it’s important to note that the number of hoses you need to ensure the proper operation of your washer depends on the model of the washer.

Therefore, to discover the hoses you need for your washer, check behind it and locate the water inlet openings.

If you find two water inlet openings, your washing machine needs two hoses; one for the water supply hose, which is for cold water only, and the second for the drain hose.

However, if you find three water inlet openings (two on a separate side and the drain hose on a side), your washer needs two water supply hoses and the drain hose, making three hoses.

The drain hose lets out used water from your washing machine after each wash cycle.

Can You Use a Washer Without Hot Water Hookup?

Yes, you can use a washer without a hot water hookup. It’s especially so if the washer uses cold water only.

In addition, if the washer uses hot and cold water during the wash cycles, you can use it without the hot water hookup.

However, the wash cycles may take longer than they used to. The reason is that the washer is programmed to use both hot and cold water whenever it’s operating.

Also, it depends on the type of cloth you’re washing. For example, it’s advisable to use cold water only if you’re washing clothes made of delicate fabrics to prevent shrinking.

Nevertheless, if your washer uses both cold and hot water hoses, then using both hoses will be alright too. You only need to remove the hot water hose in exceptional cases.

Washing with hot water also has its advantages, and one of them is that it helps remove tough stains from your clothes.

Thus, if you wash your cloth with hot water, be rest assured that the cloth will come out of the washer cleaner and brighter.

Also, hot water helps eliminate bacteria lurking around your cloth, which washing with only cold water can’t do.

Therefore, you can use a washer without a hot water hookup, which will work fine.

Can You Run a Washing Machine with Just Cold Water Hooked Up?

Yes, you can run a washing machine with cold water hooked up, and the machine will function effectively.

Operating your washing machine with just cold water hooked up is possible, especially if your washer is one of the models that use cold water only.

Even if your washer is programmed to use cold and hot water during wash cycles, you can still connect the cold water hose only, which allows you to wash your clothes with cold water only.

In addition, working with your washer using cold water only helps to save energy and money since you won’t have to heat the water.

Moreover, it’s advisable to wash some delicate fabrics with cold water only, such as lace, silk, wool, etc., because washing such fabrics with hot water could cause them to stretch or shrink.

Also, if you want to wash colorful clothes, cold water is the best option to prevent the quality and color of the clothes from fading.

However, as favorable as it may be, running your washer with only cold water also has some cons.

Below are the cons of this.

Cold water causes some fabrics to shrink. Hence, it would be best if you were selective of the fabrics you use cold water to wash.
Also, unlike when you use hot water, washing with only cold water requires more detergents.
It takes longer for wash cycles to complete when using cold water only in a dual hose washer. Hence, it could lead to wear and tear on your washing machine or clothes.
Cold water can’t effectively clean clothes with deep stains. Therefore, you must wash such clothes with hot or warm water.
Hot water helps to eliminate bacteria hiding in your clothes, but cold water only helps to clean your clothes without eliminating the bacteria.

To discover more differences between running your washer with cold water only and hot water only, check the table below:

Cold Water	Hot Water
It is more effective in washing light-stained clothes.	It’s more effective in washing deep and tough stained clothes.
It requires more detergent.	It requires less detergent.
It saves energy and money.	It consumes a lot of energy and money.
It’s best for washing soft and colorful fabrics.	It’s best in washing thick and cool-colored fabrics.
It prolongs wash cycles which can cause wear and tear to the machine.	Working with a washer using hot water only can cause damage to the machine.
It only cleans cloth without killing bacteria.	It helps to remove bacteria from clothes.
Cold water isn’t harmful to any part of a washing machine.	Hot water can damage a washing machine’s water valves, fittings, pipes, etc., which leads to leaks or clogs.
The washing machine will work just fine.	It puts strain on the washing machine.

So, judging from the table above, operating your washing machine with only the hot water hose is unsafe.

Therefore, if you’re using a washer with two hoses, it’s advisable to use either cold water only or connect both cold and hot water hoses to ensure it functions properly.

Overall, if your washing machine uses just one hose, ensure the washer will work effectively with the one hose it has.

Also, suppose you use a washing machine with two hoses; operate the washer using hot and cold water hoses.

Alternatively, you can use only the cold water hose to ensure optimum performance.