Plumbing emergency - anyone got any ideas?

[emsiewill]

Thought I'd try here before calling the plumber out, and having to take the day off work.

I got up this morning to find that the water inlet to the washing machine is leaking. It's a cold fill machine, so only one pipe attached, and when the cold water is switched on, it's basically spurting out of the sides of the connection. Obviously I have turned it off, but am a bit puzzled as to why this has happened, as no-one has been moving the washing machine or doing anything with water anywhere else in the house (other than the usual). I tried disconnecting and then reconnecting the pipe, but it made no difference. Is water supposed to be coming out when the washing machine is not switched on? I don't remember it doing it when I originally connected the machine 6 months ago - it's been fine until now.

Any ideas would be gratefully received. We do have cover for this, but I'd rather not take the day off work if possible.

Is the black washer still there at the end of the hose where it makes the connection to the machine. If it has gone or is damaged get a new one from B+Q/Homebase or somewhere like that. Even if the washer is still there, sometimes you can put a second one in and it might solve the problem.

Hmmm on further investigation, it seems to be the tap, rather than the pipe or connection. I have left the pipe unconnected and the tap turned off, but there is a constant drip. Looks like a plumber is in order...

emsiewill, if it's coming from the tap it could well be the black washer at that end. Before you call out a plumber get a new hose and make sure it's as tight as poss at the tap. (Hand tight only though.)

My hot inlet does this from time to time - annoying as it's in the bathroom and leaks through the kitchen ceiling - the washer gradually perishes.

Oh - have just reread your second post - if the tap itself is dripping when turned off and the hose isn't attached then it's not that! Will be the washer inside the tap? Good luck with it anyway. Plumbing is a pain.

If it's the tap dripping, it's probably only a washer. If you can figure out to turn off the water to the house, then turn off the mains or whatever controls water to the tap, unscrew the tap and take it off. Inside there should be a little round black rubber washer that will need replacing. Take this to your local plumbers merchants and get a new one to match. (Or you could go to the plumbers merchants and get a selection to have on hand before you start, as they are very cheap). Replace washer put tap back on and turn water back on. You've just saved yourself £100 and a day off work.