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# Don’t Make This Mistake Before Turning On the Washing Machine: It Could Double Your Bill

Laundry is a routine task many of us tackle multiple times a week, but it’s easy to overlook simple habits that can dramatically impact your electricity and water bills. Believe it or not, **one small mistake before turning on your washing machine can double your utility costs**—and most people don’t even realize it!

In this article, I’ll explain what this costly mistake is, why it happens, and, most importantly, how to avoid it to save money, protect your appliances, and help the environment.

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## Introduction: The Hidden Cost Behind Everyday Laundry

Washing machines are essential household appliances that make life easier. Yet, if used inefficiently, they can become costly energy and water guzzlers. Many of us focus on what detergent to buy or which cycle to choose, but rarely do we consider *how* we prepare the washing machine before turning it on—and this can be a major factor in your bills.

If your monthly utility bill seems unusually high, your laundry routine might be to blame. One very common but often overlooked error before starting the wash cycle can double the amount of water and electricity your machine uses. Here’s what you need to know.

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## What’s the Mistake? Turning on the Washing Machine Without Checking the Drainage and Water Supply Properly

The mistake: **Starting the washing machine without making sure the water drains freely and the supply hoses are properly connected and unobstructed.**

Why does this matter? If your washing machine’s drainage system or water supply is blocked, kinked, or faulty, the machine works harder—sometimes running extra cycles or wasting water trying to fill and drain properly. This extra strain means more electricity, more water, and ultimately, a much higher bill.

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## How the Washing Machine Works: Understanding the Basics

To understand why this mistake matters, let’s review how a washing machine operates:

1. **Filling:** The machine fills with water through supply hoses connected to your home’s water source.
2. **Washing:** The drum agitates clothes with detergent to clean them.
3. **Draining:** After washing, water is pumped out through the drain hose.
4. **Spinning:** The drum spins rapidly to remove excess water.
5. **Rinsing:** The machine refills with clean water to rinse clothes.
6. **Final spin:** Excess water is removed again before the cycle ends.

If water isn’t draining properly or water supply is restricted, the machine will often repeat cycles or take longer to fill and drain, causing **excess water and electricity usage.**

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## Common Problems That Cause This Mistake

### 1. **Clogged or Blocked Drain Hose**

If the drain hose is clogged with lint, detergent residue, or foreign objects, water can’t drain properly. The machine will then try to pump water out multiple times, using more electricity and water.

### 2. **Kinked or Twisted Supply Hoses**

When water supply hoses are bent or kinked, water flow is restricted. This means the machine takes longer to fill, increasing the energy used by the water valve and the total cycle time.

### 3. **Faulty Water Supply Valve**

If the valve that controls water intake malfunctions or is partially closed, the washer will struggle to fill at the right rate, extending cycle time.

### 4. **Improper Drain Hose Installation**

If the drain hose isn’t installed at the correct height or is loosely connected, water may siphon out prematurely or cause backflow, disrupting cycles.

### 5. **Ignoring the Filter**

Many washing machines have a small filter that traps lint and debris. When this filter gets blocked, it impacts drainage efficiency.

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## How This Mistake Doubles Your Utility Bill

Water and electricity costs depend heavily on usage. When your washing machine’s drainage or water supply is compromised:

* **Extra cycles:** The machine may repeat rinses or drains to compensate for water that didn’t exit properly.
* **Longer run times:** Filling and draining take longer due to blockages, increasing electricity used by the water valve, motor, and pump.
* **More water wasted:** If the machine is constantly filling and draining, you use far more water than needed.
* **Increased wear and tear:** This inefficiency puts strain on components, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Together, these factors can easily double your water and electricity bills linked to laundry.

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## How to Prevent This Costly Mistake

### Step 1: Inspect the Drain Hose Regularly

* Check for clogs or buildup by disconnecting the hose from the machine and looking inside.
* Run water through the hose with a garden hose or tap to clear any debris.
* Ensure the hose isn’t kinked or bent sharply.

### Step 2: Verify Water Supply Hoses Are in Good Condition

* Inspect hoses for kinks, cracks, or leaks.
* Replace any damaged hoses promptly.
* Make sure supply valves are fully open before starting the wash.

### Step 3: Clean the Machine’s Filter Often

* Locate your washer’s filter (consult the manual).
* Remove lint, coins, or debris that may block water flow.
* Clean at least once a month for optimal performance.

### Step 4: Confirm Proper Drain Hose Installation

* Make sure the drain hose height follows the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually between 30 and 90 cm or 12-36 inches above the floor).
* Secure the hose firmly to prevent it from falling into the drain pipe.

### Step 5: Run Maintenance Cycles

* Use your machine’s self-clean or tub-clean cycle monthly with vinegar or specialized washing machine cleaners to remove buildup.
* This prevents residue buildup that can clog hoses and filters.

### Step 6: Load Your Washer Correctly

* Don’t overload or underload the machine; both can cause imbalance issues affecting drainage.
* Use the recommended detergent quantity to prevent excessive suds that clog filters.

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