Attaching a hose to a laundry tap, particularly one designed for a washing machine, often involves using a specialized adaptor to connect a different type of hose, like a standard garden hose. The key is identifying the correct fitting on the tap after any existing connections are removed.
Understanding Laundry Taps
Laundry taps are typically designed with a specific thread to connect washing machine hoses. If you need to attach a different kind of hose, such as a garden hose for cleaning or filling buckets, you'll likely require an adaptor.
Required Materials
- Standard Pope 12mm Universal Tap Adaptor (as mentioned in the reference) or a similar tap-to-hose connector compatible with your tap and hose size.
- Your garden hose or other hose you wish to attach.
- A towel or bucket to catch any residual water.
- Tools (potentially needed, but often not required for adaptors).
Step-by-Step Guide
Here's how to attach a hose using an adaptor, incorporating the method described in the reference:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Crucially, shut your mains water off before unscrewing your washing machine hose. This prevents flooding. Locate your home's main water valve and turn it off. You may also have isolation valves specifically for the laundry taps – turn these off if available.
- Disconnect Existing Hose (if applicable): If a washing machine hose is currently attached, carefully unscrew it from the laundry tap. Have a towel or bucket ready for any water remaining in the hose or tap.
- Locate the Tap Thread: Once the washing machine hose is removed, you will see an exposed thread on the laundry tap spout. This is where the new adaptor will connect.
- Attach the Tap Adaptor: A standard Pope 12mm Universal Tap Adaptor should screw directly onto the exposed thread of the laundry tap. Screw the adaptor on firmly by hand until it is snug. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage the threads or the adaptor.
- Connect Your Hose: Most universal tap adaptors feature a standard quick-connect fitting. Align your garden hose (equipped with a compatible connector) with the adaptor and push or twist until it clicks into place. This will allow a garden hose to click on.
- Restore Water Supply: Slowly turn your mains water supply back on. Check the connection points (tap-to-adaptor and adaptor-to-hose) for any leaks. Tighten slightly if necessary, but be careful not to overtighten.
Important Safety Tip
- Always turn off the main water supply before disconnecting or connecting hoses to prevent water damage.
What to Expect
Using a universal tap adaptor makes the laundry tap versatile, allowing you to easily switch between your washing machine hose (when needed, by removing the adaptor) and a garden hose for other tasks. The connection should be secure and leak-free when properly installed.
