Replace washing machine hoses?

[Ryan K.]

Washing machine transmission broke in one of my single-family rentals.  $315 for new part.  Brand new machine, same size, more efficient for sale at Home Depot for $298, so the 15-year old washer is getting replaced.

The 2 rubber hoses look good but I assume they're original (15-years old).  Are $35 stainless steel braided replacement hoses worth it now, or is this a silly upsale?

[Peter Sanchez]

Rubber will fail eventually, which is why every garden hose has annoying pin-prick leaks.   If the rubber hose fails, I guarantee it will be when the tenant is on vacation and it won't get discovered until it's too late. If you weren't changing the washing machine, I would say don't bother, but if you're already buying the washer, you're going to disconnect the hose anyway to install the new one, so just go ahead and replace them. I've NEVER heard of a braided metal hose failing.