Water Valve in Home

[Amana_watt?]

We have a home built in 1978. I am currently inspecting the Hot Water valve coming out of the wall and the hose that is attached to the valve (leading to the washer). When I unscrewed the hose from the Hot Water valve, I noticed a 1/2 inch tall, thimble shaped, plastic strainer (with a gasket) pointed in the direction of the water flow, e.g. (strainer) D  <- H2O flow.....

Is there a reason that the strainer is shaped as a thimble and pointed in the direction of the water flow? Does this adversely affect the pressure through the line?

Also, are there any down sides, over time, to replacing this with a metal screen that is dome shaped?

Thank you.

Curious Homeowner

[vee8power]

Washing machines have screens built into their water valves to filter out sediment. Another screen in the hose is extra protection for the valve in the machine, but it can't help but reduce the flow. Do you have an issue? Is the hot coming out of your washer too slow?

It's better to replace inlet hoses before they leak rather than after. 

[Thirstytech]

Those screens can get plugged up especially if you have a well. +1 on replacing the hoses.

[Amana_watt?]

Thank you for the feedback on what happens to the pressure in the line.

Yes, the hot water flow is very slow to the washer....I cleaned out the sediments that collected on the screens. I will certainly change out the hoses, but I am contemplating changing out the plastic strainer since there is some degradation. However, I am unsure if I need to replace it with the exact same plastic strainer, or if I should use the dome-shaped metal screen.

Any recommendations? Which is better in the long run given that it will adversely affect the pressure?

Thank you.

[abaesemann]

You can use the metal screen style, should work just fine. Should be cleaned on a periodic time frame.

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

3 hours ago, Amana_watt? said:

Any recommendations?

Sounds like a problem with sediment in your house water supply. A common problem up here in Yankeeland with people on wells. Installing a whole-house sediment filter will clean this up and prevent the sediment from reaching your appliance water inlet valves and the sediment screens on your faucets: http://amzn.to/1SkK6f4