15 Sep Flexi-Hoses in your home

If ignored, a $10 Flexi-Hose could cost tens of thousands in damage.

Over the past two years, damage from burst pipes cost $864 million.

It is estimated 84% of Australian homeowners do not perform home maintenance checks often enough as 30% of flexi-hoses in customers’ homes are at risk of bursting.

This small, often overlooked fixture is responsible for one in ten water damage insurance claims, costing homeowners an average of $27,500 per incident.

What Is a Flexi-Hose?

Flexi-hoses are rubber pipes covered with stainless steel braiding, used to connect water to taps, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and other household fixtures. They are a popular choice due to their flexibility and low cost – and are found in almost every Australian home.

Why Are They Bursting?

Flexi hoses have a limited lifespan of 5–10 years.

Over time, they can fail due to:

Rust and corrosion

Twisting, kinking, or stretching

Broken or fraying steel braids

Calcification or visible staining

These failures often occur without warning, especially if the hose is out of sight under sinks or behind appliances. The damage can be catastrophic water from a burst hose can flood an entire home in hours, destroying floors, furniture, appliances, and even sentimental items.

Failure of Inaction

Flexi-hose bursts are especially costly in open-plan homes or when people are away on holiday. Claims spike during peak travel seasons like Christmas and Easter, when homeowners may return to devastating damage.

In some cases, families have had to move out for weeks while their homes dry out and repairs are completed.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Home

Experts stress that prevention is easy and inexpensive:

Check your hoses every 6 months – it takes just 10 minutes to look under sinks and behind appliances.

Look for rust, fraying, kinks, or signs of wear.

Replace hoses that are more than 5–10 years old or show signs of damage.

Use high-quality hoses – cheaper versions may fail faster.

Turn off your water at the mains when leaving home for extended periods.

Schedule a professional plumbing inspection every two years.