Flexi Hoses – The importance of monitoring and replacing damaged hoses
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Aaron Athorn |
Bursting flexible hoses pose a prevalent issue in Australian households, yet a significant number of people remain unaware or disregard the potential damage associated with them.
Data from IAG, a prominent insurance agency in Australia, reveals that a staggering 22% of water damage incidents in Australian homes stem from burst flexible hoses.
But what exactly are flexi hoses? Where are they commonly located in households? What preventive measures can be taken to avert bursting incidents? How can you discern if a flexi hose is compromised and at risk of bursting? We’ll dive into the existing topic of flexi hoses.
What is a flexi hose?
A flexi hose, alternatively referred to as a flexible hose or flexible connector, is a hose variety commonly employed in residences and structures to link water-utilizing appliances. Constructed from a rubber pipe entwined in braided stainless steel segments, these hoses are available in various lengths and sizes, tailored to the specific requirements of the connected appliance.
Where would you find them in your property?
Flexi hoses are situated beneath sinks, in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundries.
Although the bursting of flexi hoses can be more than a mere inconvenience, these hoses constitute a crucial component of any home’s plumbing system. They warrant the requisite attention and maintenance to avert expensive damage and repairs.
For this reason, as an agency, where access is possible, we inspect flexi hoses as part of our routine inspection process in wet areas, under sinks and behind toilets. Information can then be provided to our owners to confirm the condition of the hoses (and recommend a replacement or repair as required).
Signs that a flexi hose might burst
If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as:
- Dark marks, rust or corrosion
- Bulging
- Cracks
- Fraying of the wiring around the pipe
- Active leaks or wet pipes
Based on our experience, we strongly advise owners to adopt a proactive stance when signs of damage or wear in flexi hoses become apparent.
A damaged flexi hose has the potential to allow water to burst and leak at the pressure of the mains water supply, leading to significant water damage to your property. Given that these areas frequently adjoin carpeted living spaces (such as an ensuite connected to a master bedroom), repairs often involve replacing carpets, repairing and replacing skirting boards, and necessitate considerable drying time. Depending on the severity, in extreme cases you may also have a period of lost rent for vacancy.
Considering the associated issues and costs, along with the possibility of insurance claims, opting for a more cost-effective maintenance approach to repair flexi hoses is highly recommended.
Costs to Repair
The cost to replace damaged or worn flexi hoses is significantly cheaper than having one cause damage to your property. Although each home is different, depending on the style of taps and hose connections, recent pricing we have seen has been between $160 – $250 per set replaced.
Examples:
