A small metal hose under your sink might look harmless, but it can cause major damage quietly. Every week, Sydney plumbers rush to homes flooded by burst flexi hoses. These short, braided pipes supply water to taps, toilets, and appliances like dishwashers.
When one bursts, water gushes out fast. Floors, walls, cabinets, and even appliances can be soaked in minutes. In open-plan homes, water can travel across living and dining areas, seeping into carpets, tiles, and timber floors.
The worst part? Most homeowners don’t notice the leak until hours later, sometimes returning home to a costly and stressful disaster.
These tiny hoses may seem minor but neglecting them can result in tens of thousands of dollars in damage and insurance complications. Taking a few simple steps now can prevent a small part from turning into a major problem later.
The hidden risk in every home
Flexi hoses are in almost every modern home. You’ll find them under kitchen and bathroom sinks, behind toilets, and even connected to dishwashers or washing machines. They’re small, inexpensive, and often go unnoticed, which makes them easy to forget when doing home maintenance.
These hoses don’t last forever. Over time, the metal braiding can corrode, the rubber lining can crack, and fittings can loosen. Most hoses show signs of wear after 5 to 10 years, depending on water pressure and usage. Even a tiny leak can quickly turn into a major flood if it goes unnoticed.
When a hose bursts, water doesn’t stop until someone turns off the mains. In open-plan homes, this can mean water spreads across floors, soaks cabinetry, damages appliances, and even seeps into ceilings below. The damage can happen in minutes, yet most homeowners only notice it hours later, sometimes when they return from work or, worse, a holiday.
Regular inspections can prevent this. Checking hoses for rust, fraying, or bulging can alert you to potential failures before they happen. It’s a small effort that can save thousands in repair bills and stress.
The cost that insurance might not cover
Many homeowners assume their insurance will cover water damage from a burst hose. While policies often cover “sudden escape of water,” there’s a catch: most insurers don’t cover damage caused by wear and tear. If your flexi hose fails because it’s old, corroded, or worn, your claim can be reduced or even rejected.
The financial impact can be shocking. A single burst hose can flood floors, ruin cabinetry, destroy appliances, and lead to mould in ceilings below. Repair bills for serious flooding often range from $20,000 to $30,000. All of this could have been avoided with a $20 to $40 replacement hose.
Real-life cases highlight the risk. For example, a Sydney couple went on a week-long holiday. A flexi hose under their kitchen sink burst while they were away. Water ran unchecked through their open-plan living area. When their insurer assessed the claim, the hose showed signs of wear and tear, meaning the payout was reduced. The couple faced thousands in out-of-pocket costs.
Regularly replacing hoses is far cheaper than paying for repairs, and it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your home from a disaster that insurance may not fully cover.
According to Friendly Plumbing owner, Jake, “We see this all the time. A flexi hose bursts, and within minutes, water is running through every room. The worst part is, it’s completely preventable. Replacing them regularly is the cheapest insurance you can buy.”
What homeowners should do
Preventing a flexi hose disaster doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s how to protect your home:
- Inspect hoses regularly: Look under sinks, behind toilets, and at dishwasher connections. Check for rust, bulging, fraying, or damp spots around fittings. Even small signs of wear can indicate a potential failure.
- Replace hoses every 5–7 years: Don’t wait for a leak or burst to happen. A new hose costs just $20–$40 but can save thousands in repairs. Treat replacement like routine maintenance – it’s cheap, quick, and highly effective.
- Hire a licensed plumber for checks: During routine plumbing inspections, ask a trusted Sydney plumber to examine all flexi hoses. Licensed plumbers can spot early signs of damage you might miss and ensure replacements are fitted safely and correctly.
By following these simple steps, you can dramatically reduce the risk of sudden flooding and costly insurance headaches. A small effort today prevents major problems tomorrow.
Takeaway
A quick check under your sink could save you tens of thousands in repairs and prevent stress with your insurer. The lesson is simple: small, regular maintenance now stops a minor part from turning into a major disaster later. Don’t wait for a burst hose to remind you. Make sure to act before it’s too late.
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