A simple way to protect your home from water damage
- Damaged flexible hoses (flexi hoses) are a cause of water damage in Australian homes* that could potentially cost people tens of thousands of dollars
- Home insurance may provide cover, but sentimental items can be destroyed, and homes left unliveable during the repair process
- Check and replace your flexi hoses regularly
An unassuming flexi hose is the culprit behind thousands of dollars in water damage to Australian homes. Escaped water from a burst hose can cause considerable damage, leave a home unliveable, and destroy sentimental items in a matter of hours.
But many of us don’t know the significance of the hose found lurking under our sinks and rarely think of checking them, says QBE’s Arron Mann, General Manager of Short Tail Claims.
What is a flexible hose?
Commonly known as a ‘flexi hose’, a flexible hose is a versatile rubber pipe armoured in braided layers of stainless steel. They’re in many Australian homes and can be found in connections from the wall outlet to sinks, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, taps to home mains, plumbed fridges and more.
But in recent survey results, 48% of Australians weren’t familiar with flexi hoses*.
Why should braided hoses be replaced?
Their limited lifespan means they need to be checked yearly, and replaced if necessary, says Mann.
“Not many people are aware of this, but flexi hoses are only designed to last five to ten years and when they eventually burst, they have the potential to flood your house and cause extensive damage.”
Incorrect installation, damage through lack of maintenance such as rusting, fraying and kinking can also cause them to degrade faster than anticipated, adds Mann.
Flexi hoses can cost as little as ten dollars, yet 25% of survey respondents said they’d never replaced one*.
What happens if a flexi hose bursts?
A burst flexi hose can release the equivalent of a suburban swimming pool through your home in just 24 hours if no one’s around, says Mann.
“If it happens while you’re at work or, worst case, while you’re away, it could be disastrous. Water from a burst hose in one room can quickly flood into the rest of the home, even when there’s a drain.
“For example, a leak in a second floor bathroom can spread through multiple floors drenching everything in its path. That can mean flooring, ceilings, furniture and appliances. If you’re in an apartment, a flood from a flexi hose can cause serious damage to your neighbours' homes and common areas too.”
In the best-case scenario, Mann says, you'll be at home when it happens and can turn the water off at the mains. The downside is you’ll still likely be dealing with damage.
How to check if a flexi hose needs replacing
Checking flexible hoses is simple, says Mann.
“Look under your sinks and around your house for flexible braided hoses that connect your hot and cold water. You’ll be surprised how many you have.
“There should be an expiry date tagged on your flexible braided hose which you can look for.
“If it has expired, or there’s no tag, then contact a licenced plumber to check them immediately,” says Mann.
“I’d also urge householders to have their flexi hoses assessed by a professional plumber every two years to check for other factors that can cause failure.”
Does home insurance cover water leaks?
If you’re without insurance, water damage from a flexi hose could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
“Many home insurance policies, including QBE’s home and contents insurance, may cover you for damage caused by a sudden escape of water from flexible hose failure,” says Mann.
“But checking your policy documents and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand limits, exclusions, payable excess and your current sum insured levels is essential.”
Tens of thousands of claims for damage caused by failed flexible hoses are lodged with insurers every year. But even if you’re insured a burst hose isn’t good news.
In some cases, damage can leave a home unliveable. Families may need to spend weeks away from home while the property dries, and extensive repairs are completed.
“We put our customers in temporary accommodation in these cases – but the impact of having to leave your home and losing sentimental items can be significant.”
That’s why prevention is key, states Mann.
Learn about QBE home and contents insurance
* Polling study of 1,004 Australians, aged 18-65+, completed for QBE Insurance Australia in August 2024.
To decide if the relevant product is right for you, please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determination (TMD).
