You may not think much about the small flexible hoses under your sink or behind your toilet — but they can cause major headaches if not maintained properly.

What are Flexi Hoses?
Flexi hoses are flexible rubber pipes encased in stainless steel braiding. They’re commonly used to connect water outlets to:

  • Kitchen sinks
  • Bathroom vanities
  • Toilets
  • Washing machines
  • Dishwashers

While they’re incredibly handy, flexi hoses don’t last forever. Over time, the rubber inside deteriorates, and after about 10 years, the risk of bursting increases significantly. When one fails, it can release water at high pressure, flooding your home in seconds — damaging cabinetry, floors, and walls. In apartment buildings, it can even affect neighbouring units or common property.

The resulting damage can lead to insurance claims, costly repairs, and significant inconvenience for both owners and tenants — not to mention potential increases in building insurance premiums.

Who’s Responsible?

For most properties, the following applies:

  • Flexi hoses inside your lot are the owner’s responsibility to maintain.
  • Owners must take all reasonable precautions to prevent loss or damage and keep fittings and appliances in sound condition. Failure to do so could mean your insurer refuses to pay part (or all) of a claim.
  • Building insurance does not cover carpets, contents, or personal effects, so maintaining your own contents or landlord insurance is essential.
  • For investment properties, a burst hose could leave your property uninhabitable, leading to loss of rent and other tenant issues.
  • If a burst hose affects only your property and you make an insurance claim, the owner is responsible for the insurance excess (typically around $2,500).

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Property

To reduce the risk of water damage, we strongly recommend all owners take these simple preventative measures:

✅ Inspect regularly: Look for rust, bulging, fraying, or kinks in the metal casing.
✅ Check the warranty: Quality hoses should come with at least a 15-year warranty. If yours are older or the warranty has expired, replace them.
✅ Watch what’s stored nearby: Chemicals kept under sinks can corrode hoses and shorten their lifespan.
✅ Use a licensed plumber: Always have hoses installed or replaced by a professional, and consider fitting mini shut-off valves so water can be quickly isolated in an emergency.
✅ Routine maintenance: Feel along the hose casing every few months for damage, and if you suspect a fault — call a plumber immediately.

💡 A small check today can prevent a big disaster tomorrow.
Regular maintenance of your flexi hoses is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment and avoid costly water damage.