It’s the household fitting that has the potential to cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage if not checked regularly and it lurks beneath hundreds of kitchen and bathroom sinks across Australia.
Commonly known as the flexi hose, these versatile rubber pipes armoured in braided layers of stainless steel, are popular in modern homes because they can be bent into shape. It has been advised by insurer IAG, that these flexible hoses have a lifespan of between five to ten years, and should be checked by a plumber every two years.
According to research released by general insurer IAG, flexible braid hoses accounted for more than one in five water damage claims lodged by Australian households in 2016, with claims most likely to be for kitchens or bathrooms. Up to 1,500 litres of water per hour can flood into your home from a burst hose. The damage that can be caused by a burst pipe can be extensive damaging, walls, carpets, floor boards, furniture and possibly even structural damage.
Warning signs to look out for include bulging, rust spots and fraying on the on the braided metal. Research also suggests that storing of chemicals under sinks can also cause the pipes to erode faster. Most flexi hoses will also have an expiry day printed on the collar of the hose.
A simple check of these hoses takes minutes but could save you thousands. At Orbit Property we ensure that the hoses are visually inspected and photos of the hoses are recorded for the owner’s reference.
Does your property manager check these hoses during their inspections on your property?
Anita Genrich
Orbit Property
