Flexi Hose? What is it and where are they located in the home? If you haven’t heard of Flexi Hose, you’re not alone! These flexible hoses only started to appear in homes around 15 years ago, to replace the copper piping.
Most people are unaware, however, that these Flexi Hoses have a limited life span, and usually last around 5 – 10 years. Flexi Hoses are used as a connection from the water main of the wall outlet to sinks, taps, basins and the toilet tap of the cistern. They are covered in an outer layer of braided stainless steel with a rubber pipe inside. Unlike the copper pipes which used to last much longer, these hoses tend to remain unseen, forgotten, but unfortunately, they can leak or burst any time from five years after installation!
Even though these hoses are very common and cost as little as $10, they can give you an expensive repair bill if they burst. As much as 1,500L* of water can pour out into your home in an hour, causing extensive damage to floors, walls, and even structural damage in severe cases. If you’re away on a holiday, there’s no stopping the water from flooding the entire home!
In recent years, Flexi Hoses have come to the spotlight as they start to reach the end of their lifespans. So much so that more than one in five water damage claims lodged by Australian households in 2016 were caused by a burst Flexi Hose*.
Apart from general wear and tear over time, improper installation such as DIY can also shorten the lifespan of these hoses. The best way to prevent a burst hose is to regularly check them around your home and take note of the dates installed.
When inspecting, run your hand along the hose to feel for moisture, also look for rusting of the braided metal and signs of fraying. If you find puddles of water under the basin, it could be an early sign of failure and the hoses will need to be replaced sooner than later. If you are going on a holiday, consider shutting off the water main of your home in case of a burst hose.
However, not all leaks are the same. Hidden leaks can potentially cause major damage if left untreated. If you’re water bill is uncharacteristically higher than normal, or you are noticing pooling of water in the backyard, damp mouldy areas around skirting boards or ceilings etc. then don’t delay! Call in the leak detection experts; Leakspotters. Our professional team of technicians use the latest technology including CCTV Draincam and sonar leak detection to accurately locate and fix the majority of leaks in residential and commercial properties; minimising the need for extensive digging and disruption to your property.
Contact Leakspotters today for a free estimate on 1300 362 858 or click here to email your job details for a prompt reply. We service Brisbane, Darling Downs and the Gold Coast.
*References:
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/blog/how-a-10-pipe-can-cause-thousands-of-dollars-of-water-damage-to-your-home.html
https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/flexible-braided-pipes-responsible-for-more-than-20-per-cent-of-water-damage-claims-20170503-gvy8l0.html