Flexi-hoses: a guide to preventing plumbing disasters

Last updated on April 1, 2025

Flexi-hoses, are essential for connecting sinks, dishwashers, and water heaters. Their flexibility makes installation a breeze, but without proper care, they can eventually burst and lead to unexpected water damage.

Find out what a flexi-hose is and how regular maintenance and timely replacement could save you from costly repairs, or worse, extensive water damage in your home.

Transcript

The Allianz Blue Eagle Initiative helps you identify and fix some simple home maintenance issues in your house, creating a safer home for you and your family.

Scotty Cam: Today, I’m popping by some Aussie homes to see how they’re going.

Now, Wip, I'm here today to talk about home maintenance and, in particular, flexi-hoses.

Wip: Flexi-hoses. Okay. Yep.

Scotty Cam: You don’t know what flexi-hoses are do you?

Wip: No, I don’t.

Scotty Cam: Well, they're a very important hose. It's under your sink, connecting your tap, and they've got to be checked, mate.

Wip: Okay.

Scotty Cam: Come on, let's go.

Wip: Alright, let's have a look, Scotty.

Scotty Cam: Now, Wip, can you see any damage, rust, or fraying there?

Wip: Uh, it's brand new.

Scotty Cam: Ah, okay, let's try this again, mate.

Can you see any, just there? That one.

Wip: Oh, that one? Yeah, of course.

Scotty Cam: Yeah. Okay. I recommend you get that changed ASAP by a registered plumber and don't forget you've got those flexi-hoses in the laundry and in your bathrooms as well. So, you've got to check them.

Wip: Yep.

Scotty Cam: This little bloke here could turn your kitchen into a swimming pool.

Wip: Oh, the kids would love it.

Scotty Cam: I know, but Lisa and you wouldn't.

Wip: I love it when you come over, Scotty.

Scotty Cam: My pleasure, mate.

Wip: Thanks, mate.

Anytime.

Allianz understands that a burst flexi-hose can cause more than just damage to your home, it can disrupt your life.

Ahhhhh, Allianz.

Flexi-hose maintenance

You’ll find flexi-hoses in nearly every home in Australia. Made of rubber hosing wrapped in braided steel, these clever pipes can be bent and coiled. This makes them quick and easy to install in bathrooms and kitchens.

Flexi-hoses can help connect sinks, baths, toilets, dishwashers, water heaters and other appliances without the need to measure, cut and connect individual lengths of pipe. While that’s undoubtedly super helpful, Scotty Cam warns that without proper maintenance, a flexi-hose can cause you a lot of grief.

A burst flexi-hose “could turn your kitchen into a swimming pool,” he said during a recent home visit.
So how do you check for damaged flexi-hoses? What do you do if yours needs replacing?

Allianz and Scotty Cam are here to help you out.

Wear and tear

An ageing flexi-hose will usually show signs of damage before it finally bursts. Here are four of the most common ones:

Rust spots: Rust on your flexi-hose means it’s probably time for a replacement. Corrosion means the rubber tubing inside is starting to leak. This will only worsen with time.
Bulges in the braiding: Weak spots in the rubber can also lead to bulges. If left unaddressed, those bulges will burst, and you’ll be left mopping up the mess.
Fraying in the metal: Older flexi-hoses will also start to fray. Once the braided steel starts to unravel, your flexi-hose is getting close to the end of its useful life.
Kinks in the piping: Kinks can cause pressure at certain points in the hose, which can lead to a burst over time.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to consider replacing your flexi-hose.

So take Scotty’s advice and regularly check your flexi-hoses. If you find any damage, get them replaced by a registered plumber as soon as possible. This small task can help prevent significant water damage in your home. So, make flexi-hose checks part of your regular home maintenance routine.

More tips on home maintenance

We want to help you care for your home through preventative maintenance. You can visit the Allianz Prevention Hub for handy articles and how-to guides.

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Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.

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