Why Flexi Hoses Burst

Are there Alternatives To Flexi Hoses?

Flexi hoses are installed all throughout modern homes.They look great and are typically easy to install. But they can be a ticking time bomb when it comes to a bursting and causing extensive water damage in a home or building.

Why they are so popular with home owners and plumbers

With modern home designs in bathrooms and kitchens, the demand for more adaptable plumbing solutions grew. Flexi hoses offer huge design flexibility, without being constrained by the limitations of traditional plumbing methods.
Flexi hoses do not require extensive joint work, soldering, or special tools to fit into place. They can be easily bent to accommodate tight spaces and this significantly reduces labor costs and time, making them popular among plumbers and builders

Flexi Hoses Failing

However, there are growing concerns about their reliability and the extensive water damage they can cause. Burst or failed Flexi hoses have been identified as a major cause of water damage insurance claims in Australian homes. They have been labeled by Insurers as a “ticking time bomb” and are advise that they should be checked by a licensed plumber every 2 years.

This has lead to increased industry and regulatory pressure to ensure that only quality and water mark approved hoses are sold and installed within Australia.
By using a licensed plumber you can also ensure that they will be installed correctly and the right type of hose installed

Why Braided Flexi Hoses Get Damaged And Burst

They are susceptible to several types of damage if not properly managed.
Here are the common causes of damage to these hoses and steps to mitigate these issues:

Improper Installation

• Twisting and Kinking: During installation, twisting, stretching, or kinking the hose can create weak points that compromise its integrity and functionality.
• Connector Issues: Incorrectly tightened nuts at the hose connectors can lead to premature wear and leaks.

Corrosion and Rust

• Environmental Factors: The stainless steel braiding can corrode over time, particularly in environments exposed to chemicals or high humidity. This typically happens with hoses installed under a kitchen sink. Cleaning chemicals and water vapor will break down the hoses over time.
• Chemical Exposure: Chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in the water supply can accelerate the corrosion of the stainless steel braiding.

Age and Wear

• Lifespan Limitations: Flexi hoses typically have a lifespan of 5-10 years. Using them beyond this period increases the risk of hose failure.
• Wear and Tear: Regular use over time can degrade the hose, making it more susceptible to damage and bursting.

Water Pressure Issues

• Rubber Lining Expansion: High water pressure can cause the rubber lining inside the hose to expand excessively, leading to rupture if the stainless steel braiding is compromised.
• Water Hammer: Sudden spikes in water pressure, known as water hammer, can stress the hose and lead to failure.

Improper Maintenance

• Neglect: Failing to conduct regular inspections and replace aging hoses increases the risk of serious damage and bursts.

What Are The Alternatives To Flexi Hoses?

Alternatives to braided flexi hoses that are available in Australia

PEX-lined flexi hoses:

• PEX-lined flexi hoses as a higher quality, more durable alternative to standard braided flexi hoses.
• PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) hoses are less prone to bursting and corrosion compared to EPDM rubber hoses.

Rigid copper

• Instead of using flexi hoses, the search results suggest minimizing their use and opting for rigid copper
• This involves bending the rigid pipes to shape using a bending spring, rather than relying on the flexibility of hoses.

Consequences Of When a Flexi Hose Bursts

When a pipe bursts it can be a slow leak and you may not notice the damage for several days, weeks or even months.
Other times a pipe will burst and you will have a major flooding incident and reports are that a flexi hose can release “the equivalent of a suburban swimming pool through your home in just 24 hours if no one’s there to turn off the water supply.”

Immediate Water Damage

A burst flexi hose can release a substantial amount of water in a very short period, leading to rapid flooding throughout your home. This can damage floors, walls, and personal belongings, and if the burst occurs near electrical systems, it increases the risk of short circuits and electrical fires.
If the hose bursts in a top level bathroom, it can cause the ceiling to collapse and we have seen this happen several times.

Mould and Mildew

The moisture from a burst pipe creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew to thrive. Before any restoration work can commence the damaged area must be dry or go through dehumidification treatment.

Costly Repairs and Replacements

Replacing a burst hose and repairing the resulting water damage can be expensive. Costs can escalate if the water damages structural components of the house or expensive personal items like electronics and furniture.

Insurance Challenges

While home insurance policies typically cover accidental water damage, claims resulting from a burst flexi hose due to negligence—such as ignoring known high water pressure—may be partially covered or denied. This can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses and potentially increased future premiums.

Disruption to Home Life

Following a burst hose, the water supply to the home may need to be shut off to mitigate damage, disrupting daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. This inconvenience can last for months if renovation or repair work is required.

Preventative Steps to Take

Plumbmaster Plumbing can help you to prevent burst flexi hoses.

• Install Isolation Valves: We are installing more and more of these in homes. They are small taps or valves located under a sink that allow you to turn off the water supply to that specific sink. This provides a way to quickly isolate the water supply to a particular fixture without having to turn off the main water supply to the entire home.
• Regular Plumbing Inspections: By having a free plumbing inspection every couple of years, we can quickly pinpoint what hoses are showing signs of degradation.
• Replace Hoses Regularly: Flexi hoses have a lifespan and should be replaced every five years or sooner if signs of wear and tear, such as bulging or fraying, are evident.
• Testing Water Pressure: Watching for high water pressure and keeping an eye on the condition of your plumbing can significantly reduce the risks associated with burst flexi hoses, safeguarding your home from extensive damage and expensive repairs.

Call Plumbmaster Plumbing

Is is time you had for flexihoses checked?
Remember the expected lifespan of them is between 10 and 15 years.
Get in touch with us today and we can come and asses your hoses.