Flexible braided hoses — the connections under your sinks, behind your toilets, and at your washing machine — are the number one cause of internal water damage claims in Australia. A single burst flexi hose can release thousands of litres into your home in just a few hours.

What Are Flexible Hoses?

Flexible hoses (also called flexi connectors or braided hoses) are the short, braided stainless steel hoses that connect your taps, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers to the water supply. They replaced rigid copper connections in most homes from the 1990s onwards.

While convenient and easy to install, they have a limited lifespan — and when they fail, they fail catastrophically.

Why Do They Burst?

Age and Deterioration

The inner rubber tube degrades over time. Once it weakens, the full mains water pressure pushes through, and the braided outer shell can’t contain it. Most failures happen in hoses that are 8-15 years old.

Corrosion

The stainless steel braiding can corrode, especially in humid environments like under sinks and in laundries. Once the braiding weakens, the hose bulges and bursts.

Poor Quality

Not all flexi hoses are made equal. Cheap, unbranded hoses have a much higher failure rate. Quality hoses with a WaterMark certification are significantly more reliable.

Incorrect Installation

Hoses that are kinked, over-tightened, or installed with the wrong thread type are more likely to fail early.

The Damage a Burst Hose Causes

A burst flexi hose connected to mains pressure can release:

• Over 1,500 litres per hour
• 36,000+ litres in a single day if no one is home

This level of water can destroy flooring, walls, cabinetry, furniture, and personal belongings. Insurance claims from burst flexi hoses average tens of thousands of dollars — and some aren’t fully covered.

How to Check Your Flexi Hoses

Check every flexi hose in your home at least once a year:

Where to Look

• Under kitchen sinks
• Under bathroom basins
• Behind toilets
• At the washing machine connections
• At the dishwasher connection

What to Look For

• Bulging — The hose looks swollen or expanded in spots
• Rust or discolouration — Brown spots on the braiding
• Fraying — Broken strands of braiding visible
• Moisture — Any dampness around the connections
• Kinks — The hose is bent sharply
• Age — If you don’t know how old they are, have a plumber check

If you see any of these signs, replace the hose immediately. A bulging hose is about to burst.

When to Replace

As a rule:

• Replace every 10 years even if they look fine — the inner rubber degrades invisibly
• Replace immediately if you see bulging, rust, fraying, or moisture
• Replace when you move into a new home if you don’t know the age of the hoses
• Use quality hoses — Look for the WaterMark certification and buy from reputable brands

Reducing the Risk

Beyond regular replacement:

• Turn off isolation valves when going on holiday — This stops water flow to the hoses when you’re not there to catch a burst
• Install a water leak detector — Smart water sensors can alert you to leaks and even shut off the water automatically
• Don’t over-tighten — Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with a spanner is enough
• Avoid kinks — Ensure hoses have a gentle curve, never a sharp bend

Hankook Plumbing Can Help

We replace flexi hoses across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs every day. It’s a quick job that provides huge peace of mind.

• Fast replacement of all flexi hoses in your home
• Quality WaterMark-certified hoses
• Inspection of all connections while we’re there
• Advice on leak detection solutions

Don’t wait for a flood. Call 0407 756 172 to book a flexi hose replacement.