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.

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 Blue Eagle 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"). 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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