It is one of the cheapest parts in your home and one of the most common causes of a catastrophic flood: the braided flexi-hose. Insurers see these failures constantly. Here is why they fail and how to stay ahead of them.
What a flexi-hose is
That silver braided connector linking your taps, toilet cistern, dishwasher and washing machine to the water supply is a flexi-hose. The braiding is stainless steel over a rubber inner hose — convenient to fit, but with a limited life.
Why they burst
Over years, the braiding corrodes and frays — accelerated by high water pressure and humidity under sinks. Eventually the inner hose ruptures, usually without warning, releasing water at full mains pressure. A failure while you are out or asleep can put thousands of litres through your home.
The warning signs
- Rust spots or discolouration on the braiding
- Fraying or broken wire strands (it looks "furry")
- A bulge or kink in the hose
- Any dampness around the connections
Check under your basins and behind your toilet occasionally — if you see any of these, replace the hose now.
How to prevent the flood
Replace flexi-hoses every 5 years as a rule, and fit a pressure reducing valve if your pressure is high — it dramatically extends hose life and protects your geyser too. Know where your main stopcock is, so you can stop a burst fast. Need hoses checked or replaced? We will sort it.