When do flexi hoses need to be changed?
Flexi hoses are the braided stainless steel hoses that connect your taps, toilet cistern and appliances to the water pipes in the wall. There are probably a dozen in your home, hidden under basins and behind toilets. They're convenient, but they don't last forever, and when one bursts it can release a lot of water quickly, often while nobody is home. Burst flexi hoses are one of the most common causes of water damage in Australian homes. Here's how to check yours and when to replace them.
Where to find them
- Under the kitchen sink and every bathroom basin (one each for hot and cold).
- Behind or beside each toilet, feeding the cistern.
- Connecting the dishwasher, and sometimes the fridge water line.
- Laundry tub mixers and some hot water units.
Signs a flexi hose needs replacing
Rust or discolouration
Rust spots or brown staining on the braid mean the steel is corroding and the hose inside is exposed.
Fraying
Broken or frayed strands in the braid are a warning sign. Replace it now.
Bulges or kinks
A bulge means the inner hose has weakened. A sharp kink stresses the hose and fittings.
Damp or drips
Any moisture at the nuts or along the hose means it's already leaking.
How often should they be replaced?
Check them once a year: open the cupboards and look. Many makers and insurers recommend replacing flexi hoses every five to ten years, and sooner if they show any of the signs above. Hoses under kitchen and laundry sinks often fail sooner, because cleaning products stored there corrode the braid.
Lower the risk
- Keep bleach and cleaning chemicals away from the hoses, or in sealed containers.
- Don't let hoses be kinked or stretched by things stored in the cupboard.
- Check your water pressure. High pressure shortens hose life. See pressure limiting valves.
- Turn the water off at the main valve before going away for a while. See our water shut-off guide.
How we help
We can check every flexi hose in the house in one visit and replace the ones that are worn with good-quality hoses, correctly sized and fitted without twists or tight bends. You get a fixed price before any work starts. A whole-home flexi hose check is also part of a Priority Plan health check.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Salt air in coastal homes at Maroubra, Malabar and Little Bay speeds up corrosion on the braid, and high mains pressure in parts of Matraville and Botany puts extra strain on hoses. If your home's hoses have never been changed, they're worth a look.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
How long do flexi hoses last?
Many makers and insurers recommend replacing them every five to ten years, and sooner if they show rust, fraying or bulges.
What happens when a flexi hose bursts?
Water sprays out at full mains pressure until it's turned off, which can flood a room quickly. Turn off the water at the fixture valve or the main valve.
Why did my flexi hose rust?
Usually because cleaning chemicals stored nearby give off fumes that corrode the steel braid, or because of salt air near the coast.
Can I replace a flexi hose myself?
It's best done by a licensed plumber, who'll fit the right hose for the job without twists or tight bends, and check the valve and connections at the same time.
Related help: leak detection, burst pipe repairs, taps and toilets, water shut-off guide and mixer tap leaking at the base. Local pages: Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay and Matraville.