Uncover the Hidden Danger of the Flexi Hose in Strata Buildings
The Flexi Hose - Know What To Look Out For At Home To Save Costly Repairs!
Whether your home is a free-standing building or part of a bigger structure, like a complex... the dangers of a burst flexi are equally shared for all homeowners and investors. When it comes to Strata properties, it can be confusing to understand what is covered by strata and what is not. STP will breakdown the ins and outs of property responsibility when it comes to flexi hoses found on the property, the potential damage they can cause and who should maintain the hoses.
Did you know? Most plumbing fixtures in your unit or townhouse use flexi hoses to access your water supply. Common areas like your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry will usually utilise the flexi hose. These flexible hoses are made from braided lengths of stainless steel and are commonly used to connect taps, dishwashers, washing machines, and other water fixtures to the main water supply.
Most people assume that these hoses are durable and safe, but in reality if left untreated can be an aspect of your system that is most vulnerable to insurance and water claims. Burst flexi hoses are commonly the leading cause to water damage in your home accounting for approximately 24% of water damage claims. QBE Insurance's 2021 data found that the average claim came in at $5,000 for water leaks in your home. Paying attention to the warning signs of a worn out flexi will save you a lot of heartache.
What your flexi hoses should NOT look like
If you recognise these pictures or are unsure whether your flexi hoses are in need of replacement, give our team at STP a
call to book in a plumbing safety inspection to save you a bit of heartache and to ensure you won't be up thousands of $$ in damage
Who is responsible for costs and claims when it comes to a burst flexi hose?
A flexible hose is part of the internal plumbing in a unit or townhouse, meaning they are the owners' responsibility. Whether the damage is small or significant, the home owners are responsible for the water damage to the property.
Surprisingly, the number of claims to insurers involving the flexible hose is roughly 1 in 5. These happen more often than you think. And while insurance covers accidental water leaks and damage, if you show a pattern of multiple claims over time, your insurer may not cover you. It is ALWAYS best to prevent this type of flood disaster before it happens.
Save your back pocket and regularly keep an eye out for signs of damage to your flexi. If you are unsure of what to look for or notice anything unusual, call a licensed plumber to investigate and resolve!
Signs that your flexible hose might burst
To avoid a sudden flexi hose disaster you can do your own review. You need to be able to spot the warning sign of a potential failure. Some signs that your flexible hose might burst are to check the hose for the following:
- Rust spots
- Discolouration
- Fraying
- Bulging
- Cracking
- Water dripping
The above list indicates that the flexi hose is weakening and may rupture soon. Additionally, you should listen for unusual sounds, such as hissing, gurgling, or banging, which suggest that the hose is under too much pressure and is about to burst. If you notice any of these signs, turn off the water supply immediately, and call a licensed plumber to inspect the hose and replace it if necessary. By entrusting a trained and skilled professional, it is a small price to pay to feel confident knowing you won't run into any problems.
How to prevent a burst flexi hose and save thousands of dollars in repairs
If you have ever encountered the unfortunate event of a burst flexi hose, you will understand the amount of water that can pour out, causing damage to your cupboards, floors, walls, ceilings, and also potentially a neighbouring unit/town house and risking the structural integrity of the building... costing a FORTUNE to repair.
To ensure you don't risk finding yourself in this situation, it is important to know where to look for a flexi hose. Some of the places they will be attached to are a dishwasher, any sink, toilets, washing machines, and other household appliances that may use the main water supply. While they are designed to last many years without issues, we can't predict that they will never burst or cause damage.
Here are some tips to prevent a burst flexi hose -
- Check the condition of your flexi hoses on a regular basis (every 6 months) to make sure they still look in good condition.
- Know where you can turn off the water to your apartment or town house when you know you are going away to avoid coming home to a flood crisis.
- Book a professional plumber in for a plumbing maintenance inspection once a year to check over the plumbing of your whole unit to avoid any problems arising or fix any undetected issues.
- Make sure you buy good quality hoses when you are in need of a replacement, and hire a trained professional to install them.
- Try not to keep chemicals under sinks where you have flexi hoses as they may speed up the corrosion of the braiding.
Protect yourself and your home by preventing a flexi from bursting.
Want more information?
Navigation
Stay Connected