Flexible Hose Replacement & Maintenance

At BT Plumbing, we are trying to raise awareness around a common but preventable cause of significant water damage in residential and commercial properties – flexible braided water supply hoses.

These hoses connect taps, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers to the water supply. While small in size, their failure can result in extensive water damage within minutes.

Why Flexi Hoses Fail

Flexible hoses are under constant water pressure and are exposed to temperature fluctuations and natural material ageing. Over time, the internal rubber lining and external braided steel can deteriorate, particularly at crimped fittings.

Insurance industry data indicates that failure rates increase significantly after approximately 5 to 7 years of service.

There is no specific legislation in Victoria requiring replacement at a set age. However, preventative replacement is widely recognised as best practice risk management.

Consequences of Flexi Hose Failure

When a hose ruptures, water can discharge at hundreds of litres per hour and may cause:

Damage to floors, walls and cabinetry
Mould growth
Electrical damage
Insurance claims commonly exceeding $5,000
Liability to neighbouring properties under the Water Act 1989 (Vic)

In apartment buildings and multi tenancy sites, one property owner’s floor is another owner’s ceiling. A single failure can affect multiple lots before it is detected.