Flexi hoses — the short braided stainless steel hoses that connect your water supply to taps and toilets — are in virtually every Hobart home. Most people don't know they exist until one fails. A burst flexi hose can discharge hundreds of litres an hour, and if it happens while you're out, that means serious water damage.
Why do they fail?
The rubber inner tube degrades over time. Australian standards specify a maximum service life of around 10 years, but many fail earlier. The braid can also corrode, particularly where bleach-based cleaning products contact the stainless steel. Once the braid corrodes, the hose loses structural protection and can rupture with no warning.
How old are yours?
Check the date stamp on the nut fitting. If they're more than 10 years old, or if you don't know how old they are, they're worth replacing. The cost of replacing all flexi hoses in a typical Hobart home is usually $300–$600. That's cheap insurance compared to an insurance claim for water damage, which for a serious flood can run into the tens of thousands. During any plumbing job at your house, we always check your flexi hoses and let you know if any are due for replacement.