They might look sleek and convenient, but flexible braided hoses are one of the most common culprits behind water damage plumbing emergencies in Sydney homes.
At The Plumbing Paramedics, we’ve seen how fast these silent failures can turn into flood-level disasters.

Flexible hoses are commonly installed under sinks, behind toilets, and around appliances. They’re meant to be an easy fix for tricky plumbing layouts, but when they fail, they don’t just drip. They explode.

Why Are Flexi Hoses So Popular?

Modern kitchens and bathrooms have pushed plumbing into tighter corners.
Flexi hoses offer the perfect workaround. No soldering, no rigid pipes, just a bendable, stainless steel braided hose that connects easily between taps and supply lines. Builders and renovators love them for their speed. But there’s a downside. Their lifespan is limited. Their construction can be vulnerable. And without proper checks, they can cause serious flood damage inside your home.

What Causes Flexi Hoses To Burst?

Incorrect installation: Twisting, stretching or overtightening the connectors can weaken the hose from day one. We’ve seen new homes with incorrectly installed hoses already starting to degrade.

Rust and corrosion: The outer stainless steel braid may corrode when exposed to humidity, chemicals or cleaning sprays — especially under kitchen sinks where moisture is high.

Internal breakdown: The rubber inner lining of a flexi hose expands under pressure. If your household water pressure is too high, or you experience sudden spikes (known as water hammer), it stresses the hose and accelerates failure.

Age and neglect: These hoses have a working lifespan of around five to ten years. Many go well beyond that without ever being checked.

Chemical exposure: Chlorinated water, harsh cleaning agents or nearby chemical products can eat away at the hose material over time.

Think your flexi hoses are due for replacement?
We’ll inspect and replace them before they burst.

The Consequences of a Burst Flexi Hose

When these hoses fail, they can release a full mains-pressure stream, up to 1,500 litres per hour. That’s like draining a backyard pool through your laundry, kitchen or ensuite.

• Flooded floors and ceilings
• Electrical short circuits
• Mould and mildew contamination
• Damaged cabinetry, carpets and appliances
• Insurance complications if hoses were neglected or old

We’ve responded to homes where an upstairs ensuite hose burst while the owners were away, and the entire downstairs ceiling collapsed from water damage. It’s more common than you think.

How To Prevent Flexi Hose Disasters

The Plumbing Paramedics recommend a few practical steps:

• Get a licensed plumber to install new hoses correctly from the start
• Install isolation valves under sinks and vanities so you can shut off water instantly if needed
• Replace hoses every 5 years even if they look fine — early failure signs often aren’t visible
• Book regular inspections every 2 years to check for bulging, fraying or corrosion
• Manage your water pressure to ensure your hoses aren’t under unnecessary strain

Are There Better Alternatives To Flexi Hoses?

Yes. If you’re renovating or upgrading your plumbing, ask us about:

• PEX-lined hoses: more durable and resistant to corrosion
• Copper pipework: rigid and longer lasting, although slightly more labour-intensive

We always install WaterMark-approved hoses and fittings and keep detailed records of service and replacement dates for our customers.

Concerned About Your Flexi Hoses?

We inspect flexi hoses for homeowners, landlords and commercial clients throughout The Hills District and beyond. Our plumbers are on call if your hose has already failed, but prevention is far cheaper than a flood claim.

Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in water, contact The Plumbing Paramedics today on 0430 054 007 for a fast check-up or replacement.

Think your flexi hoses are due for replacement?
We’ll inspect and replace them before they burst.

FAQs

How often should I replace flexi hoses?

We recommend replacing flexi hoses every five years even if they appear fine. Waiting longer significantly increases your risk of burst failure

Are flexi hoses covered by home insurance?

Generally yes but if insurers find the hose was past its expected lifespan or was installed incorrectly they may deny part or all of the claim

What are signs a flexi hose is about to fail?

Look for rust fraying bulging or water staining under sinks or vanities these are early warning signs of failure

Can I install flexi hoses myself?

No a licensed plumber should always install flexi hoses to ensure correct fitting appropriate water pressure and use of approved parts

What is the most common place for hoses to burst?

Under kitchen sinks and bathroom vanities due to heat humidity and constant exposure to cleaning chemicals

Can flexi hoses be replaced with copper pipe?

Yes in many cases we can remove flexi hoses entirely and install rigid copper lines for long term durability and reduced risk