Why are Flexi Hoses So Prone to Damage?

    Flexi air hose, plastic flexible tube, piping on an abstract background
    1000 750 Admin A

    Flexible water hoses, or flexi hoses, are a common plumbing feature in our homes. Made from rubber and fabricated steel, they replaced standard copper pipe installations in older homes and are found in connections from the wall outlet to sinks, basins, tubs and taps. They are also used in toilets to connect water from the stop tap to the cistern.

    Replacing faulty flexi hoses is one of the most common jobs a plumber attends to. This has people wondering; why are flexi hoses so prone to damage and what can be done to prevent problems related to them?

    Limited Lifespan

    Many failures are simply due to the fact that flexi hoses have a limited working life. Since 2006, flexi hoses have required WaterMark certification. However, they have been on the Australian market for 8 years before that, and it’s unclear which hoses installed during that time were certified.

    The risk of flexi hoses bursting and flooding the house increases significantly a decade after a property is built. Some hoses may come with a 10-year warranty while others have no warranty at all. These hoses will often fail well before the 10-year mark.

    Incorrect Installation and Maintenance

    The biggest problem with flexi hoses is damage prior to or during installation. Over tightening, over stretching and looseness can all cause the pipe to fail. It’s quite easy for this to happen, especially when someone other than a licenced plumber is installing it. Incremental damage like rusting, fraying, twisting and kinking can create a weak point, leading to failures down the track.

    As the system pressurises overnight, the water seeks a path of escape. This pressure can cause the weak point in the flexi hose to bulge ever so slightly. This point will cycle through a process of being under pressure, stretching and then having the pressure released once water is used again. Like blowing up a balloon slightly and then letting the air out, this stretches the inner rubber tube over time until it bursts.

    How to Minimise the Risk of Bursts

    To avoid major water damage from a burst flexi hose, ensure you take the following steps:

    • Check your hose on a regular basis for rust spots, bulging, fraying and kinking
    • Only use flexi hoses with a reasonable warranty period
    • Have licenced plumbers carry out all installations and repair works
    • Get your flexi hoses maintained every two to five years by a plumber who can also check for signs of hidden leaks

    Need a Plumbing Company? Brisbane’s EPG Can Help

    Need an issue with a flexi hose resolved? Get in touch with the expert plumbers at EPG today. In addition to fixing residential plumbing issues around Brisbane, we offer a range of other services:

    • Industrial plumbing (Brisbane wide)
    • Commercial plumbing (Brisbane wide)
    • Industrial automation (Brisbane wide)
    • Commercial electrician (Brisbane wide)

    Call us on (07) 3823 1630 to discuss your requirements or contact us online.

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    Admin A

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