You’ll often find flexible hoses, also called flex lines or braided hoses, tucked away under your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry sinks. These hoses are basically rubber pipes with a stainless steel covering.
These hoses have been a common sight in Aussie homes for about 25 years now. Before then, copper piping was the go-to choice around the country.
Installing them is a breeze because they can be moulded to fit your water supply needs, slotting nicely under your vanity sink. That’s how they got their name ‘Flexible’.
Finding these hoses won’t break the bank, and they’re readily available at most hardware stores.
Are Flexi hoses any good?
Flexible hoses are suitable for closed positions and awkward installations. And because they are cheap, sourcing them is easy.
Remember, the shelf life of these hoses isn’t the longest. Even with a 10-year warranty, knowing the exact certification date can be tricky.
The downside of using these hoses at home is the potential damage they can cause if they burst.
The stainless braided lining may fail, and the Flexi Hose tube may expand and cause flexible hoses to burst. The damage a burst flexi hoses can create can be severe.
If you have a burst pipe, you look at flooding, growing mould, water damage to ceilings and walls, wet furniture and carpets, and electrical appliances. Most severe cases include collapsed roofs and foundational damage.
How do you prevent damage from a flexible braided stainless steel hose?
There are ways to ensure your flexible water hose works in the best condition. By following these guidelines, you can prolong the life of the Flexi Hose and prevent a plumbing catastrophe.
It is always best to have a professional plumbing team on call to follow the correct processes for installing a flexible braided stainless steel hose.
Inspection
Regularly checking your flexible water hoses is the best defence against leaks and bursting pipes. You can look for signs in your flexible water hoses, such as rusty spots on the stainless steel and fraying.
Misshapen flexible water hoses could indicate damage. Your trusted plumber can organise a maintenance plan that includes routine inspections of Flexi hoses.
Installation
Only a licensed plumber should handle plumbing work at your place. They’ve got the right tools and know exactly how to hook up those flexible stainless steel hoses.
It would be best not to attempt any plumbing work yourself, no matter how simple or quick it may seem.
The experience and right qualifications can differentiate between an efficient flexible plumbing hoses system or water damage and severe complications in your home.
Warranty
With the proper installation, a reasonable warranty period should be applied. Monitoring the expiry date and condition of the Flexi is crucial for honouring the warranty period.
Your licensed plumber can assist you with any warranty questions you may have.
Ensure you do your part to keep your flexi hoses in good condition, such as keeping chemicals from the area.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent premature issues and damage to any plumbing in and around your property.
You can ask your trusted plumbing company for various fixtures and systems maintenance plans. This goes for water pipes and flexible hoses as well.
The maintenance plan will identify and repair leaks and rust, keeping your water supply safe and healthy.
Ensuring that your flexible hose is free from leaks, rust, and potential cracks is the best defence against water damage caused by flooding and moisture from leaks and drips.
This can be quickly done by paying attention to the flexi’s expiry date and implementing a maintenance program with the help of your local trusted plumbing company.
Protect Your Home: The Importance of Flexible Hose Maintenance
Flexible hoses are a convenient and widely used plumbing solution, but they require proper care and attention to prevent costly water damage. Regular inspections, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance are essential to ensure your flexible hoses remain in top condition. By partnering with a trusted plumbing team like Fixed Today, you can safeguard your home from potential issues like leaks, bursts, and flooding.
Don’t let a burst flexi hose disrupt your peace of mind. Contact Fixed Today for expert advice, installation, and maintenance to keep your plumbing system running smoothly and your home safe from water damage. Your property deserves the best care, call us today!
