A flexible hose, also known as a flex line or braided hose, is usually located under your bathroom, kitchen or laundry sink. They are pipes made from rubber that are encased with stainless steel.
This product is widely used across Australia and has been used for around 25 years. Before that time, copper piping was mainly used in homes across the country.
They are easily installed as they can be bent and shaped to accommodate your water supply and fit under your vanity sink; this is where the name ’Flexible’ came.
They are relatively cheap to source, and you can find them in most plumbing 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.
One thing to keep in mind is the shelf life of these is not very long, and even though they may come with a warranty of 10 years, it is difficult to determine when the hose was certified in the first place.
The downfall of having this product in your home is the risk of damage from a burst Flexi Hose.
The stainless braided lining may fail, and the Flexi Hose tube expands and bursts. The damage a burst flexible water hose 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 stays working in the best condition. By following these guidelines, you can prolong the life of the Flexi Hose and prevent a plumbing catastrophe.
Having a professional plumbing team on-call to follow the correct processes for installing a flexible braided stainless steel hose is always the best way.
Inspection
Regular checking of your flexible water hoses is the best form of 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 any fraying.
Misshapen flexible water hoses could indicate damage. Flexi hoses routine inspections can be carried out through a maintenance plan organised by your trusted plumber.
Installation
A licenced plumber is the only person to carry out any plumbing work on your property. They have the right tools for the job and know to connect the stainless steel flexible hose the right way.
It would be best if you didn’t attempt to do any plumbing work yourself, no matter how simple or quick it may seem.
Having the experience and right qualifications can differentiate between an efficient plumbing 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 will be able to 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 array from the area.
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Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important to prevent premature issues and damage to any plumbing in and around your property.
You can ask your trusted plumbing company for regular maintenance plans for various fixtures and systems. This goes for water pipes and flexible hoses as well.
With the maintenance plan in place, leaks and rust will be identified and repaired, keeping your water supply safe and healthy.
Ensuring that your flexible hose is free from leaks, rust, and potential cracks is the best form of defence against water damage caused by flooding and moisture from leaks and drips.
This can be quickly done by paying attention to the expiry date on the Flexi and implementing a maintenance program with the help of your local trusted plumbing company.
Fixed Today is expert in all areas of plumbing. We have the necessary tools and experience to ensure your flexible hose is free from leaks.
You can call us to assist you with any plumbing, drainage or gas needs you may have.
