A flexible hose, 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 used primarily in homes nationwide.
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 from.
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 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.
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
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. Routine inspections of Flexi hoses can be carried out through a maintenance plan organised by your trusted plumber.
Installation
A licensed plumber is the only person to do any plumbing work on your property. They have the right tools for the job and know how to correctly connect the flexible stainless steel hose.
It would be best if you didn’t attempt to do 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.
Need a Plumbing Service?
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 expiry date on the Flexi and implementing a maintenance program with the help of your local trusted plumbing company.
Fixed Today is an expert in all areas of plumbing. We have the tools and experience to ensure your flexible hose is free from leaks.
You can call us to assist with plumbing, drainage, or gas needs.
Keeping your home safe from flooding and water damage is our priority.
