Versatile, easy to install, affordable. These are some of the reasons why flexi-hoses are so widely popular.
But did you know that this fitting that sits unnoticed under the sinks of kitchens, bathrooms and laundries is one of the most common causes of internal flooding?
How do flexi-hoses get damaged?
There are several reasons how a flexible water hose can get damaged and cause flooding to your home.
1. Overdue replacement
A flexible water hose has a useful life span of 5 to 10 years. More often than not, people do not notice fittings like flexi-hoses—at least, not until they start to fail.
2. Faulty installation
Because flexi-hoses are easy to install, a lot of people attempt to install it themselves. However, there is a big chance of over-stretching or over-tightening the pipe which can cause leakages or worse, ruptures. Licensed plumbers know which hose length to use to prevent the braid from unraveling and breaking the rubber seal.
3. Lack of maintenance
Flexi-hoses that have limited or no maintenance can easily fray, rust or kink, more so if the product has poor quality. It’s like a ticking time bomb—the pipe can burst at any time.
A faulty flexi-hose can result in expensive repairs
It can flood your home with up to 1,500 litres of water every hour. In as little as five minutes, it can quickly spread and flood the carpet, floors and walls of a few bedrooms.
That’s how a $10 fitting can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Prevention is better than cure
This common saying can also be applied to your home. Protect it from flooding with these tips:
Always have a licensed plumber install your flexi-hoses. Aside from knowing the technical details of the installation, they can also check the integrity of the product.
Visually inspect the flexi-hoses in your home regularly for signs of corrosion or kinks.
Don’t forget to have your hoses replaced every so often, approximately every five years or whenever you see signs of damage.
If possible, buy a high-quality flexi-hose that comes with an extended warranty.
Make sure you and your children (if they’re old enough) know where the main water connection is so you/they can turn it off in case there is flooding in your home.
If you are going to be away for an extended period, it’s best to turn off the water main so you don’t come home to a flooded house.
What to do in case of flooding
The first thing you need to do in case of flooding from a burst flexi-hose is to turn off the main water connection.
Then, call a professional water damage restoration specialist, preferably one that offers 24/7 services, so they can extract the water immediately and prevent further damage as well as and the onset of mould. They will also have all the necessary drying equipment to restore your property back to its normal condition.
ProtectorClean no longer provides water damage restoration services but am happy to recommend the below local restoration companies if you are in need of their services:
'Spruce Up Your Home' - All hours water restoration and building emergency services in Perth Australia.
'PAC Perth Asset Care' - Preserving and returning your assets to their pre-claim state.
If you would like to know more about any of our cleaning and sealing services click on the links below: