Flexi Hose Installation and Repairs in Brisbane
That small flexible hose under your sink or behind the toilet might seem minor, but in Brisbane homes and businesses, it's one of the top causes of sudden flooding. When a flexi hose bursts, it can send water rushing through your property in minutes, causing costly damage. Our team provides professional flexi hose installation and repairs across Brisbane from the CBD to Northside, Southside, and Moreton Bay. We’ll help you understand these hoses, prevent failures, and keep your plumbing safe and secure.
What Exactly Is a Flexi Hose?
A flexi hose is a flexible tube, often made of rubber or plastic, wrapped in a metal braid, usually stainless steel. They connect your water pipes to things like taps, toilets, hot water systems, washing machines, and even dishwashers. These hoses are super popular because they make plumbing work easier and quicker. If your home was built or renovated in the last 20-25 years, you likely have many of them. They're flexible, so they fit into tight spots. But here's the catch: they don't last forever. Most have a safe life of about 5 to 10 years. Many even have an expiry date printed on them, but most people don't know to look. After about a decade, a flexi hose is much more likely to burst.
Why Do Flexi Hoses Break Down and Burst?
It's a common question for us, "Why did my flexi hose suddenly burst?" The truth is, it's rarely "sudden." There are several reasons these hoses fail, and knowing them can help you prevent big problems.
Flexi hoses simply get old and wear out over time. The rubber inside gets brittle from constant water pressure, water chemicals, and changes in temperature. Even if the outside looks fine, the inside could be ready to crack. Five to ten years is typically when they start getting risky. Also, the metal braiding on the outside can rust and corrode, especially in humid places like under kitchen sinks or bathroom vanities. If you keep cleaning chemicals like bleach nearby, the fumes can make the metal rust faster. Once the braiding rusts or frays, the inner rubber hose can bulge and then burst.
A flexi hose needs to be put in just right. If it's too tight, twisted, or bent too sharply, it puts extra stress on the hose. We've seen hoses fail early because they were simply not installed correctly. A good plumber always installs them with the right amount of slack, without kinks, and securely. Most people just forget about their flexi hoses once they're installed. But these hoses often show signs before they burst, like rust spots, frayed metal strands, or small bulges. If these signs are missed, a burst is more likely. We suggest checking them at least once a year.
High water pressure can also make flexi hoses wear out faster. If your home has really high water pressure, we might suggest putting in a special valve to control it. Quick shocks from water hammer (that banging sound in pipes) can also hurt hoses. Finally, not all flexi hoses are made the same. Some very cheap ones don't meet Australian safety standards. These cheap hoses fail much faster. In Queensland, all hoses must have a "WaterMark" certification. It's against the law to install ones that aren't approved. We always use high-quality, approved hoses for your safety.
By understanding these common causes, you can take steps to protect your home from a flexi hose disaster.
Why a Burst Flexi Hose Is Such a Big Deal in Brisbane
When a flexi hose bursts, it's not just a small leak. It's a full-blown emergency. Water can gush out at hundreds of litres per hour. A fully burst hose can flood your home with up to 1,500 litres of water in just one hour, that's like a small swimming pool over a day! If you're not home to turn off the water, rooms can flood very quickly. This can lead to:
- Major Water Damage: Water can ruin cabinets, warp wooden floors, soak carpets, and even cause ceilings to fall. We've seen homes in Brisbane where water from a single burst hose spread through several rooms and the homeowners come home to find inches of water everywhere.
- High Repair Costs: Fixing water damage is very expensive. Insurance companies report that burst flexi hoses cause a lot of water damage claims, with the average claim costing tens of thousands of dollars. Some claims in Queensland have even gone over $100,000 when a hose burst in an empty home or a multi-storey apartment. Even with insurance, you often have to pay an excess and deal with weeks or months of repairs.
- Insurance Problems: Your insurance might not cover the damage if you haven't kept your flexi hoses in good shape. Insurers see flexi hoses as something homeowners should maintain, like smoke alarm batteries. If a very old hose bursts, your insurer might say it was your fault. We advise keeping records of when your hoses were replaced or checked. We provide these records for you.
- Business Down Time: For shops or offices, a burst flexi hose can stop business for days or weeks. In apartment buildings, if your hose bursts and floods other units, you could be responsible for their damage. Many body corporates in Brisbane are now pushing for all flexi hoses to be replaced to avoid these big, costly problems.
- Safety Risks: Flooding creates dangers like slipping, electric shock if water gets to power outlets, and even damage to the building structure if water sits in ceilings. For businesses, it can also lead to mold or breaking health rules.
It's clear that a small hose, costing maybe $20, can lead to massive problems. That's why we take flexi hose installation and repairs very seriously.
Our Flexi Hose Services
We offer full services to protect your home or business from flexi hose failures. Whether you need a new hose installed, an old one replaced, or emergency help for a burst hose, our licensed plumbers are ready to help.
Here are some of the ways we can assist with your flexi hoses:
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Checks and Inspections: Not sure about your flexi hoses? We can do a detailed check of all the hoses we can reach in your home. This includes hoses under sinks, behind toilets, and those connected to washing machines or hot water systems. We look for any damage, leaks, rust, or hoses that don't meet rules. For businesses, we can check many units or do regular checks as part of a prevention plan.
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Replacing Old Hoses: If a hose is risky or old, we can replace it right away, with your permission. Our vans carry many high-quality replacement flexi hoses. The hoses we use are approved by WaterMark and meet Australian Standards for safety. We use hoses that resist bursting and have parts that won't rust. Each new hose comes with a warranty, usually 5 years or more. We make sure the new hose is the right length, not stretched or bent too much, and properly installed. After we put it in, we test it thoroughly for any leaks.
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Upgrading Hoses: If your home has hoses that aren't up to current safety standards or are very cheap, we strongly recommend replacing them. We can tell you if a hose is not approved and swap it for a proper one. We can also add individual shut-off valves to each fixture if you don't have them. This lets you turn off water to just one tap if there's an emergency, instead of your whole house.
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Maintenance Plans: For homes, rentals, or businesses, we can set up a plan for regular hose checks and replacements. Since flexi hoses should be replaced every 5-10 years even without leaks, we can help you keep track. For example, many homes in Brisbane built in the early 2010s are now due for new flexi hoses. We can replace all hoses in your property at once. We give you a report after replacement with the new hose details and when to check them again. This is great for your records and for insurance.
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Emergency Help: If a flexi hose has burst and water is spraying everywhere, don't panic! Call us right away. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service across Greater Brisbane. We'll guide you on the phone to turn off your main water supply if you haven't already, then send a plumber quickly. We know every minute counts when water is flooding your home. When we arrive, we'll fix the broken hose, replace it, and check other hoses to stop it from happening again. We can also help with initial cleanup or advise on water damage repair services if needed. Quick action can save you from a lot of damage.
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New Installations & Renovations: If you're building a new home, renovating your kitchen or bathroom, or installing new appliances, our plumbers can install the right flexi hoses for the job. We make sure the hoses are correct for hot water lines, dishwashers, and so on. Sometimes, we might even suggest using a stronger, fixed copper pipe instead of a flexi hose for certain connections if it makes sense. We want your plumbing setup to be safe and last a long time.
All our flexi hose installation and repairs are done by licensed plumbers who know Queensland rules. We clean up after ourselves, leaving your property tidy and leak-free. We care about every job, big or small, to protect your property.
Serving Homes and Businesses Across Brisbane
Our flexi hose solutions are made for different needs. For homeowners in Brisbane, flexi hose issues usually involve a few hoses in the kitchen, bathrooms, or laundry. We offer flexible booking times, including after hours, to fit your schedule. If you've had a scare with a leaking hose, or you've just moved into an older house and want peace of mind, we can replace all hoses in your home at once. We'll even teach you how to do simple checks yourself, like looking under the sink every few months. Our plumbers treat your home with respect, using drop sheets and cleaning up.
Businesses and large buildings often have many flexi hoses, including offices, kitchens, and restrooms. A burst hose can stop your business or damage important equipment. We work with property managers, body corporates, restaurants, and other businesses in Brisbane to manage their flexi hose risks. This can include after-hours service to avoid interrupting your business, replacing many hoses at once, and yearly checks as part of a maintenance plan. We provide all the paperwork you need for your records. Many smart Brisbane property managers are now replacing all flexi hoses every 5-7 years in their buildings to prevent huge floods.
Our main goal is to prevent problems first. But if a disaster happens, we are experts in quick and effective emergency plumbing fixes.
Queensland Standards, Rules, and Safety for Flexi Hoses
Because flexi hoses can cause so much damage, they are watched closely by rules and insurance companies in Queensland. It's important to know about:
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Australian Standards and WaterMark: All flexible hoses used in plumbing must meet strict Australian standards. You'll see a "WaterMark" stamp or label on approved hoses. It is against the law in Queensland to install a hose that doesn't have this WaterMark. Our plumbers always make sure every hose we install is properly approved and up to code. If you think a hose in your home might be a cheap, non-approved one, we can check and replace it.
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Pressure Reduction Valves (PRVs): In Queensland, if your property's water pressure is over 500kPa, a pressure reduction valve is needed. This is not just a suggestion; it's a requirement to protect your plumbing. Without a PRV when one is needed, high water pressure can stress your pipes and fittings, including flexi hoses, and if a burst pipe happens, it could even void your home warranty claims. We can check your water pressure and install a PRV if needed to protect your home and your warranty.
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Individual Isolation Valves: There's a new local requirement to have individual isolation valves for all water services that use a flexible hose connection. This means each tap or fixture connected by a flexi hose should have its own small shut-off valve. If a hose bursts, you can quickly turn off just that one valve instead of your whole house's water supply. This helps stop major water damage quickly and makes it much easier to fix future problems without affecting other water use in your home. Our plumbers can install these valves for you to meet current requirements and add an extra layer of protection.
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No DIY Plumbing: In Queensland, only a licensed plumber can work on water supply lines, including installing or replacing flexi hoses. It might look like a simple job, but the law is there for good reason. A lot can go wrong if a hose is not installed correctly or if the wrong type is used. If a hose you installed yourself fails and causes damage, your insurance might not pay for it. Always use a licensed plumber like us. We give you a guarantee on our work and proper paperwork.
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Warranty and Records: Good quality flexi hoses come with warranties, usually 5 years. When we install hoses, we record the date and type of hose. This helps you keep track of when they need to be checked again. Keeping these records can be very helpful if your insurance company asks questions. Also, insurance companies expect you to take care of your flexi hoses. Most policies will only cover a burst hose if you have taken reasonable steps to maintain it. We can help you stay on top of this by setting reminders for checks or suggesting replacements before hoses get too old. This not only protects your property but also keeps your insurance valid.
Our team knows all about Queensland plumbing codes and industry standards. So, you can be sure that any flexi hose installation and repairs we do are fully correct and safe.
Understanding Flexi Hose Service Quotes in Brisbane
Investing in professional flexi hose services is a proactive step that can save you from significant water damage and costly repairs later. The precise cost of our services is tailored to each unique situation, as it depends on factors such as the specific service required, the number of hoses involved, and whether it's an emergency.
For an accurate, upfront, and fixed-price quote, an on-site assessment is essential. This allows our licensed plumbers to thoroughly evaluate your specific needs, whether for a detailed inspection, individual hose replacement, or a comprehensive service for multiple hoses or commercial properties. We believe in complete transparency, providing a precise quote before any work begins, ensuring you understand the investment involved in protecting your property.
Need a Reliable Plumber in Brisbane?
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Burst Flexi Hose FAQs
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Watch for small drips or leaks, rust spots on the metal braiding, frayed or stretched braiding, kinks in the hose, or any bulging. If the hose feels stiff or very soft, these can also be bad signs. It's best to check them every few months, especially under sinks and behind toilets.
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Even if they look fine, flexi hoses should be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Many hoses have a manufacture date printed on them, which can help you know their age. This is a common recommendation by plumbers and insurance companies to prevent unexpected bursts.
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First, stay calm. Quickly find your main water shut-off valve (usually near your water meter outside your house) and turn it off. If you can't find it, or it's an apartment, turn off the water to the specific fixture if it has an isolation valve. Then, call a licensed plumber right away for emergency repair. We are available 24/7 for burst hose emergencies in Brisbane.
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If your home's water pressure is too high (over 500kPa), it puts a lot of stress on all your plumbing, including flexi hoses. A pressure reduction valve (PRV) lowers the water pressure coming into your home to a safe level. This helps extend the life of your flexi hoses and other fixtures, and is often a requirement to keep your home warranty valid against burst pipe claims.
Here's What Our Customers Say
See what our local Brisbane customers are saying about our reliable plumbing services.
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Geordie was excellent. Very prompt and professional service. He clearly explained what was required and made sure I was happy with the work. I highly recommend Weekend Plumbing Co.
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Weekend Plumbing Co. were able to attend to our residential plumbing requirements at short notice and also at a time that suited us around personal work commitments. The service was very efficient and communication was excellent. Really appreciated the work and advice of Geordie and the team, thank you!
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Geordie was fast & efficient. He left my elderly parents’ bathroom in pristine condition when the job was done. I couldn’t recommend more highly! Thanks Geordie!
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Geordie was efficient and communicated the problem and the solution. His fee seemed reasonable for a Saturday call out and the issue was fixed promptly and the site cleaned up thoroughly afterwards. Would recommend Geordie.
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I had a fantastic experience with Geordie Young @ Weekend Plumbing Co. The service was quick and efficient, and he resolved our issue in no time. Communication throughout the process was clear and prompt, which made everything so much easier. I really appreciate the professionalism and skill. Also the fact there is no call out fee. Highly recommend!
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Geordie is the mvp! I highly recommend Weekend Plumbing Co. The whole process from booking to final payment was easy peasy! We had some persistent leaks fixed and needed a gutter looked at. Bonus points as Geordie is also a lovely person. Will book again when needed, thanks!
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Phone 0482 979 551
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