A small, inexpensive plumbing fitting found under most kitchen and bathroom sinks is now a leading cause of home insurance claims in Australia.

Flexible braided hoses (commonly called “flexi hoses”) typically cost less than $20, but when they fail, the damage can be significant. Recent insurer data shows the average claim from a burst flexi hose is now around $30,000, with some claims exceeding $100,000. These failures account for roughly 1 in every 10 home insurance claims.

Why this is happening

Flexi hoses don’t last forever. They can deteriorate over time due to:

• Corrosion or rust
• Internal wear
• Poor or twisted installation

The issue is that most failures occur without warning. If a hose bursts while a home is unattended, water can run for hours or even days, causing widespread damage across multiple rooms.

Modern open-plan homes can make the problem worse, allowing water to spread quickly and increasing the cost of repairs.

A preventable problem

Despite the risk, many homeowners never check these fittings. Industry research shows a large number of people either don’t maintain their homes regularly or only act when something goes wrong.

In many cases, these claims could be avoided with simple inspections and timely replacement.

What we recommend

• Check flexi hoses under sinks at least twice a year
• Look for signs of rust, fraying, bulging or kinking
• Replace older hoses proactively using a licensed plumber
• Turn off the water at the mains when leaving your home for extended periods

Why it matters

A burst flexi hose can result in extensive water damage, major disruption and long repair times. In severe cases, homes may need to be stripped back and rebuilt, leaving families displaced for months.

For such a small component, the risk is disproportionate — but it is one of the easiest to manage.