Burst flexi-hoses are responsible for one in 10 water damage claims lodged with Suncorp and cost an average of more than $27,500 per incident, the insurer says.

The fittings – common in bathrooms and kitchens – are a “ticking time bomb under the sink”, Suncorp says following analysis of more than 22,000 water damage claims last year.

As part of its research, published today, Suncorp spent six-months inspecting customers’ flexi-hoses and found a “shocking” 30% were at risk of bursting and needed replacing.

The proportion is the equivalent of two flexi-hoses in every home.

“When a flexi-hose bursts, it causes a lot of damage,” Suncorp Insurance head of assessing and supply chain Steven Hussey said.

“In open-plan designed homes the water can easily spread to different areas, meaning repair times and costs surge. 

“Most flexi-hoses burst due to the breakdown of the external braiding material due to rust and corrosion, or the effects of twisting, kinking or stretching.

“These can all be prevented by simply conducting regular checks.”

The industry has drawn fire for using wear and tear exclusions to deny flexi-hose water damage claims, and a series of disputes have reached the Australian Financial Complaints Authority in recent years.

Suncorp’s fact sheet on flexi-hoses describes regular maintenance as “so important”, because it may affect the outcome of a claim.

“While most Aussies purchase insurance to protect themselves and their belongings in the event of an accident at home, many aren’t aware that ‘wear and tear’ is not covered,” the fact sheet says. “Not maintained? Not covered.”

A Suncorp spokesperson told insuranceNEWS.com.au: “Our policies cover water damage caused by a burst flexi-hose. However, each water claim is assessed to confirm whether any policy exclusions apply, for example, the flexi-hose burst because of rust or corrosion that was easily visible.” 

Suncorp assessing specialist Rebecca Senyard, a licensed plumber, says flexi-hose claims generally involve large amounts of water escaping quickly.

A burst flexi-hose left undiscovered for 24 hours can release enough water to fill a household swimming pool, she says.

“The damage they cause inside your home, to furniture and belongings, is mind-blowing.”

Suncorp urges homeowners to carry out routine checks, preferably half-yearly.

“All it takes is 10 minutes every six months to pop your head under the sink and check to see if you can spot any fraying, rust, corrosion, kinking or twisting with your flexi-hoses,” Mr Hussey said.

“If you do, call a licensed plumber immediately to get them checked and replaced.”

Suncorp says some flexi-hoses last for years, while others corrode, rust and fail faster.

“As with everything, there are cheaper versions [of] flexi-hoses available, but you pay for quality,” Mrs Senyard said.

“Some flexi-hoses can work without an issue for 20 years … it really is a matter of staying on top of your home maintenance.”

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