Faulty hoses dampening Australian households
04 May 2017
Australia’s largest general insurer, IAG, is urging Australian homeowners to inspect their sinks, with new research revealing faulty flexible hoses are the leading cause of household water damage.
The insurer’s claims data* shows that flexible hoses accounted for 22% of water damage claims in Australian households in 2016, with properties between 11 and 30 years old most likely to suffer an escape of water claim.
A flexible hose, also known as a braided inlet hose, is used to connect water from the wall outlet to the taps under sinks, basins and tubs. Often made of stainless steel, it can become corroded by rust, kinked, start to unravel, or come loose at the connection points.
Claims were most likely to be for kitchen and bathroom damage, such as ruined furniture, water-stained walls, soaked carpets and even severe structural damage.
“Our research shows that flexible hoses only last around 10 years and as they're typically out of sight and out of mind, it’s not something you’re probably thinking about replacing,” said Cheryl Chantry, Executive General Manager, Short Tail Claims for IAG.
“We are now finding a rise in damaged bathrooms and kitchens due to flexible hoses bursting. Over time, they can deteriorate and become a ticking time bomb in your home.
“We recommend inspecting flexible hoses every few years to reduce the risk of water damage.”
By taking the following simple steps, homeowners can lower the risk of flexible hoses bursting:
- Engage a suitably qualified professional plumber to supply and install the new hoses.
- Consider replacing all affected flexible hoses in your home with a new product as soon as possible.
- Set yourself reminders to replace flexible hoses in the future, as they only have a 10 year warranty period.
*Based on Insurance Australia Group claims data