Be aware: flexible braided hoses can cause major flooding


W
e recently experienced a major issue/problem with one of our rental properties.

The tenant called about 9pm on a Sunday night to say she had returned home to find water was coming through the ceiling into the living area downstairs.

We recently experienced a major issue/problem with one of our rental properties.

The tenant called about 9pm on a Sunday night to say she had returned home to find water was coming through the ceiling into the living area downstairs.

Fortunately, the tenant had the presence of mind to turn the water off at what she thought was the source and mopped the floor.

A couple of hours later she contacted us again to say there was another leak and that this time she couldn’t stop it.

A friendly neighbour helped her turn the water off at the mains, but so much water had escaped that it caused the ceiling to collapse.

It also caused flooding to the adjacent townhouse.

Significant damage

 

The lower level of the property sustained significant damage which took many weeks to remediate.

Although we have not previously experienced this problem, we have since discovered that water damage claims are by far the largest source of claims on insurance, and that, as in this case, flexible braided hoses account for around 20% of water damage claims, across all types of property.

A burst hose with pressure can deliver 1500 litres of water per hour into your home.

It appears that these hoses have a limited life span, with some ‘failing’ after only five years.

There are various options to reduce the likelihood of bursting hoses and we suggest you ask your plumber for recommendations.