Flexi-hoses represent a “ticking time bomb under the sink” and homeowners must step up their maintenance routines or face huge damage costs, Suncorp says.

The insurer issued the warning after its research found a “shocking” 30% of flexi-hoses in customers’ homes are at risk of bursting.

Suncorp spent six-months inspecting policyholders’ hoses, and has analysed more than 22,000 water damage claims from last year.

It found burst flexi-hoses were responsible for one in 10 of these claims, costing an average of more than $27,500 per incident.

“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.