Flexi Water Hoses: 4 Mistakes That Could Damage Your Client's Home
According to insurance company Racq Living, almost 10,000 claims have been lodged in the last three years pertaining to water damage in the home, with burst pipes and hoses as a common cause for damage. Flexi water hoses, when poorly installed or maintained, can burst at any time of the day. This can cause disastrous water damage to homes, especially when no one is at home to attend to the damage. Floorboards can form hazardous mould.
But the good news is this can all be preventable! All it takes is choosing the right hose, correctly installing it and informing your client about good maintenance.
What are Flexi Water Hoses?
Flexi water hoses are a type of flexible hose that are commonly used to connect appliances and fixtures to the water supply. They are typically made of braided stainless steel or reinforced PVC and come in various lengths and sizes. Flexi hoses are popular because they are easy to install, affordable, and provide flexibility in tight spaces. However, they are also prone to damage if not properly installed and maintained.
4 Mistakes That Could Damage Your Client’s Home
Mistake #1: Installing a flexible hose with twists or kinks
Water hoses should never be installed when there are tight twists and kinks. If your flexi hose is bending past 180 degrees, it can be more prone to damage. Make sure to choose the right length and connector type suited for your appliance, to ensure there are no tight hose twists or kinks.
Mistake #2: Not offering regular check-ups
It only takes a few quick and simple steps to prevent potentially devastating water damage from water hose damage. It’s important to regularly check for rust or signs of wear on installed water hoses 1-2 times per year. You can offer your client a free flexi hose check-up alongside your regular plumbing inspection.
Mistake #3: Not knowing what to do when a burst happens
If a hose does burst, it can only take a matter of minutes before major water damage occurs. Let your client know the important protocols for when water bursting occurs – everyone in the home should know where he water main is as it’ll need to be turned off.
Mistake #4: Leaving the mains supply on when away
If no one’s at home for a long period of time, you can imagine the damage that could happen from an unattended water hose burst or leak. Let your client know it’s always ideal to switch off the main water supply when they go on a long holiday. By making smart recommendations to your clients, your clients will feel more confident with your services and may be more inclined to work with you in the future.
How to Choose the Right Flexi Water Hose
Historically, flexible water hoses were not designed to last a decade or more, however many homeowners were unaware of this, and as such, rarely had their water hose installations checked by a professional. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a hose to prolong the life of your installations:
- Material: Flexi water hoses that are made from EPDM are more at risk of rust, corrosion and eventual breakage. For protection against bursts, look for a hose that is made of a high-density PEX core. Bromic PEX PROTM water hoses are not only burst proof – they’re also rustproof too!
- Length: Measure the distance between the appliance or fixture and the water supply to determine the appropriate length.
- Connection Type: Choose the appropriate connector type for the appliance. You may want to consider using an elbow connector in some scenarios.
Consider stocking up on various water hose lengths and connections, so you have the right hose to install on the job.
PEX PROTM Water Hoses
Unlike standard EDPM water hoses, Bromic 8mm PEX PRO™ water hoses are burst-proof & rust-proof guaranteed. This is because they are manufactured with a high-density PEX core covered with a marine grade 316 stainless steel braid. And to top it all off – PEX PRO™ water hoses are backed by an industry-leading 15-year warranty.
PEX PRO™ water hoses are available for purchase at Plumber’s Co-op, Reece, Plumber’s Choice and Galvins. Contact your local store now to check stock availability.
