Flexi Hose Burst? Here's What to Do First
A burst flexi hose can release 600 litres of water per hour. The average claim exceeds $27,500. Every minute counts. Follow these six steps to limit the damage.
If a flexi hose has just burst in your home, stay calm. You can significantly reduce the damage by acting quickly and methodically. Stuart Wills, FlexiPro's founder, has responded to countless burst flexi hose emergencies and assessed the resulting insurance claims over more than 35 years in the trade. The steps below are the exact sequence he recommends.
A burst flexi hose releases water at full mains pressure. Left unchecked, that is 600L per hour flooding through your property. Over an eight-hour workday, that totals 4,800 litres. The damage can reach $27,500 or more, and repairs often take months.
Here is what to do, starting with the single most important action.
Step 1: Shut off the water supply immediately
This is the most important step. Do this before anything else.
Your first priority when a flexi hose bursts is to stop the flow of water. Every second it runs, the damage grows.
Isolation valves: Look under the sink, basin, or toilet where the burst has occurred. You should see small tap handles or quarter-turn levers on the water supply lines. Turn these clockwise to shut off water to that specific fixture. This is the fastest option if you can access them safely.
Main shut-off valve: If you cannot find isolation valves, or if water is spraying too heavily to reach them, go straight to your main water shut-off valve. In most houses, this is located at the front of the property near the water meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
Apartments and units: Your water meter and shut-off valve are usually located in a common area, often in a meter box on the ground floor or in the basement. If you are unsure where yours is, contact your body corporate or building manager. It is worth knowing this location before an emergency happens.
Step 2: Turn off electricity if water is near power points
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If the burst flexi hose has sent water anywhere near power points, light switches, or your switchboard, do not touch them. Go directly to your main switchboard and turn off the power at the mains.
If your switchboard is in an area affected by the water, do not attempt to touch it. Call your electricity provider or an emergency electrician for advice.
If the water is contained to a small area well away from any electrical fittings, you can leave the power on. Use your judgement, but when in doubt, turn it off. Safety comes first.
Step 3: Contain the water and start drying
Once the water supply is off, focus on limiting the spread. Use towels, blankets, buckets, and containers to soak up and collect standing water. Mop hard floors and use towels to blot carpeted areas.
Open windows and doors to get air circulating. If power is still on safely, turn on fans and set your air conditioning to a dry or dehumidify setting. The faster you remove moisture, the less chance of mould developing in walls, floors, and cabinetry.
Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from wet areas where possible. Lift curtains and soft furnishings off the floor. If water has reached built-in cabinetry, open all doors and drawers to allow airflow.
Step 4: Document everything before cleanup
Before you clean up any further, take photos and video of the damage. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. Capture the source of the burst, the extent of the water spread, damage to floors, walls, cabinetry, and any personal belongings that have been affected.
Record timestamps. Note the time you discovered the burst, the time you turned off the water, and the time you contacted your insurer. These details matter during the claims process.
Keep the burst hose. Do not throw it away. Your insurer may want to inspect it, and it serves as evidence of the failure. Place it in a bag and set it aside.
Step 5: Call your insurer
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers have 24/7 claims lines for emergencies like this. When you call, explain that a flexi hose has burst in your property. Describe the location of the failure and the extent of the water damage you have documented.
This is where the documentation from step four becomes essential. Insurers need clear evidence of the damage at the time of the incident. Photos, video, and timestamps strengthen your claim significantly.
Be aware that most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, but they may not cover damage resulting from lack of maintenance or wear and tear. If your hoses were visibly deteriorated or well past their warranty period, your claim could be reduced or declined. This is why proactive maintenance matters so much.
Learn more about flexi hose insurance coverage and maintenance exclusions to understand where you stand.
Step 6: Call a licensed plumber
Once you have contained the immediate emergency and contacted your insurer, call a licensed plumber. You need a professional to assess the burst hose, check for any secondary damage to your plumbing system, and carry out emergency repairs.
A qualified plumber will also inspect the remaining flexi hoses in your property. If one has failed, others installed at the same time may be close to failure as well. It is common for multiple hoses in a home to be the same age and brand, which means they share the same risk profile.
In Queensland, all plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed professional. DIY repairs risk further damage, void any warranty on replacement parts, and can complicate your insurance claim.
The best time to act is before a burst happens
If you are reading this after dealing with a burst flexi hose, you already know the cost of waiting. If you have found this page before an emergency, you have a valuable opportunity to protect your property.
Most flexi hose failures are preventable. The rubber liner inside every braided hose degrades over time, and once deterioration reaches a critical point, the hose can burst without any warning. Regular inspection and timely replacement are the most effective protection against water damage.
A professional flexi hose audit identifies every hose in your property, records its age and condition, and provides clear recommendations for replacement. The audit also documents your maintenance history, which strengthens your position with insurers if a claim is ever needed.
For properties at higher risk, flood stop valves provide an additional layer of protection. These devices detect abnormal water flow and shut off the supply automatically, limiting damage even when you are not home.
Protect your property before the next burst
A $275 audit identifies every flexi hose in your property and gives you a clear plan. Book yours today.