Insurance brokers are urged to caution their clients about the growing losses linked to preventable water damage and inadequate home inspections.
A recent Suncorp Insurance study found that flexi-hoses – which are used to connect plumbing fixtures in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms – are a major source of claims for water damage. Over six months, Suncorp assessors inspected thousands of households and determined that nearly one in three flexi-hoses were at risk of failure.
Steven Hussey, head of assessing and supply chain at Suncorp Insurance, said there were typically two flexi-hoses needing immediate replacement across the homes his team reviewed.
“When a flexi-hose bursts it causes a lot of damage. Shockingly, on average a flexi-hose claim costs over $27,500 and can take months to repair,” he said. “In open-plan designed homes, the water can easily spread to different areas, meaning repair times and costs surge.”
Suncorp’s analysis showed that flexi-hoses are vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and physical damage such as twisting or kinking.
Hussey advised homeowners to perform visual checks every six months and seek professional advice if signs of wear are noticed.
Data from more than 22,000 Suncorp home insurance claims in 2024 indicated that about 10% of water damage incidents originated from burst flexi-hoses, with higher costs and damages reported during holiday seasons when homes were left vacant.
Licensed plumber and Suncorp assessing specialist Rebecca Senyard highlighted the speed at which water damage can occur.
“A burst flexi-hose left undiscovered for 24 hours can release enough water to fill a household swimming pool,” she said. “The damage they cause inside your home, to furniture and belongings, is mind-blowing. As with everything, there are cheaper versions for flexi-hoses available, but you pay for quality. Some flexi-hoses can work without an issue for 20 years, while others corrode, rust, and fail faster. It really is a matter of staying on top of your home maintenance.”
Separately, Allianz Australia research revealed a broader pattern of homeowner neglect. A commissioned survey found that 84% of Australian homeowners are not conducting regular property checks, and just 16% reported quarterly inspections.
Allianz recommends monthly inspections to reduce risks. According to Insurance Statistics Australia, claims related to burst pipes alone have totalled $864 million over the past two years.
Homeowners cited barriers such as cost pressures (32%) and a lack of repair skills (36%), Allianz found. Despite these challenges, 63% of respondents said they attempt repairs without professional assistance.
The rising incidence of extreme weather events is exacerbating these risks. According to NRMA Insurance’s Wild Weather Tracker, one in six Australians experienced weather-related property or vehicle damage during the last summer season. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reported more than 95,000 weather-related claims during the same period.
