Suncorp says the cost of claims caused by bursting flexi-hoses is still rising, and the ticking time bombs are not going anywhere in the short term.

The insurer says the average cost of a flexi-hose claim is now $30,000 – up from $27,500 last year. It says the pipes account for one in 10 home claims, and 6% of claims top $100,000.

Flexi-hoses are rubber tubes reinforced externally with stainless steel webbing, and they are a cheap and versatile solution for linking sinks, toilets and dishwashers to a home’s water supply.

But they have a limited life span and can burst suddenly, flooding homes with a swimming pool’s worth of water within 24 hours.

Suncorp says homeowners should carry out regular checks and that hoses at risk of failure can be easy to spot. About 60% of homeowners have never inspected their flexi-hoses.

Head of claims and assessing Paul Callanan told insuranceNEWS.com.au that while materials are constantly advancing, and alternatives are being considered, flexi-hoses are here to stay in the short term.

“There is research going on into something that has the qualities of the flexi-hose but is more durable and long-lasting.

“But the ease with which these hoses can be used, at that relatively low cost, makes them extremely attractive to builders, repairers and plumbers. They are probably not going anywhere.”

Related article: Home maintenance checks ‘off the agenda’

He says in future homeowners may access cheaper premiums by proving they have invested in maintenance, or by sending their insurer photos to show their flexi-hoses are in good nick.

There may also be sensors that could be deployed to shut off the water supply once a leak or burst is detected.

But for now, the emphasis is on education. As well as carrying out checks, insureds should be aware that the cost of flexi-hose claims is contributing to premium rises, and there is potential for claims to be denied under wear and tear exclusions if maintenance is not carried out.

“Maintenance of homes is a real challenge for us,” Mr Callanan said. “We maintain our cars and get them regularly serviced, and customers seem to accept that.

“It’s not always the case with a home. We are very reactive to an event happening. There could be a time where those customers able to show they have regularly maintained their homes would get a different product or a different price. That’s all possible in the future.

“It is something we have tested and trialled, but there is definitely more opportunity there.”

Mr Callanan says most Australians could not recognise a flexi-hose and do not know they are in their homes. With greater education, most claims could be prevented, he adds.

“This is not a natural hazard event that you can’t prevent. We want to avoid passing on those claims costs to customers, but also these are devastating events where customers are often displaced from their homes.”