Signs Your Plumbing Needs Attention
- 1 Low or fluctuating water pressure throughout the home
- 2 Discoloured (rusty or brown) water, particularly on first run of the day
- 3 Slow-draining sinks, showers, or tubs
- 4 Visible corrosion on exposed pipes under sinks or in the roof cavity
- 5 Frequent leaks at joints or through pipe walls
- 6 Flexi hoses more than 10 years old — these are the leading cause of home flood insurance claims in Australia
Pipe Materials in Australian Homes
- 1 Galvanised steel (pre-1970s): corrodes from inside — causes discolouration and flow restriction
- 2 Copper (1960s onwards): excellent longevity (50+ years), still the premium standard
- 3 CPVC/PVC (common from 1980s): durable but can become brittle over time
- 4 PEX (modern): flexible, freeze-resistant, ideal for retrofits — now widely used in Australia
Flexi Hose Replacement — Do This Now
Stainless steel braided flexible hoses (under sinks, behind toilets, to dishwashers) have a 10-year recommended replacement life. When they fail, they catastrophically burst and can release a full mains flow for hours before being noticed, causing tens of thousands in water damage. Check dates stamped on the hose ends.
⚠️ Watch out: If any flexi hose in your home is more than 10 years old — or you don't know when they were installed — replace all of them now. It costs $500–$1,000 for a whole home and can prevent a catastrophic flood.
Full Re-Pipe: Is It Worth It?
A full re-pipe of a 3-bedroom home typically costs $8,000–$15,000. This is worthwhile if: multiple pipes have already failed or are showing corrosion, water pressure is consistently low throughout the home, or the existing pipe material (galvanised steel) is at end of life. Partial re-pipes addressing specific problem areas cost $2,000–$5,000.
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