The Quiet Plumbing Threat in Your Investment Property

The Repair Cost No Investor Wants to Face

As a Perth property investor, protecting your rental home is essential to long term portfolio success. At D Residential Group we focus on proactive property management, and one of the smallest yet most significant risks we monitor is flexible water hoses. These fittings sit quietly under sinks, behind toilets, and in other hidden areas, which means they are often forgotten until something goes wrong.

When a flexible hose bursts, the damage can be immediate and severe. Unfortunately, these failures occur far more frequently than many owners realise. Water can move quickly through a home, damaging cabinetry, flooring, and electrical components within minutes. The result is often costly repairs, disruption to tenants, and time consuming insurance claims. It is one of the most avoidable yet most common issues we see across Perth rental properties, and it is easily overlooked until it is too late.

Why Flexible Hoses Fail

Flexible hoses naturally break down over time. Constant water pressure, moisture, age, and general wear slowly weaken the stainless steel exterior and the internal rubber core. As this happens, the hose may begin to bulge, rust, or show subtle signs of deterioration that are easy to miss unless someone is actively inspecting. In many older homes the hoses have never been replaced and may be well past the recommended five to ten year lifespan, which significantly increases the risk of failure. Even newer homes are not immune, as installation quality and water pressure also play a role.

Healthy vs Unhealthy Hoses:

How We Help Protect Your Property

At D Residential Group we take a hands on approach to preventing flexible hose failures before they occur. During every routine tenant inspection we photograph all visible hoses and record their condition. Over time this creates a clear timeline of any changes, so we can identify early signs of weakening or corrosion long before a rupture happens. This detailed tracking is one of the simplest ways we protect your investment from unexpected damage while giving owners confidence that nothing is being overlooked.

While this is not a tenant responsibility, we also encourage tenants to keep a casual eye on their hoses from time to time. If they notice moisture, rust, or anything that seems unusual, reporting it early helps prevent inconvenience for them and avoids major water damage for the owner.

We also recommend replacing flexible hoses every five to ten years as a preventative measure. Even when a hose appears sound externally, the internal rubber can deteriorate with age and show no visible warning signs. While our approach and regular checks greatly reduce the risk, there are occasions where a hose may still fail without any detectable issues beforehand, so this cannot be taken as an absolute guarantee. Replacing them remains a low-cost, highly effective step that significantly reduces the likelihood of major insurance claims and unexpected disruption.

Why Preventative Maintenance Matters

Preventative maintenance is one of the most valuable tools a property owner has. It protects the physical structure of your investment, keeps tenants safe and comfortable, and reduces the number of emergency repairs you may face during a tenancy. A well maintained property experiences fewer interruptions, retains its value more effectively, and provides a smoother, more positive experience for both landlords and tenants. Staying ahead of issues also allows owners to plan for maintenance rather than be surprised by urgent repair bills.

A Practical Watch for Every Perth Investor

To help tenants and landlords understand exactly what to look for, Joe from Plumbing Bros has created an excellent video that explains the early warning signs of flexible hose failure and offers practical guidance to reduce risk across your properties. It is a quick and informative watch that could save you thousands in water damage, tenant disruption, and insurance headaches.

You can view the video here:

https://youtu.be/NOfdft0PQi8

If you have questions about general maintenance or any other aspect of Perth property management, our team is here to support you. At D Residential Group we provide detailed oriented management, personalised service, and a proactive approach that protects your investment and keeps your tenants well looked after.

If you would like to experience a boutique property management service that truly prioritises your asset, contact us today and discover the difference.