The hoses are under mains pressure whenever the tap is open. They age, and a burst hose is a common cause of water damage.
What to check
- Hose condition: look for bulges, cracks, rust on the metal ends and kinks.
- Connections: dry them with a cloth and see if damp appears.
- Age: replace rubber hoses every five years, or sooner if worn.
- Taps: they should turn easily and not weep around the spindle.
Good habits
- Turn the supply tap off if you are going away for a long time.
- Leave enough slack so the hoses are not pulled tight.
- Keep hoses away from sharp edges and heat.
