By Water Tight Canberra — Your Local Canberra Plumbing Experts
When it comes to plumbing emergencies, one of the most common culprits we see in homes across Canberra is a burst flexible mixer tap hose. These small stainless steel braided hoses connect your kitchen, bathroom or laundry mixer taps to the water supply, and when they fail — they fail fast. The result? Potentially thousands of dollars in water damage.
Understandably, many customers ask: “Can’t we just replace the hoses?”
In some cases, yes — but in reality, replacing just the hoses is often more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive than simply installing a brand-new tap.
Here’s why your Canberra plumber will likely recommend replacing the entire mixer tap instead of just the hoses.
1. Access is Awkward (At Best)
Most mixer taps are installed at the back of kitchen sinks or bathroom vanities, usually in tight cabinetry with limited access. Over time, fittings can become seized or calcified, making it nearly impossible to unscrew the hoses without specialised tools — or dismantling the cabinet or bench.
In many homes, especially older builds or compact units, there’s simply not enough room to remove the hoses safely and cleanly without taking the entire tap out.
2. Not All Hoses Are Designed to Be Replaced
Some tap manufacturers design their mixers with proprietary or integrated hoses that aren’t made to be removed. Even if the tap is in good condition, finding compatible hoses is often a guessing game — and aftermarket versions can be risky.
If we can’t guarantee the hoses will fit properly or create a reliable seal, it’s not worth gambling with your home’s water supply. In these cases, replacing the tap is the safest and smartest option.
3. Replacing Hoses Takes More Time (and Often Costs More)
This might come as a surprise, but it generally takes longer to replace the hoses than to install a whole new mixer tap. Between tight access, corroded fittings, and the need to work around existing cabinetry, a simple hose replacement can easily blow out in labour time.
When you compare that to installing a new mixer (which often includes new hoses, warranty support, and updated fittings), it’s easy to see why it’s more cost-effective and reliable to replace the tap altogether.
4. It’s a Great Time to Upgrade
If your tap is over 10 years old, you’re probably not enjoying the best of what modern taps have to offer. A new tap might give you:
- Better water efficiency
- Easier temperature control
- Sleek new finishes and styles
- Upgraded ceramic disc cartridges for longer life
- Peace of mind with fresh hoses under warranty
When to Call a Licensed Canberra Plumber
If you notice any of the following:
- Water dripping under the sink
- Rust or fraying on the tap hoses
- Mould or musty smells in the cupboard
- Discoloured or brittle hose sheathing
It’s time to call Water Tight Canberra. We’re Canberra’s plumbing specialists in leak detection, mixer tap replacement, and preventative maintenance. We’ll help you make the right call — and keep your home dry and damage-free.
Ready to Upgrade Your Tap?
We stock high-quality mixer taps and always carry the tools needed for a clean, neat installation. Plus, we’ll take away your old tap and hoses, and check the rest of your plumbing for signs of wear while we’re there.
💧 Book your tap replacement with Water Tight Canberra today.
📞 Call us on 02 6195 9991 or Book Online
