Flexible hoses—the braided or plastic pipes connecting taps, flush tanks and filters—are common weak points. They can develop small cracks, loose joints or slow drips, especially as they age. Because they’re often hidden under sinks or behind toilets, leaks can go unnoticed for a long time.
If you occasionally run your hand (carefully) along the hose and joints to feel for moisture, or place a dry tissue underneath and see if it gets damp, you can spot early problems. Look for rust marks, green stains, or a white crusty build-up near connections—these are signs of slow leaks.
Fixing or replacing a hose at this stage is quick and cheap. Ignoring it can lead to swollen cabinets, damaged walls, mould and even warped flooring. A thirty-second check saves thousands in repairs.

