Flexi hoses are cheap plumbing hardware but could cost you thousands in water damage.

As the weather turns sticky and warm and beaches beckon for summer holidays, it's the season to check your taps or risk tens of thousands of dollars' worth of water damage.

Since January 2018, insurance company RACQ has received 9651 claims for water damage to homes, with burst pipes and hoses connected to dishwashers and taps a common cause of those claims.

Spokeswoman Kirsty Clinton said the average cost of flexi hose related claims rings in at $14,145.

The hidden flood risk under your sink

Master Plumbers Association of Queensland technical services manager Ernie Kretschmer told ABC Radio Brisbane the hoses were in most modern homes and could "burst at any time if they are damaged."

"If you liken it to a hernia, once that outer wall is compromised, the inner tube can herniate out and burst," he said.

"Then you've got the full bore of the pipe delivering water under your kitchen sink or in the basement or behind your toilet and that will continue to run until you isolate it," he said.

The reason for rise in claims over the festive season is that no-one is home to turn off the water mains when those pipes burst — so switch off your water mains when you go away.

Flexi hoses can cause 'extreme' damage

Ms Clinton said flexi hoses started to deteriorate after ten years and home owners should check whether they have one installed in their homes and if they were nearing expiry.

"The other important factor on top of the costs to consider is the distress and inconvenience that incidents of this nature can cause individuals and families, where treasured possessions can be ruined, and homes can even be uninhabitable for periods of time."

 ABC Radio Brisbane/ By Ellen-Maree Elliot

How to stop your house from flooding

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