In breweries, distilleries and wineries, most attention goes to the large stainless-steel equipment. Tanks, stills, pumps and control systems are the obvious operational assets.
But many of the property damage claims we see start with something much smaller.
Flexible braided hoses.
These simple plumbing components are commonly installed under sinks, behind bars, in kitchens, bathrooms and wash areas across beverage production facilities.
They are inexpensive, easy to install and often forgotten once fitted.
When a flexi hose fails, however, the consequences can be significant.
What Is a Flexi Hose?
A flexi hose is a flexible braided water connection used to connect taps, sinks and appliances to the water supply.
They are widely used in commercial buildings because they are:
• quick to install
• inexpensive
• flexible for tight spaces
You will often find them in:
• cellar door bars
• staff kitchens
• bathrooms
• cleaning stations
• production wash areas
Because they are hidden behind cupboards or under sinks, they rarely receive regular inspection.
Why Flexi Hose Failures Cause So Much Damage
When a flexi hose bursts, water flows continuously until the supply is shut off.
Unlike a slow leak, a burst hose can release large volumes of water very quickly. If the failure occurs overnight, over a weekend or during a quiet period, the water may run for hours before anyone notices.
In beverage production environments, this can result in:
• flooding across production floors
• water reaching electrical systems
• damage to equipment and controls
• contamination risks in production areas
• disruption to operations
From an insurance perspective, burst plumbing connections are one of the most common causes of property damage claims in commercial buildings.
Why Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries Are Particularly Exposed
Facilities that produce beer, spirits or wine often have higher exposure to water damage for several reasons.
First, production environments already contain significant water use from cleaning cycles, wash-downs and transfers. Additional water discharge can spread quickly across floors.
Second, equipment and electrical infrastructure are frequently located near floor level.
Third, production interruptions can quickly impact revenue if equipment or areas of the facility become unusable.
In these environments, even a small plumbing failure can trigger operational downtime.
The Risk Management Perspective
From a risk management standpoint, flexi hoses represent a classic example of a small component creating large losses.
They are inexpensive items, but when they fail they can lead to:
• significant property damage
• interruption to production
• insurance claims
• increased premiums at renewal
For insurers and risk advisers, these small infrastructure components are important indicators of overall risk quality.
Facilities that demonstrate proactive maintenance and inspection practices tend to experience fewer incidents and stronger underwriting outcomes.
Practical Checks to Reduce Flexi Hose Risk
A simple maintenance review can significantly reduce the likelihood of a burst hose incident.
Key checks include:
Inspect hose condition
Look for corrosion, fraying or visible wear in braided hoses.
Replace ageing hoses
Older hoses are more prone to failure and should be replaced proactively rather than waiting for problems.
Check hidden areas
Flexi hoses are commonly installed under sinks and behind cabinetry where leaks may go unnoticed.
Confirm isolation valves work
Isolation valves allow water supply to be shut off quickly if a hose fails.
Regular inspection of these components is a simple but effective risk control.
Why This Matters for Insurance
Many business owners assume that property damage claims only occur after large events such as fires, storms or major equipment failures.
In reality, smaller infrastructure failures frequently trigger insurance claims.
Burst plumbing connections are a common example.
From an insurance perspective, proactive risk management around small infrastructure components can help:
• reduce claims frequency
• strengthen underwriting assessments
• protect long-term insurance terms
For breweries, distilleries and wineries, identifying these risks early helps protect both operations and revenue.
The Takeaway
Breweries, distilleries and wineries rely on complex production systems.
But sometimes the biggest risks come from the smallest components.
Flexible braided hoses may seem insignificant, but when they fail the damage can spread quickly and disrupt operations.
Regular inspection of these connections is a simple step that can prevent major losses.
Specialist Risk Advice for Beverage Producers
At Crafted Insurance, we specialise in insurance and risk management for breweries, distilleries and wineries.
Our role is not just to place insurance cover, but to help identify operational risks before they become costly claims.
Because in beverage production, the risks are often hiding in plain sight.
Insurance on Tap™.