How long does a braided supply line last?
Updated August 2026
A braided stainless-steel supply line lasts 5–8 years, and plumbers recommend replacing it on that clock whether or not it looks worn. The braided steel jacket hides a plastic or rubber inner tube that is the real weak point, and when that tube lets go, the line does not politely drip: it bursts, dumping water at full house pressure until someone reaches a shutoff. At $10–20 a line, replacing them on a five-year cycle is one of the cheapest pieces of flood insurance in the whole house.
Lifespan by type and situation
| Type or situation | Typical lifespan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Braided stainless-steel line | 5–8 years | The inner tube ages even while the braid looks fine |
| Rubber supply line | 3–5 years | Older style; hardens, cracks, and bursts sooner |
| Plastic / PEX supply line | 5–10 years | No braid; watch the nuts and ferrules for weeping |
| Toilet and faucet lines | 5–8 years | Low flow, but a burst still floods the room |
| Washing-machine lines (high pressure) | 3–5 years | Constant pressure and vibration; a top flood source |
| Kinked or over-tightened at install | Cut short | A kink behind the fixture is a stress crack waiting to happen |
Signs yours is near the end
- Any rust, corrosion, or broken strands showing in the braided jacket
- A bulge, blister, or soft spot anywhere along the hose
- Weeping, dampness, or a mineral crust at the connection nuts
- A hose gone stiff, or cracks in any exposed rubber section
- Kinks or sharp bends crammed in behind the toilet, sink, or washer
- An install date or age past 5 years on any line you can reach
How to add years
No maintenance stretches a supply line; the only move that counts is replacing it on schedule before it fails. Put every reachable line, under the sinks, behind the toilets, and at the washing machine, on a five-year replacement clock and swap them all at once for $10–20 apiece, a ten-minute job per line with a shutoff valve and a wrench. Twice a year, add a look under the sinks to your home maintenance routine, feeling the nuts for dampness and scanning the braid for rust or bulging. If a line is kinked behind a fixture, straighten it or fit a longer one, because a sharp bend is where the inner tube eventually splits. Shut the fixture valves off any time you leave for more than a few days.
What it costs to replace: plan on $10–20 per line (a plumber charges $50–150 for a set). Replacing on your own schedule, before it fails, is almost always cheaper than the emergency version. The home maintenance cost calculator helps you set the money aside before it comes due.
OnOtto tracks your supply line replacements age and service history, and warns you before end of life instead of after the flood.
Track your home's systems, free for 30 daysFrequently asked questions
How often should I replace braided supply lines?
Every 5 to 8 years for braided stainless, and every 3 to 5 for older rubber lines, even when they look perfect. The failure point is the hidden inner tube, which fatigues on a timeline you cannot see through the braid. Washing-machine lines earn the short end of the range because they sit under constant pressure. Replace any line right away if you spot rust or broken braid strands, a bulge, or dampness at the nuts. At $10–20 each, there is no reason to gamble past the interval.
Do braided steel lines really burst?
They do, and burst supply lines rank among the top causes of home water-damage claims. The stainless braid is reinforcement, not a guarantee; the inner tube can split, or the crimped connection at the nut can corrode and blow off. When either happens, the line releases water at full house pressure, often 40–80 psi, which can put hundreds of gallons an hour onto your floor while you are at work. That is why the fix is scheduled replacement, not waiting on a warning drip that may never arrive.
Which supply lines are most likely to flood my house?
The washing machine leads by a wide margin, because its two lines sit under constant pressure and take vibration on every cycle; a burst there is the classic while-you-are-away flood. Toilet and under-sink faucet lines come next, and an upstairs bathroom line can soak the ceiling below before anyone notices. Ice-maker and dishwasher lines round out the list. Prioritize the washer and any line on an upper floor, replace them on the 5-year clock, and consider a shutoff or leak sensor for machines you leave running unattended.