Water-related damage causes millions of dollars of losses to homeowners each year. One of the most common causes? One of the water intake hoses to sinks, toilets or washing machines has burst. One of the best and inexpensive preventative measures a homeowner can make is to change out those plastic or rubber intake hoses for the braided steel ones. Braided steel supply hoses come in lengths of 4, 5 and 6 feet and cost $10 to $12 for a pair. They install like garden hoses. You can install them yourself, or do have a plumber do it.