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Foundation Watering --- Drip or Soaker Hoses

Is your foundation shifting? Protect it with a Foundation Watering System.

Did you know that a subsurface foundation irrigation system installed around the perimeter of your home's foundation can help deter further settlement? During dry periods, the soil cracks and separates from the foundation; then rain or water on the plants and soil penetrates the cracks down to the bearing soil level, causing rapid and local expansion. When the soil dries out again, it shrinks, resulting in a cycle of net downward movement or settlement.

Texas-area engineers agree the soil should be watered so that cracks do not occur. Subsurface foundation irrigation surrounding the perimeter of your home attacks the cause of foundation settlement, whereas adding or adjusting foundation piers (as is done in foundation repair) only remedies the result of the problem and doesn't prevent it from happening again.

It is important that the area be uniformly watered around the entire house. Any excess watering of one area over another can cause unequal moving or cracking. A subsurface foundation watering system will insure a regular, even flow of water which will help prevent soil cracking that frequently results in uneven settlement.

Drip Stations or Zones can be added to existing sprinkler systems. Issues to take into consideration are:

Current Controller Capacity – Can you add another station(s) without upgrading your controller?

Wiring – Wiring has to run from the controller to the station’s valve. Your system may need extra wire to your new station(s).

How many drip stations will you need? – Drip station lengths are determined by valve location, water pressure and hydraulics. Your home may need 1 or more stations. Ask a professional.

Conserve Water, Time & Money – Adding a drip station is costly, but in the long run, it saves time, money and water. Professionally installed systems are designed to protect your foundation against potential damage, regulate the water to minimize waste and efficiently help protect your biggest investment, your home.

Soaker Hose -- We research these issues thoroughly and encourage you too to investigate the use of soaker hoses as detailed by the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency at:
http://www.epa.gov/cpg/products/garden.htm  Issues to take into consideration are:

Proper Backflow Protection – Hoses attached to your outdoor faucet connect to your home’s potable water source. Be sure to install a proper backflow preventer to your new foundation soaker hose.

Automatic Timers – We all forget on occasion. An automatic timer on your outdoor faucet can help eliminate excess watering.

Adequate Spacing from the Foundation – Soaker hoses should be placed approximately 10” -12” from your foundation. This allows water to percolate around, not underneath your foundation.

Check out how to install Soaker Hoses at: http://www.mrdrip.com/moisturemaster.htm

Check out how best to utilize them at:
http://www.fiskars.com/US/Garden/Dig+In!/Gardening+Topics/Watering/Watering+Basics.html