Hello. I recently bought a home in Texas and we are under a severe drought. We are only allowed to water once a week. I am concerened about our foundation because the clay soil in Texas gets dry and cracks if it doesnt stay moist. The city allows for homeowners to use soaker hoses. The ground around the foundation slopes downwards to prevent water from standing.

I have read that you should put the soaker hose at least 12 to 18 inches away from the foundation but everyone in our neighborhood has the soaker hose right against the foundation. Is this the proper place for the soaker hose since the ground around the foundation slopes downwards? Or should the hose always be at least 12 to 18 inches away from the foundation?

Thanks.

Where's our Texas boy ?.....oh that's right.....he's getting a BionicKnee....Hope you're recovering quickly Jasper !!!!!

Siz......I personally "know-nothing" about watering a foundation for expansive clay soils......I laughed when I first heard about the practice from a former Moderator (Steve) here on the forums..........

But here's a link that suggests keeping the perimeter soaker hose(s) continuous and close to the house........

http://www.texasinspector.com/nthome.html#nth5

"...measure once.....cut twice....throw that one away and cut a new one...."

Hi there,

I noticed the same thing. Everyone with soaker hoses in my neighborhood literally wraps them around the base of the home itself.

From what I have read, it's not recommended to do this as the water can collect in between the soil and the home, which can reduce the home's load bearing capacity and potentially sink.

I bought some U-shaped metal stakes from Home Depot's outdoor lawn section to hold down the soaker hoses every 3' or so. They are about 6-8" away from the foundation... being held close to the grass, they are not a visual eyesore.

I am interested to see how well I can mow over them though... it's been less than a week since I laid them down!

Good luck,
J

We're new to TX and new to the whole "watering your foundation" concept. We've set up our soaker hoses though and because I wanted to avoid the mowing issue, I spent a day burying them. I'm now hearing mixed reviews on whether this is a good idea in the "black gumbo" soil that we live on.

Any experiences with the clay soil clogging the hoses over time?