HOUSTON, we have a problem! As well as most of Texas, and other areas of our country.

DROUGHT and the damage it is causing to the foundations of your homes and homes themselves.

Thank you to Richard Rash for this article. Richard is a Foundation Consultant, serving the areas of DALLAS, PLANO, MCKINNEY, ALLEN and FRISCO, but not limited to! He will offer consulting services anywhere in Texas and Oklahoma. Please feel free to visit his website for some GREAT information, helpful tips and services.

Let us help you save $$$.

Drought can wreak havoc on ones foundation for their home. We sell bulk soaker hose which is a great resource in helping to save that foundation. Bulk soaker hose means you can cut the hose and design it for your specific needs. Available in 3 different diameters in 100' rolls and 500' rolls, depending on the lengths you need to run one individual line. We also have Rain Barrel Soaker Hose, which requires NO pressure to operate.

Use the .580 soaker hose if you do not need any one section longer than 100'.

Use the .700 soaker hose if you need individual sections to be 100' - 150' long.

Use the .820 soaker hose if you need individual sections to be 150' - 250' long.

  However, you should not exceed 500' total off of one faucet.

  In-line valves can be installed allowing you to turn certain sections on/off if need be.

Soil hydration for areas of expansive soils with extreme weather swings from wet to dry, hydration must be correctly maintained, during hot dry periods, to provide a steady support for your home foundation, which of course provides support for the rest of your home.

The first step in proper hydration is proper equipment. Proper equipment consists of enough soaker hose to surround your area of concern. Your area of concern may also include the patio, driveway, sidewalk, swimming pool and free standing buildings that are supported by the expansive soils. Flow discs installed in all female hose ends allow for a controlled amount of water to enter the hose, resulting in a more even watering. Poly tubing can be used in areas where water is not needed.

Soaker hose should be placed approximately 12” to 14” from the structure. Soaker hose should provide enough moisture to keep soil, (between soaker and foundation) slightly moist. Wet is too much, dry is too little. Slightly moist! If at any time soil begins to pull away from the structure, turn up the system! Getting muddy? Turn it down. In order to make a system easier to design and implement, we have an array of fittings to customize your setup. Timers can be used to designate when you want your watering done and for how long.

Be aware! Check your system regularly to be sure you are not watering too much or too little.

Do not place soaker hose right next to the foundation.  Soaker hose should be no closer than 12" to your structure. When air conditioners or other objects prevent a 12” distance, go farther out rather than closer in.

Do not bury soaker hose, roots can grow into it and cause it to clog. Covering the hose with mulch is fine and will help prevent evaporation. Do not allow selected areas to be wet while other areas are exposed to extended drying, this is where in-line valves can come in handy. The number one thing to remember is this is not NASA, we are not trying to put a man on the moon. If you over do it or under do it or forget to do it your home will not collapse. However, the better you work the plan, the less likely you are to have structural foundation failure.

Note: Sprinkler systems are usually not designed to provide adequate moisture to protect your home foundation. Supplement with soaker hose during extremely dry periods or during water restrictions as allowed. Soaker hose should not be confused with any type of watering devise that has holes which allow water to run freely. Soaker is black, round and porous to the point that liquid will “sweat” from the hose when pressure is applied.