Soaker Hoses, Revisited

With all the rain we had in September, you might think we're nuts to be talking about soaker hoses again, but there's a good reason.

Soaker hoses are one of the best tools in the homeowner's toolbox for regulating soil moisture. Now that we're approaching the end of summer, it's a good time to get outside and check your soaker hoses for proper placement and overall condition. Make sure the soaker hose is buried about three inches deep and about six inches from the edge of the foundation so that the soil is soaked evening.

Do not place the hose against the foundation. Water placed next to the foundation (say, provided by a soaker hose placed against the foundation) runs through the cracks and pools at the bottom of the grade beam. (The grade beam is the thick portion of the foundation that is under the exterior walls.) The accumulation of water at the base of a foundation over time can reduce the soil's capacity to bear a load. When the soil loses enough load bearing capacity, the foundation will sink and your house can be damaged!

While you're checking the soaker hoses' position, don't forget to check the condition of the hose. Soaker hoses are pretty simple things. If you find a leak, tape it using duct tape (or similar tape -- ask at your local hardware store for appropriate substitutes). If the soaker hose is cracked or leaking from one of the fixtures or connections, replace the hose. The few dollars you spend on a new hose is a whole lot let than you'll spend on foundation repair.

Do you have questions about soaker hoses and your foundation? Then ask us!  In fact, you can ask us anything about foundation construction, repair, and maintenance. We love questions, so ask away!

Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.