Using a soaker hose around your foundation is a smart way to safeguard it from the fierce heat of a Texas summer. Without this protection, your foundation can suffer extensive damage that spreads throughout your entire home.
To get the most benefit from your soaker hose, it’s a good idea to follow the tips we’ll outline below. If you’re concerned about the stability of your home’s foundation, please reach out to learn more about our warranty-backed Richardson-area foundation repair services and to schedule a free inspection.
Why dry soil is dangerous for your foundation
Dry soil is one of the worst threats that your home’s foundation can face. Here’s why:
- When soil dries out, it shrinks away from your home: this will cause the foundation to expand outward, creating micro-fractures that get worse over time.
- Dry soil will break apart and wash away the moment a good rain comes along: this will create gullies around your foundation that further weaken its support.
- This combination of expansion and erosion will eventually move the foundation itself out of place: if that happens, then you’re looking at a big repair bill or even worse.
Soaker hose to the rescue
Luckily, there’s an easy way to help prevent these problems. Just use a soaker hose and follow these directions:
- Make sure the hose is approximately 20 inches away from the foundation – placing it closer may over-saturate the soil and promote erosion. Putting it further away will keep the water from reaching the dirt next to your home.
- Use the hose 3 to 5 times a week for about 15 to 20 minutes each time – you may need to adjust this schedule if the summer is unusually hot or dry. An automatic timer can really come in handy here.
- Check the soil’s moisture level from time to time – you want to make sure that it’s moist but not muddy. If you notice pools forming on the soil’s surface, then try cutting back on the water pressure a bit.
- Avoid connecting multiple soaker hoses, especially if the total length exceeds 50 feet – this can cause the water pressure to drop, robbing the soil of the moisture it needs. It’s better to install additional spigots around your home’s perimeter. That way, you can attach separate soaker hoses as needed.
Call for foundation repair Richardson TX locals depend on
Even the best-maintained home may eventually need foundation repair. That’s why you should give us a call if you notice problems like sticking windows, cracked drywall, or floors that are no longer level.
Our Richardson foundation repair service area includes all of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Contact us today to schedule a visit from one of our technicians for a no-cost inspection and price quote. Remember, we lead the pack when it comes to foundation repair in Richardson, Texas.
