A soaker hose is a specialized irrigation tool made from porous material, typically recycled rubber or polymer, designed to “weep” water along its entire length. Unlike traditional sprinklers that spray water into the air, this system delivers moisture directly to the ground. When utilized with the proper setup, soaker hoses are highly effective and efficient methods for garden and landscape watering. Understanding their mechanism and installation is the first step toward successful application.
How Soaker Hoses Deliver Water
The mechanism behind a soaker hose’s efficiency lies in its composition and the physics of water movement. Most hoses are manufactured from materials like recycled tires, creating millions of tiny, interconnected pores throughout the hose wall. These microscopic openings allow water to slowly seep or “weep” out under low pressure, instead of spraying forcefully.
This slow release ensures water is delivered directly into the soil structure at the base of the plants. The process relies on gravity and capillary action to draw water laterally and downward into the root zone. Maintaining a consistently low flow rate saturates the soil gradually, minimizing runoff and maximizing water available for plant uptake. This deep penetration encourages the development of strong, deep root systems.
Essential Setup Requirements
Achieving the desired slow weep requires careful attention to the water pressure entering the hose line. The standard residential water system typically operates at 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (PSI), which is far too high for a soaker hose. Excessive pressure will cause the hose to spray or even burst, leading to uneven saturation and wasted water.
A pressure regulator, often a small, in-line device, must be installed near the water source connection. These regulators reduce the incoming pressure to the ideal range of 10 to 25 PSI, ensuring a gentle, consistent weep along the entire length. Using a pressure lower than 10 PSI may not allow water to reach the end of a long run, while exceeding 25 PSI can damage the hose material over time.
Proper placement is also a defining factor in its success. The hose should be laid directly on the soil surface, following the planting rows or circling individual plants. Placing a thin layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, over the hose helps reduce localized evaporation from the soil surface.
The ground where the hose is placed should be as level as possible to ensure uniform water delivery. A run of soaker hose laid on a slope will deliver significantly more water to the lower end due to gravity. After installation, the system must be tested by running it for a set period and then digging into the soil to check the depth and spread of the moisture. This determines the necessary watering duration required to achieve deep root penetration, typically a saturation depth of at least six inches.
Soaker Hoses Versus Overhead Watering
The primary advantage of soaker hoses over traditional overhead sprinklers is the dramatic improvement in water use efficiency. Sprinkler systems often lose between 30% and 50% of their water output to factors like evaporation and wind drift before the water reaches the root zone. In contrast, by delivering water directly to the soil, soaker hoses can achieve an efficiency rate of up to 90% or higher.
The slow application rate also allows the soil more time to absorb the moisture, preventing the runoff that is common with high-volume overhead watering. This direct root-zone irrigation ensures plants receive the vast majority of the water applied to the system.
Furthermore, keeping the plant foliage dry provides a significant benefit for overall plant health. Overhead watering wets the leaves, creating an ideal environment of high humidity and moisture for the proliferation of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and blight. By operating at the soil level, soaker hoses reduce the likelihood of these common pathogens taking hold.
Maintenance and Longevity
The long-term performance of a soaker hose system depends on proactive maintenance. A common issue is the clogging of the porous material, often caused by fine sediment particles or mineral deposits in the water source. Using a filter at the spigot connection can significantly reduce the influx of larger particles, especially when drawing water from a well or pond.
Regular flushing of the hose line helps remove internal buildup and maintain consistent weeping. This process involves removing the end cap or stopper and allowing the water to run freely for a few minutes before reconnecting the cap. Proper handling is also important, as sharp bends or kinks can permanently damage the material and restrict flow.
When temperatures drop below freezing, the hose must be completely drained and disconnected from the water supply. Water left inside the porous structure can freeze and expand, leading to tears in the hose wall and rendering it unusable. Storing the hose coiled loosely in a protected, dry location during the winter will extend its effective lifespan.