A soaker hose is an irrigation tool constructed from a porous material, often recycled rubber or a composite, that allows water to weep or slowly seep along its entire length. This design delivers water directly to the soil and plant root zone, reducing water waste compared to traditional overhead sprinklers. Understanding the amount of water a soaker hose uses per hour is necessary for efficient gardening and conservation. The actual consumption rate, measured in gallons per hour (GPH), is a variable influenced by several factors, making accurate measurement essential for proper application.
Standardized Flow Rates
Manufacturers provide standardized flow rates to give users a theoretical starting point for estimating water consumption. These rates are typically expressed in gallons per hour (GPH) per linear foot or per 100 feet of hose. For most common soaker hoses, the industry guideline suggests a flow rate range of approximately 60 to 120 GPH for a 100-foot length.
This range translates to 0.6 to 1.2 GPH per foot of hose. These flow rates assume the hose operates under an ideal water pressure, standardized at a low 10 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). This low-pressure requirement ensures the water slowly weeps out of the hose pores rather than spraying or running off.
These standardized figures are theoretical benchmarks, useful for initial system design, but they rarely reflect real-world usage. The laboratory environment where these numbers are determined does not account for the dynamic variables found in a typical garden setup. While the GPH per foot provides a baseline, actual water output will deviate from this stated range due to variations in specific operating conditions.
Factors Influencing Actual Water Output
The actual volume of water discharged deviates from the standardized rate due to variations in water pressure. Most residential outdoor faucets deliver water at 40 to 60 PSI, which is far higher than the optimal 10 to 15 PSI recommended for soaker hoses. When subjected to high pressure, the porous walls are stressed, causing the water to squirt out unevenly and potentially leading to premature hose deterioration.
Hose length is a major variable because it directly affects the internal pressure along the run, a concept known as pressure drop. A soaker hose exceeding 100 feet will have significantly lower water flow at the far end compared to the beginning. This results in inconsistent watering, where the first half of the hose over-waters while the second half receives too little.
The hose’s physical characteristics and condition also influence its output over time. Soaker hoses made from recycled rubber may degrade faster than polyurethane options, and the porous material is prone to clogging. Mineral deposits or sediment particles can accumulate inside the hose, decreasing the porosity and reducing the overall flow rate. Kinks or steep slopes in the hose layout also disrupt the intended slow, even flow.
Calculating and Optimizing Water Usage
The most effective method for determining a system’s true water consumption is to perform a flow rate test. This establishes the actual GPH under specific conditions, including hose length and water pressure.
Performing a Flow Rate Test
To conduct this measurement, place a collection container, such as a bucket, under a representative section of the hose or beneath the entire run if feasible. Run the soaker hose for a set duration, such as 30 minutes, and measure the total volume of water collected in gallons. This volume is then extrapolated to an hourly rate to find the actual system GPH. For instance, if a 50-foot hose collects 18 gallons over 30 minutes, the actual usage is 36 GPH, or 0.72 GPH per foot.
Calculating Run Time
Once the actual GPH is known, a gardener can calculate the necessary run time to deliver a specific volume of water, such as the one inch typically required per week for many plants. The total consumption calculation is straightforward: Actual GPH multiplied by the desired run time equals the total gallons used. This allows for calculation of how long the hose must run to achieve the required soil saturation.
System Optimization
Optimization starts with controlling the water pressure, which is the largest variable in flow rate. Installing a pressure regulator immediately after the faucet is the most effective way to ensure consistent performance. A regulator set to 10 or 15 PSI will prevent the hose from spraying and maximize the weeping action. Combining the regulator with an automatic timer ensures the hose runs for the exact, calculated duration, providing the intended amount of water without waste.