A soaker hose delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, significantly reducing waste from surface watering and evaporation. This porous material allows water to gently seep along its entire length, ensuring deep, consistent moisture for garden beds. It is a water-wise alternative to traditional sprinklers.
Planning Your Soaker Hose System
Effective installation requires careful planning to match hose length to water pressure. A soaker hose should not exceed 100 feet from a single source, as longer runs cause a noticeable drop in pressure and uneven watering. If more length is needed, create multiple separate zones, connecting each to the spigot using a regular garden hose.
The hose layout should follow the contours of your planting areas, running in straight lines for row crops or snaking through densely planted beds. Position the hose about two inches away from the base of established plants to ensure water reaches the feeder roots. Before installation, gather components such as end caps, coupling connectors, and a pressure regulator.
Step-by-Step Physical Installation
Begin the setup by uncoiling the soaker hose and allowing it to relax in the sun, which makes the material more flexible and easier to manipulate. Lay the hose along the planned path, ensuring it is within two to three inches of the plants. For new plants, place the hose slightly closer, moving it further away as the root systems develop.
Once positioned, use U-shaped landscape staples or pins to lightly secure the hose to the soil surface, preventing shifting when water pressure is applied. Use staples sparingly to hold the hose in place without puncturing the material. The porous hose can be easily cut to the desired length using a utility knife or sharp scissors.
After cutting, attach an end cap to the terminus of the line to close the system. If connecting multiple sections, use a coupling connector to join the segments securely. The hose should rest on the soil surface or be covered with a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch, which protects the hose from sun damage and reduces evaporation.
Connecting and Optimizing Water Flow
Connect the soaker hose to the water source, using a standard garden hose if the planting area is far from the spigot. Soaker hoses operate at low pressure, typically 10 to 25 pounds per square inch (PSI). Install a pressure regulator directly to the spigot or timer to prevent high residential pressure from forcing water out too quickly, which causes spraying and uneven saturation.
With the system connected, slowly turn the spigot on, starting with about a quarter-turn, and observe the hose for weeping action. The goal is a slow, consistent drip along the entire length, not a forceful spray or stream, which indicates excessive pressure. Allow the hose to fully charge; weeping begins only once the entire length is pressurized.
If you notice spurting near the spigot and only a trickle at the end, the pressure is likely too high or the run is too long. Adjust the spigot to a lower flow, aiming for gentle soil saturation. Check all connection points for leaks, tightening any couplings that drip before mulching.
Seasonal Care and Storage
Regular maintenance is required throughout the watering season to ensure the system’s longevity and effectiveness. New soaker hoses should be flushed before first use, and repeated annually to prevent sediment buildup from clogging the pores. To flush the line, remove the end cap and turn the water on full force for a few minutes to expel debris.
As the season ends, preparing the system for winter prevents damage from freezing water expansion. Disconnect the soaker hose from the spigot, timers, and pressure regulators, storing these components indoors. Lift the hose and completely drain all residual water, ensuring the line is empty before storage.
Store the soaker hose by loosely coiling it and placing it in a dry, protected area, such as a garage or shed, where temperatures remain above freezing. This prevents the porous material from cracking and warping. Proper draining and indoor storage ensure the hose remains pliable and functional for the next spring.