Foundation movement is caused by the moisture content of the soil beneath your house. The soil swells and contracts depending on the weather. In summer, the soil loses its moisture and contracts while it swells up during the winter and spring. As the soil changes within the seasons, your house and your foundation may be moving up and down. This could cause several problems to your home such as cracked walls, uneven floors, as well as doors and windows that do not close or open properly.
A soaker hose can be your best friend to fix this problem since it can supply a constant amount of moisture to the soil beneath the house and your foundation. This can then stop the erratic up and down movement of your foundation and can lead to fewer expenses on home repair. Below are some instructions on how to save your foundation by using a soaker hose.
- The first step that you’d have to do is dig a trench that is three inches deep and 6-12 inches away from the edge of your foundation. It should be all around the foundation. Never place the soaker hose right next to it since the water can flow through the cracks in the dirt for several feet in all directions. This can lead to the water accumulating below the grade beam which is the thick portion of the foundation under the exterior walls. It can lead to the grade beam to lose its load-bearing capacity and cause your home to sink.
- Place the soaker hose within the trench and use as many as you need. Hook it up to a solid hose then connect it to the water source.
- Bury the soaker hose well so that it doesn’t easily get moved.
- In using the soaker hose, keep in mind that it is better to turn it on during dry, hot conditions such as during the summer. Use it less in cold, damp weather such as in the winter.
- The amount of water to be used depends on the size of the foundation and the number of plants in the area since a single tree can use up 150 gallons of water a day. Always remember that if the amount of water applied is only enough to keep the surface moist, the watering program will not work.
Winterizing Your Soaker Hose
When the winter season arrives, it’s time to take some precautions so that the equipment around your house doesn’t succumb to the drastic changes in temperature. A key procedure before the cold season comes is preventive maintenance. The preservation of your gardening tools can lead to a longer lifespan which means more years of you being able to use them. This also leads to less future repairs and you won’t have to buy a new replacement which will definitely be good for your wallet.
Soaker hoses are one piece of equipment that is sensitive to the drop in temperature during winter. It can crack and split from the cold leaving it completely useless once spring comes in. Winterizing your soaker hose can help keep it in good condition which promises more years of functional use. Below are some quick and easy steps to winterize your soaker hose.
- The first step is to remove the soaker hose from its area then brushing of all the dirt that has accumulated around its body. A simple brush can be used for this task.
- Once the dirt is off, inspect the body of the hose for any rips, tears, or holes.
- Afterwards, clean the soaker hose by immersing it in a tub of water. You might need to weigh down the hose for this. Add three to four tablespoons of dishwashing detergent. Make sure that you don’t use cleansers that have ammonia or those that have been chlorinated since these substances can deteriorate the rubber.
- Let the hose soak for about two to three hours.
- Remove the hose from the tub and connect it to a water source to flush out the insides for two to three minutes.
- Place the hose end over your shoulder in a downward position and glide the rest of it along to drain the water that is still within it. Repeat this process for up to three times to make sure all the water is pushed out.
- Inspect for kinks and remove them by placing your right hand over the hose in a taut manner while pulling quickly with your left through your enclosed fist.
- Coil the hose properly and tie it with some rope or twine to keep it from unraveling.
- Store the hose away from the sun as ultraviolet radiation can deteriorate the rubber.
Leave a Reply