How much should I water around my house's foundation in the dary summer months?

Question

Our Texas soil is clay. We are told that we should have a soaker hose along our foundation in dry summer months so that the soil under the foundation will stay moist otherwise, we take the risk of our foundation cracking. I have heard different amounts of time that the water should be soaking in. I also heard that too much will also cause damage. I wanted to know if any one knew the proper amount.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

It doesn't take much to make a difference. I live in San Antonio, and we have the same problem. If you've been without rain for a month, definately set out that soaker hose for at least an hour or two.

If you see areas of packed soil starting to crack and break up, you're definately behind schedule.

Just make sure there is a small amount of moisture regularly applied to the soil. Its not so much an issue of how much water, but frequency of application. Soil will hold a small amount of moisture, even when it looks dry. It's not truly "dry" until it starts to contract so much that it cracks. The idea is not to let it get completely dry.

Answer 3

Here in San Antonio, I run soaker hose for one hour, once a week during dry months. Lay hose 12 inches from slab. Turn water spigot on about 1/4 turn. Been doing this for fifteen years. No slab problems.

Answer 4

there is not any reason i comprehend of to water a commencing up .it does not advance nor does it dry out. your drain equipment for floor water does not might desire to be saved moist the two. is this mandatory because of the fact of a few community subject? I certainly have on no account heard of watering a commencing up in the previous. i additionally cant think of of any reason it would desire to be watered.