How Much Water Does A Soaker Hose Use Per Hour?
Soaker hoses are one of the most common tools in landscaping. Primarily used for watering large swaths of grass, flowerbeds, and bushes, these hoses definitely live up to their name. (Oh, they’re great for water fights, too!) However, we live in a world where water conservation is king. This means that we all have a duty to try to find efficient ways to water. So, how much water do these hoses use?
The amount of water that a soaker hose uses is dependent on the length. Typical hoses will use .6 gallons per foot, per hour. If you have a 10-foot hose, you will use 6 gallons in an hour of watering. However, the length and diameter of the hose can vary, which is why it’s best to look for the ratings on the hose packaging.
If you are worried about over-watering or under-watering your lawn, you’re not alone. Having the right size soaker hose is a must. This guide will help you understand what is important about choosing the right soaker hose.
How Much Water Will My Soaker Hose Use Per Hour?
This is not a straightforward answer. Evey soaker hose is going to be a little different, and in virtually all cases, the water pressure and length of the hose may change how much water actually comes out. To help mitigate this, companies decided to rate soaker hoses according to the water pressure, length, and water usage. Here’s what you need to know:
- PSI is the measure of water pressure, and it stands for pounds per square inch. The water pressure is in charge of how forceful the water will be spat out. A high PSI will release more water in the same amount of time, while low PSI will release less.
- PSI range shows the different ranges of water pressures that can be used with a specific hose. You can change the pressure using a pressure regulator—a turnable dial that increases or decreases the pressure per your needs.
- GPH stands for Gallons Per Hour, and it’s exactly what you think it is. Most hose packages will have multiple GPH ratings, all dependent on the PSI and length being used.
- Length is the maximum length of the hose in question. While there are some types of hosing that you can cut down into a shorter length, we don’t recommend it.
When shopping around for a hose, it’s important to check the label to see if it’s the type of hose you want. The specifications might seem boring, but they truly make or break your ability to enjoy your lawn.
Should I Get A Porous Or Non-Porous Soaker Hose?
When choosing a soaker hose, it’s important to keep your eyes out for a porous hose. Porous hoses are made with tiny, barely-visible pores that allow water to “sweat out” through all sides of the hose when water pressure gets too high. This prevents having damage or bursting hosing from a wrong twist or turn.
Many gardeners also prefer porous hoses because they help offer a more even spread of water. If you are a stickler for even watering, then this is one of the better investments that you can make. With that said, almost all soaker hoses are porous by design. So don’t panic. It’s usually safe to assume that this’ll be the case with your hose.
What Is The Water Pressure Of My Home’s Water System?
It’s important to buy a soaker hose that can work with water pressures similar to that of your system. Most home systems are between 40 to 60 PSI. You can usually find out how hard your water pressure is by asking the local board.
While a typical pressure measurement is above the usual 15 to 35 PSI you usually find with soaker hoses, this shouldn’t make you panic. Soaker hoses typically come with a built-in water regulator that lowers the PSI so that you don’t have splits, bursts, or frays. This can prevent pools of water near your septic tank , causing you needless worry.
Is A Soaker Hose Water-Efficient?
Absolutely. When compared to traditional sprinklers and old school hoses, soaker hoses are pointedly low-waste. Since the hoses run at a low pressure but are made to soak the earth efficiently, they are deemed to be the most cost-efficient and water-efficient options on the market. These are particularly popular in desert areas prone to drought for this very reason.
How Much Do Soaker Hoses Cost?
The price of a typical soaker hose can vary depending on the size, the PSI, as well as the amount of water that can flow out of the hose. With that said, there is still a general price range that you can expect to see in your local hardware store. Soaker hoses will usually cost between $10 to $50 for a hose between 25 to 50 feet.
Should I Get A Soaker Hose?
Soaker hoses are extremely efficient at watering, which is why they are useful in almost every home. If you need a way to water your garden that is efficient and gentle, without wasting too much water, then a soaker hose is a great pick. Truth be told, every single garden can work with a soaker hose as long as you pick the right one.
When buying a soaker hose, make sure to get one that comes with a free regulator, timer, and backflow preventer. This will give you the most utility for your bucks.
How Do You Use A Soaker Hose?
Soaker hoses are not like a typical garden hose. They have timers and water pressure regulators that turn them into a fairly unique contraption. As the name suggests, they are meant to be laid flat and soak the ground rather than soak the leaves in the plants. Here’s how to use one the smart way:
- Start by unfurling your soaker hose, placing it near the areas that need the most water.
- Set your PSI and timer to the appropriate time. Most people find that letting a soaker run for half an hour along the sides of their gardens is adequate.
- If you live in a dry, arid area, cover the hose with mulch to prevent rapid evaporation.
- Turn on the hose and walk away.
- Once the time you set has passed, come back to the area.
- Touch the ground to see if it’s been soaked to the right level. If it hasn’t got the moisture you want, add some more time to the timer and turn the hose on again.
- Remove the hose when you’re done watering everything. Some areas might need multiple placements.
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Related Questions
What plants require the least amount of water?
In terms of plant categories, there are three main categories that require little to no water. The most common genres of low-water plants include succulents, cacti, and air plants. Succulents and cacti are both capable of storing the water they need inside their bodies for days, to weeks, at a time.On the other hand, air plants are pretty famous for not needing much of anything. Most species require minimal watering, and as the name suggests, they do not even need a medium to grow on. Many air plant owners simply hang them up on their walls—no planter, soil, or dirt to be seen!
How long should you run a soaker hose?
If you are in the middle of a long drought, you might want to run it for as long as an hour. However, most people won’t need that. A typical home will only need to run their soaker hose for half an hour per watering. Most homes only need two watering sessions per week. Low maintenance? Of course.
What types of gardens don’t work well with soaker hoses?
Soaker hoses aren’t always the best choice. If your home already has a problem with perennially-damp soil that grows mold or fungi well, then it’s not a good choice either. The best garden for a soaker hose has dry to regular dampness and is level. Steep hills can make the water in the ground congregate unevenly, which is why it’s so important to keep your hose level.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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