Watering your foundation in dry weather
What nearby cities advise about soaker hoses, and where engineers draw the line.
Because Blackland clay shrinks as it dries, cities around Allen have published advice on keeping soil moisture steady near the slab in dry weather. Here's what two of them say, and what the engineers' guidelines add.
Where to put the hose
- Richardson (August 2019 newsletter): place soaker hoses or drip irrigation 6 to 18 inches from the foundation, and run them until the soil is moist 6 to 8 inches down. It noted that soaker hoses and drip systems could run any day, as long as they didn't cause runoff.
- Murphy (August 2015): place hoses about 8 inches from the foundation, run them slowly, check daily, and turn them off once the cracks and gaps between soil and slab close up.
What engineers add
The Texas Section ASCE repair guidelines say keeping moisture fairly uniform on all sides of a foundation may help, but they also caution against excessive watering. Wet clay swells, and too much water can cause its own movement. The guidelines also recommend extending downspouts well past the edge of the foundation into areas that drain.
Check your current rules
Water restrictions change with drought stages. Both city articles above are years old, so check your own city's and water supplier's current rules before setting a schedule.
When watering isn't the answer
Watering can help keep things stable. It doesn't lift a slab that has already settled, and it won't fix a leaking pipe. If cracks keep growing, get an inspection.
Sources
- City of Richardson: Environmental Resources newsletter, August 2019 (watering near foundations)
- City of Murphy: Foundation issues can be resolved with soaker hoses (August 14, 2015)
- Texas Section, American Society of Civil Engineers: Guidelines for the Evaluation and Repair of Residential Foundations, Version 3 (adopted April 1, 2022)
Last checked October 7, 2026. Rules, costs and contact details change, so check the source before you act on them.
Good questions
How far from the foundation should a soaker hose be?
Richardson's 2019 guidance says 6 to 18 inches from the foundation; Murphy's 2015 article says about 8 inches. Both recommend slow watering.
Can I water my foundation too much?
Yes. The Texas Section ASCE guidelines caution against excessive watering, since wet clay swells. The aim is fairly even moisture on all sides.
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