Anyone have luck with soaker hoses? I need advice. We've had three, and all spring a BIG leaks pretty close to the the hydrant. We used a new one for the first time yesterday, and same thing happened. We are not putting the water on hard, just lightly. Don't know what brand they are, but we've gotten them all at Lowe's. Can anyone recommend a brand that works?
I really need a soaker for my cannas, which are right up next to the house. There are sprinklers up there, but they shoot right over/past the cannas. The ground stays dry for about 12-15 inches out from the house.
soaker hoses
We always use a pressure reducer with soaker hoses. You can find them at most stores with garden centers, like Home Depot, Lowe's, or Walmart. Get one threaded for garden hoses like this one: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DIG-Corp-25-psi-Hose-Thread-Pressure-Regulator-D46/100180295
I like soaker hoses and have mostly used them around my magnolia once or twice a year. It takes 2 to complete the circle. I've had problems with leaks but always have been able to return them to wherever I happened to have bought them and get replacements, no questions asked. Don't know if I can round up a brand name. Might not matter as most are notorious for leaks, or so I'm told.
Soaker hoses, by the very way they are made, are prone to bursts and heavy leaks despite buying "better" brands. When I buy new ones about every third year (because of the inherent degradation), I try to pinch the hose between my fingers to see how stout they are. And yes, some have heavier walls than other ones...
I've also found that many short runs, ie: 25 to 50 feet, seem to make the hoses last longer than by using longer runs made by hooking two or three hoses together. Why is a mystery but I'm just relating what I've observed...
Reducing water pressure should help somewhat, either by using some mechanical device hooked to the faucet or by only opening the spigot part way.
Hope this helps...
Steve
The best results I have had are the flat ones I have gotten at Wal Mart and Harbor Freight. WM are 75' and HF are 50'. They are cloth over a white plastic (?) and have lasted quite well. I have three sets of 200' runs that snake through my gardens. One set has been in place two years, the other since January. I don't move them once they are in place, and I check for crimps by turning on the water and walking the line to inspect.
The ones that are just round rubber don't have the integrity. I have several that have leaks sitting on my porch awaiting a hose repair kit.
They don't agree with weed eaters, or mowers, but I find them invaluable in our dry summers.
Two pics of the edge of one of my cottage garden areas. Taken about a month apart.
Very interesting, Roux. I've been curious about the flat ones. Maybe I'll give 'em a try next time I need a replacement. Also, love your cottage garden.
I have huge success on my vegetable garden with the round soaker hoses.
Reduce the water pressure and run them in the morning or night when the sun in not on them (otherwise cold water under hot soaker hose = crack).
In the heat of the summer I mulch on top of them with pine needles.
Last time I replaced them was 3 years ago.
I've had good luck with the plastic tubing with the built in emitters from Dripworks. I drew my backyard layout and they sent me all the pieces and instructions and I put it together. Has been out there 5 years now. I love it and highly recommend. Www.dripworks.com.
Thanks for all your comments. You guys are the best!
We also try to cover our hoses with mulch to protect them from the sun. Seems to help prolong their lives, which are way too short lived for me!