Slab Watering (adding water as needed) And Moisture-Management (diverting excess rainwater away)

Help To Protect Your DFW Home’s; Foundation, Water, and Sewer Pipes. 

This Article Is About Slab-Watering & Moisture Management.  Without these efforts in place — Slab Bending will occur frequently  Slab Bending is when the corners and edges of the slab are higher or lower than the center.  Within this article is a detailed description of Slab Bending — and why it occurs.  To Minimize Slab Bending  — DFW Homes Need; 1. Slab-Watering (adding water as needed) AND 2. Moisture Management (diverting excess rainwater away).  

Al’s Plumbing — in Plano, TX provides full-service plumbing; maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs gas and electric water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in; Plano, TX; Allen, TX; Frisco, TX; and McKinney, Texas.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX, and northeastern Dallas County, TX with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s Today To Discuss Any Concerns Or Problems You Have With Your Home’s Plumbing. 

We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.

How To Minimize The Risk Of Slab Foundation Damage & Slab Leaks

With Slab Watering & Moisture Management

DFW Is Built Upon Expansive-Clay Soil

Image Source: Dreamstime

SHOWN: The presence of expansive clays is visible (during dry weather) as soil-cracking.

Note: The Bigger The Cracks — The Higher The Shrink/Swell Potential Of The Soil.

DFW Is Built Upon Expansive (clay) Soil.  The drier the clay gets — the more it shrinks (gets smaller).  The wetter the clay gets — the more it swells (gets larger)   Moisture-control measures can minimize clay shrinkage or swell swelling.

Expansive-Soil is located mostly in the center of the U.S. and along the Gulf Of Mexico’s Coast.  DFW-Area Soils Are Among The Most Expansive & Unstable In The United States. *2 DFW’s “Active Zone” (depth of expansive clay) — is typically 10 to 13 Feet Deep. *3

Click  Here To See A U.S. Map Showing Expansive-Soils: U.S. Expansive-Soil Map

(If link doesn’t work – copy this below into your browser):

https://www.globest.com/sites/partnerESI/2017/06/28/expansive-soil-7-things-you-need-to-know-to-protect-your-investment/?slreturn=20220626100957

These Two Factors Determine The Total Potential For Expansive (clay) Soil To Shrink & Swell: 

1. The Percentage Of Fine-Grain Clay Within The Soil.

2. How Thick/Deep The Layer Of Clay Is. 

Building Codes Require Testing For The Presence Of Expansive (clay) Soil — Before Buiding On It.

• Expansive-Soil is specifically addressed within the International Building Code (IBC) starting in 2011. (Texas uses the IBC Code).
• The IBC States:  “In Areas With Expansive Soil — A Building Official shall Require Soil Tests — to determine specifically where these soils are located.”
• Building Codes In Areas (like DFW) With Expansive-Clay Soil — Require Soil Samples To Be Taken Before Building Begins.   

Source: https://www.edtengineers.com/blog-post/expansive-soils-and-construction-implications

Copy This Link Below To See Core-Samples Of Expansive-Clay Soil When Wet & Dry:

Expansive Soil — Wet & Dry Core Samples  (scroll down a bit — photo on left side of screen).

(If Link Doesn’t Work, Copy This Into Your Browser:  https://www.canteycanfixit.com/foundation-services/bowing-walls.html)

This YouTube Video Demonstrates How Expansive-Soil Reacts To Changes In Moisture Level

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Link

To View Video — Click On The White Arrow In The Center Of The Image

The Engineer In Video Says: (very dry) Expansive Soil — Shrinks/Swells Up To -10%/+10% when it gets quite wet. 

TIP: After Extended Dry Weather — A Substantial Rain Could Raise A Slab Quick Quickly.

The American Society of Civil Engineers Says:

A. 50% Of U.S. Homes Are Built On Expansive Soil. 

B. 25% Of U.S. Homes Have Foundation Damaged — Caused By Expansive Soil. *1

Over Time, Structures Built On Expansive Soil — Are Prone To Damage From Recurring Slab Movement.

 Expansive-Soil Causes Recurring Slab Bending Near A Slab Foundation’s Edges.  Slab Bending Can Cause Foundation Damage & Broken Water & Sewer Pipes. 

 WHAT Slab Bending Is:

• The Slab Doesn’t Move Evenly.
• The Slab’s Center moves very little — because soil-moisture remains mostly consistent.
• The Outside Edges & Corners can move a lot — because soil-moisture can fluctuate a lot.

Slab Bending Can Be Minimized With Slab-Watering & Moisture Management.

Click Here To See A Diagram Of Slab Bending: Diagram Of Slab Dishing & Doming

(If Link Doesn’t Work — Copy This Into Your Browser):

https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/Toolbox/buildright/content/bcgbc4010a/04_struct_members/06_concrete_slabs/page_003.htm

A. Slab Bowing Downward  Toward The Center (called: “Dishing”)  — Due To Overly WET Soil Along The Edges:

B. Slab Bowing Upward Toward The Center (called: “Doming”) — Due To Overly DRY Soil Along The Edges:

Sources:

1. 1 Source: https://www.usinspect.com/blog/expansive-soils-and-their-spoils/
2. 2 Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2003/09/22/story4.html
3. 3 Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237598469_An_Expansive_Soil_Index_for_Predicting_Shrink-Swell_Potential

On A Side Note:

How Much Movement Can A DFW Home’s Floating Slab Foundation Tolerate Before It’s Damaged? 

Not Much…

The Edges The Slab Can’t Be More Than 1 Inch Lower/Higher Than The Center. 

TIP:  To Skip This Section — Scroll Down To Next Double Lines.

DFW homes are built on a “Floating Slab”.  The slab sits on the ground AND depends on the soil beneath it for support.   The slab is not attached to the ground — to allow it to “Float” or move with changes in the soil-moisture below it.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Says, FOR TEXAS:

• TILT: The Entire Slab Is Tilted To One Side.
• Up To a 1% Tilt = A Slope Up To 1 inch — Within 100 inches (8 feet & 3 inches). *4
• At 1% Tilt — most people notice something is wrong.

EXAMPLE: A 50′ Wide Home = 600 inches wide.  The entire slab could be tilted (toward 1 side) up to 6″ — without damage to the foundation.

Deflection Is Caused By Changing Soil-Moisture 

• DEFLECTION: Downward OR Upward movement WITHIN the slab.
• Deflection occurs when one part of the slab becomes lower or higher than the rest.
• The maximum Deflection for a DFW slab = Up to 1 inch — within 360 inches (30 feet).  *56

EXAMPLES:  A 60′ (720 inches) Wide Home:

• The sides of the slab can be up to 1 inch lower/higher than the center — without damage to the slab.

The Edges Of A Slab Foundation Cannot Be More Than 1 Inch Lower/Higher Than The Center — Without Damage To The Slab.

Signs That Foundation Repairs Are Needed

Interior Cracks

Resulting From Lack Of Slab Watering & Moisture Management

Stress-Cracks In Drywall:

These Cracks Indicate Foundation Issues:

• Wide (>1/4″),  Long Horizontal, Stair-Step, Jagged,  & Wide Diagonal Cracks that start at doors & windows.
• Cracks in multiple locations.
• Cracks on the second story of a home.
• Interior + Exterior cracks.

These Interior Cracks Are Typically No Reason To Be Concerned — And NOT Related To Foundation Issues.

• Small Cracks Are Due To Typical Home Settling And Are To Be Expected.
• Very Narrow Spider Cracks.
• Narrow Cracks, Straight, Vertical Cracks.
• Hairline Cracks starting doors & windows.

Sources:

• https://uretek-gulfcoast.com/ceiling-cracks-in-concrete-foundation-walls/
• https://hdfoundationrepair.com/do-sheetrock-cracks-in-walls-indicate-foundation-problems
• https://hdfoundationrepair.com/does-foundation-settling-cause-drywall-cracks/

This YouTube Video Describes 2 Types Of INTERIOR Cracks.  This Is From A Texas Home Inspector. 

NOTE: Several Photos Of Diagonal Stress Cracks Are At The End Of This Video.

Image Source: YouTube Video Link

Shown: Diagonal Stress Crack In Drywall.

Exterior Cracks

Resulting From Lack Of Slab Watering & Moisture Management

This YouTube Video Describes EXTERIOR Cracks.  This Is From A Texas Home Inspector. 

Recurring Slab Movement Often Results In Slab Damage

Resulting From Lack Of Slab Watering & Moisture Management

 Then, Foundation Repairs Are Needed To Relevel & Stabilize The Home’s Foundation

Foundation Repair is big business in DFW.  Foundation repairs cost is determined by; 1. How Unlevel The Slab Is.  2.  How Much Support The Slab Needs (from underneath.)

DFW Typical Foundation Repair Cost:

• Average Cost: $4,750.
• Range: $2,150– $7,550.
• Major Slab Repairs can cost $10,000+.

Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/foundations/repair-a-foundation/

TIP: Slab Movement Is Minimized By Keeping Soil-Moisture Consistent Along The Foundation’s Edges.

A Common DFW Foundation Repair Includes These Steps:

• The Most Common Repair Is: A (hydraulic machine) Rams Concrete Piers Into The Soil  — Until The Piers Can’t Penetrate Further.  Note: In DFW, Piers Can Be Up To 40 Feet Deep.

(There Are Other Foundation Repair Methods Available.)

• Holes are dug along the outside of the foundation.
• Then, the foundation is lifted (where it’s low) with hydraulic jacks.

• The piers will be located under the outside edge of the foundation.
• Concrete Piers (6-12″ in diameter & 1.5′ long) are used.
• Piers are rammed into the ground — until they can’t penetrate deeper.
• During This Process: The next Pier is installed — on top of those already in the ground.

• At the top of all the installed Piers — a large concrete “cap” is installed.
• Above the cap will be one more Pier (or perhaps 2 side-by-side).
• To get the exact height — steel shims will be installed as needed.

• Then the new Pier is ready to support the house.
• The jack (that temporarily holds the foundation up) — lowers the foundation onto the new Pier.

*4 https://foundationrepairs.com/slab-foundation-repair/need-foundation-repairs/acceptable-foundation-deflections/

*5 https://www.post-tensioning.org/Portals/13/Files/PDFs/Events/Conventions/TechnicalSessions/2015/042815Brumley.pdf

This YouTube Video Shows Foundation Repair – As Described Above (starts at time: 5:07 / 17:16)

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Link

To View Video — Click On The White Arrow In The Center Of The Image.

The YouTube Video Below Identified 8 Different Types Of Damage To The Home

Caused By Expansive-Soil Movement Damage To The Home’s Foundation.

Resulting From Lack Of Slab Watering & Moisture Management

1. Very Dry Soil That Has Pulled Away From The Foundation.  
2. Cracks or bulging in walls and ceilings.
3. Cracked brick chimney.
4. Crumbling bricks and motor between them.
5. Uneven gaps at doors and windows.
6. Damp concrete floors.
7. Sagging, sloping, or cracked concrete floors.
8. Sagging roof and roof leaks.

The Easiest Way To Know If (expansive) Clay Soil Is Too Dry — Are There Gaps Between The Soil And The Concrete Foundation?

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

Shown: Overly Dry Soil Against The Home’s Foundation

Note: The Home Shown Has Extensive Foundation + Home Damage.  The Video Shows These Signs Of Damage Caused By Recurring Slab Movement.

Exterior Damage Shown In Video:

• Gaps in exterior trim
• Cracked Brick
• Cracked Corner Of The Slab Foundation.
• Gaps between windows and brick.

Interior Damage Shown In Video:

• Many Cracks in drywall
• Uneven interior doors.  Several interior doors can’t close.
• Gap between bathtub surround and wall.
• Interior trim at trim (at the floor).
• Significant gap between the trim (at the floor) and the floor itself.  The entire floor has settled.
• Significant cracks in the (concrete foundation’s) floors.

Based On The Information Below — The Estimated Repairs Cost For The Home In The Video is $20,000–$30,000  

Note: 1. This Cost Covers Only Foundation Repairs.  2. Then, Add The Costs To Repair The Home. 

• The Typical Cost To Relevel A house Is $3,500–$6,500 for piers at 1 corner.
• Costs can reach $10,000– $20,000 for extensive damage.

Source: https://homeguide.com/costs/house-lifting-cost

Most (If Not All) Damage Shown Could Have Been Prevented With

A. Rain Gutters & B. Foundation Watering (more on that later in the article).

On A Side Note: 

TIP:  To Skip This Section — Scroll Down To Next Double Lines.

Corner Pops Are Common & Not A Sign Of Foundation Failure.  All That’s Needed Is A Cosmetic Repair. 

This YouTube Video Describes: How To Repair A “Corner Pop” — Where The Corner Comes Off The Foundation.  

Corner Pops Occur Because The Bricks’ Weight Exerts Enough Downward Force (on the corner) —  To Crack Or Chip It Off.  **

** Source: https://www.southftworthhomeinspection.com/corner-pop/ 

SHOWN: Corner Pop Repair

TIP: See Finished Repair At Time: 3:35 / 4:24

These Products Are What’s Used In The Corner Pop Repair Video Just Above. 

Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement

SHOWN: Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement

Al’s earns from qualifying purchases.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

TIP: This Product May Be Less Expensive At A Home-Center Store (like Lowes or Home Depot)

Website Information:

• Quick setting cement is ideal for repairs where rapid setting concrete is required.
• On Vertical Surfaces: Can be applied to a thickness of up to 2 inches.
• Can be mixed with WATER — OR with QUIKRETE Concrete Acrylic Fortifier to further enhance the bond.

Quikrete Concrete Acrylic Fortifier

SHOWN: Quikrete Concrete Acrylic Fortifier

Al’s earns from qualifying purchases.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

If Buying From Amazon: Click On Image, Then Click On: “See All Buying Options” — For A List Of Retailers.

TIP: Quikrete Says Only One Of These (not both) 1: Acrylic Fortifier OR Concrete Bonding Adhesive.

TIP: This Product May Be Less Expensive At A Home-Center Store.  Home Depot ships orders of $45.00+ For Free.

Video Instructs To First Use A Wire-Brush On The Existing Surface (of the corner pop) — To Remove Anything That’s Loose. 

Wire Brush

SHOWN: Wire Brush 

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Use A Cement Trowel (or putty knife) To Spread The Cement

Flat Trowel

SHOWN: Comfort-Grip Flat Concrete Trowel

On A Side Note: 

TIP:  To Skip This Section — Scroll Down To Next Double Lines.

This Section Gives In-Depth Details About Expansive-Clay Soil & Post-Tension Slab Foundations In DFW.  

Since around 1970, most DFW homes’ foundations are “floating” concrete slabs sitting directly on the ground.

• Before Building Begins: Since 2012 — A detailed report of the soil & the bedrock (where the home will sit) is required to ensure the home’s foundation has the support needed.

• After The Home Is Built:  The Owner Must Minimize Slab Bending — With Slab Watering & Moisture Management.

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Link

Shown: A Post-Tension Slab Foundation Before Cement Is Poured.

Click On The White Arrow To Learn More About Post-Tension Slabs

What Occurs With Vacant Land In Texas — Before New Homes Can Be Built On It

Whenever & Wherever Expansive-Clays Are Present: 

• Soil Conditions Studies are required by the Texas Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (TASCE).
• Starting in 2012 The International Building Code (ICC 2011) added soil testing requirements.
• A Study may require soil borings of up to 20 feet deep.
• The borings are studied for the presence of expansive clay + estimates of the Soil’s Shrink/Swell Potential.

NOTE:  Until 2011 — Soil-Borings Were Not Required By The International Building Code (Texas uses this code).

This is not to say soil-borings were not taken — only that they were not required.

Expansive Soil’s “Active Zone” — Is Influenced By Seasonal Weather Changes. 

• DFW’s Active Zone is typically 10 to 13 feet deep.
• Within the Active Zone, soil experiences significant moisture changes AND  Shrink/Swell Issues — Between DFW’s (cool & wet) Spring & Fall — And DFW’s (hot & dry) Summer.

• Definition: Soil Shrink–Swell Potential is the volume change (change to soil size) — due to moisture-content changes.
• The higher the Soil’s Shrink-Swell potential — the more foundation damage-risk to structures built on that soil.
• Low Shrink-Swell Potential = 3%.
• Medium = 3.1 — 6%.
• High = 6.1 — 9%
• Very High = 9.1% +

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237598469_An_Expansive_Soil_Index_for_Predicting_Shrink-Swell_Potential

EXAMPLE: In 2013, a Soil Study was performed on a site located northwest of the Dallas North Tollway & US 380 in Prosper, Texas.  10 feet deep Soil Borings revealed mostly clay soil down to 5-9 feet deep.  To ensure proper support under the slab foundations — the soil at the surface was removed, and replaced with soil having a more stable composition.

Source: https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.894.7099&rep=rep1&type=pdf

^^ End Of The Section About Expansive Soils & Post-Tensioned Slabs Ends Here. ^^

How Recurring Slab Movement Often:

1. Damages Slab Foundations 

2. Causes Slab Leaks

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: Slab Cracked Due To Excessive Movement

How & Why (Water Pipe) Slab Leaks Occur

Resulting From Lack Of Slab Watering & Moisture Management

Why recurring slab movement can break rigid water pipes and sewer lines. The horizontal pipes under the slab rise upward through the concrete (and become stuck to it).   When the slab bends, it puts upward or downward pressure on the pipes.

• The pipes are stuck to the concrete — and are forced to move up & down with the slab bending.
• Recurring slab movement creates stress on the pipes. Rigid water and sewer pipes are not designed to bend.
• The recurring stress can cause pipes to crack.

Click Here To Read Our Article: 40+ Slab Leak Signs: AlsPlumbing.com 40+ Slab Leak Signs

On A Side Note…

Adding Proper Ratios Of These Materials May Help Stabilize Expansive-Soil.

TIP:  To Skip This Section — Scroll Down To Next Double Lines.

This YouTube Video Demonstrates Soil Shrink-Swell Testing.   

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video Link

SHOWN: Soil Shrink-Swell Testing

Lab testing is the most accurate way of determining clay soil’s shrink-swell potential.   With that information — the lab should be able to advise the proper ratios of the materials shown below.

TIPS:

• Do a Google search to find a Soil-Testing Lab near you.
• Ask the Lab if they can give you proper ratios — upon having tested soil from your lawn.

Note: Al’s Plumbing does not provide soil testing.

• Calcium/Lime

Adding calcium to expansive clay soil treatment is an effective way to stabilize it.  Adding lime (calcium oxide) changes the mineral makeup of clay — and reduces the shrink-swell potential.

Often the most effective treatment is; lime & fly-ash mixed with water.   You need a Lab Test Professional to advise of the proper ratios for your lawn. 

• Fly Ash

Fly ash by itself can reduce potential shrinking and swelling — and help rid soil of moisture that’s trapped inside.

It’s often an excellent choice if your soil is subjected to large amounts of water.

• Portland Cement

Portland Cement helps to stabilize expansive clay soil by increasing its dry-density.

Source: https://hdfoundationrepair.com/how-to-stabilize-expansive-clay-soil-in-texas/

Steps Required To Minimize Slab Movement & Bending

The Easiest Way To Know If (expansive) Clay Soil Is Too Dry

Are Gaps Between The Soil And The Foundation.

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

Shown: Gap Between (overly dry expansive) Soil And A Home’s Foundation

A. Install Gutters — To Route Excess Rain Water Away From The Foundation’s Edges.

• Allowing rainwater to fall along the edge of the foundation — creates dramatic changes in soil moisture.
• Rain Gutters catch and divert water away from the foundation.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Shown: This Home Shows Rain Gutters Installed.   There’s a gutter downspout (the white vertical pipe) — left of the garage door.

If Needed – Install Rain Gutter Downspout-Extensions — If Your Gutters Don’t Have Them

To Carry Rain Water 3–6 Feet Away From The House.

 Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

Available Only In White

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

SHOWN: Slip-On 3–6 Feet Gutter Downspout Extension –That Flips Up To Make Mowing Easier

NOTE: This Particular Style Includes A Slide-Out — 2nd 3′ Extension — For A Total Of 6′

TIP: A Home Improvement Center May Have This Style At A Lower Price.

Another Style Extends 3 Feet Total (Also Flips Up).

 Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

Available Only In White

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Downspout Extension Installation:

• 1. Remove the existing elbow at the bottom of the gutter. 

Shown: Rain Gutter Elbow

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

• 2. Slip the extender onto the (vertical) downspout. 
• Note:  These are often sized larger than the downspout — that’s ok.  
• To Secure: Drive 1 or 2 screws through the (sides of the) extender and into the downspout.   
• Note: An aluminum downspout accepts screws with little effort. 

For A More Decorative Gutter Downspout Extension

 Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

Available In Taupe (only)

SHOWN: Decorative Gutter Downspout Extension.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

 For Additional Decorative Extension Colors 

 Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

SHOWN: Decorative Gutter Downspout Extension.

Available In: Brown, Black, Gray or Green

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

B. Establish A Recurring Slab-Watering Program

During DFW; Spring; Summer, & Fall  

• Note: If You Have An In-Ground Water-Sprinkling System — It Can Be Adapted To Water The Foundation Too (or it may have been installed with this feature).

• Contact your system’s installer about modifying your in-ground sprinkling system.

These Items Will Create An Automatic, Above-Ground, Foundation-Watering System

FLAT-STYLE SOAKER HOSES     

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

Shown Above: Flat-Style Soaker Hose Actively Watering  (it’s round during use).   

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

SHOWN: Flat-Style Soaker Hose.

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

• Soaker hoses create “beads” of water — resulting in slow and controlled watering.  This allows for more precise watering amounts.

• With correct water pressure (by adjusting the flow at the faucet) — soaker hoses won’t add water faster than the soil can accept it, resulting in no wasted water.

TIPS:

• Flat-Style Soaker Hoses (versus the stiff & round style) — are much easier to work with. 
• The round ones are more trouble to place and must be uncoiled first. 
• Flat-Style soaker hoses eliminate these issues. 
• AND — Flat-Style are much less expensive. 
• Note: Rubber Ones May Be More Durable.

NOTES:

• You can connect an additional 25-foot soaker hose on the end of the 1st (25-foot) one.
• It’s advised not to extend beyond 2 hoses — as watering quantity reduces further down the line.
• If you need more than 2 soaker hoses — run a separate garden hose to the soaker hose(s) that are farther away.

SOAKER HOSES INSTALLATION:

• Place soaker hoses 18 inches from the edge of the foundation — they will overwater if placed closer.
• If you have Mulch planting beds — you can bury the soaker hoses inside the mulch.  This will reduce evaporation and needed watering frequency.
• Flat Soaker Hose is not recommended for planting beds with rock.  Rock is too heavy for a flat soaker hose to open correctly.  Also, the rocks may puncture the fabric hose.

Automate Slab Watering — With TIMERS That Attach To Outdoor Faucets

 Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

SHOWN: 4-Outlet Battery-Operated Timer

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

TIMER INSTALLATION:

• Timers screw directly onto an outdoor faucet (you can see the gold & black screw-on fitting at the top of the timer shown).
• Timers are available in 1, 2, 3, & 4 Outlet(s) versions.

TIP: Put something under the timer (if it’s horizontal) after installation).  The weight of the timer + hoses can crack the plastic on the water inlet (what screws onto the faucet).

TIP: Water only 1 Zone at a time (underground systems do this).  There isn’t enough municipal water pressure to water multiple zones at once.

TIP: It’s easier to program the timer before it’s installed.

TIP:  You can automate lawn sprinkling with the same timer.

TIP:  Watering At Night Minimizes Evaporation.  Check with your City, but most allow foundation-watering at any time and on any day.

• Hoses screw directly onto the Timer’s Outlets.
• The hose filter-screens (at the lower right corner of the timer shown above) — typically come with the timer.
• The timer must be programmed (by you) — to set which day(s), which zones, and how many hours you want each Zone to water (each outlet serves 1 zone).

• Watering time will change with increasing/decreasing outdoor temperatures and hours of sunlight.

TIP: If You Don’t Want To See The Timer & Hoses Connected To It

Image Source: Amazon Embedded Link

Shown: Plastic Decorative Rock

Click On Image To; See Product, Read Details or Purchase From Amazon.com

The product shown above comes in 3 sizes and 2 colors (beige or gray).

TIP: If You Have A Faucet At The Front Of  Your Home — You Can Cover Of Block It From View.  The product shown above comes in 3 sizes and 2 colors (beige or gray).    Note: These decorative rocks don’t degrade much over the years (from sunlight exposure).  An owner states they look the same 7 years later (in the southern 1/3 of the U.S.).

TIPS:

• Adding fiberglass insulation at the top of the rock will help protect a faucet (coming from the ground) from freezing.
• Put the fiberglass insulation inside a trash can bag (to eliminate exposure to the insulation).
• At the end of the watering season — disconnect the timer from the faucet.  Under this rock — you can simply leave the timer & hoses as they are.
• This also eliminates damage from the sun to the timer.

How To Know When You Are Watering Enough

• The length of watering times — must be adjusted for increasing/decreasing outdoor temps and daylight hours.

• To know if you are watering only as much as needed — Install Moisture Meters.

Soil Moisture Meter

 Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Shopping Link

SHOWN: A Simple & Easy To Read Moisture Meter.

RED = Too Dry / GREEN = Moist / BLUE = Too Wet

Click On Image To; View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

MOISTURE METER INSTALLATION

• Select a location midway between the starting and ending ends of the hose(s).

• Simply push the rod into the ground.
• The rod needs to go deep to be accurate.  Push into the ground until very little of the rod is showing.                

              Other Important Things To Know

• Most (if not all) municipalities allow foundation-watering at any time and on any day.
• Check your City’s website to ensure you are in compliance – if foundation-watering restrictions apply.

• Place soaker-hoses 18 inches away from the foundation.

• The best time to water is at night.  There’s no sun and cooler temps — this reduces evaporation.

• Begin with the water-timer set for 2 hours (per zone), per week.

• Monitor soil moisture to determine if 2 hours is enough.  Adjust as needed.

This Article Details Slab (foundation) Watering & Moisture Management needed for every DFW home.  The steps described will minimize slab foundation bending/movement — and the foundation damage caused by movement. 

Al’s Plumbing — in Plano, TX provides full-service plumbing; maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs gas and electric water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in; Plano, TX; Allen, TX; Frisco, TX; and McKinney, Texas.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX, and northeastern Dallas County, TX with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s Today To Discuss Any Concerns Or Problems You Have With Your Home’s Plumbing. 

We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.