Buying guide for best soaker hoses
Keeping plants hydrated during the growing season is key to helping them thrive. However, conserving water is also important. When you water your garden with a soaker hose, you can accomplish both tasks. Unlike standard garden hoses that spray lots of water down on plants, soaker hoses work at ground level with less pressure. These hoses also come in a variety of lengths, so they’re practical for small, medium and large gardens.
Soaker hoses are either made of a porous material or have tiny holes that allow water to slowly seep from the tubing. Because they work with minimal pressure to hydrate plants at the roots, they reduce water waste. Quality models are made of recycled rubber or PVC material that will last for many growing seasons. Soaker hoses also have fittings that attach to faucets just like regular hoses, so anyone can use one.
We checked out a range of soaker hoses and found the top-selling Dramm ColorStorm Standard Soaker Hose to be the very best. It comes in a choice of two popular sizes and is backed by an impressive lifetime warranty to protect your investment.
Our list: The best soaker hoses
This 0.5-inch soaker hose works similarly to others, plus it’s a good pick for anyone trying to be more eco-conscious in their outdoor living space. The hose is made in the United States with recycled materials. Additionally, it’s designed to use up to 90% less water than standard hoses while effectively watering plants with up to 5 gallons per minute with 50 psi. Durable connectors are included. If you need more reasons to consider this soaker hose, you’ll be happy to know that customers rave about Dramm’s customer service. What’s more, the company provides an industry-leading lifetime warranty. This hose comes in lengths of 25 and 50 feet.
There are many good reasons why this kit stands out in terms of value. The 20-piece kit includes a 100-foot hose plus all the essentials you need to create a customized watering system for your garden. The hose, which you can cut to the desired lengths, is crafted of porous material that hydrates plant roots thoroughly without wasting water. Also in the kit you’ll find ample connectors. Simple instructions help you configure the hose in a way that suits your garden while using up to 70% less water. And the system comes with an impressive seven-year warranty.
This well-made soaker hose is another popular option with a patented design. It can water a garden in less time than many similar models, emitting 3 gallons per minute at 50 psi. The strong connectors on each end resist corrosion and have Linex’s patented washers that help control the amount of water that flows through the hose. This flat and flexible hose is also durable thanks to the PVC material. After gardening season is over, the hose is easy to roll up, carry and store. If any issues arise, Linex backs the product with a two-year warranty. This 0.5-inch hose comes in 15- or 25-foot lengths.
If you like the idea of a versatile soaker hose that’s easy to connect to additional hoses, this model is worth considering. It comes with an end cap and reinforced fittings designed to attach effortlessly to other hoses. This eco-friendly hose is made of recycled rubber that’s thick enough to stand up to frequent use. While giving plants a thorough soaking, this 0.5-inch hose can conserve up to 70% of the water that a sprinkler system would use. This hose comes in a choice of 25- and 50-foot lengths and has an extensive seven-year warranty.
This soaker hose, made of PVC material, has a patented design with an output rate of about 2 gallons every two minutes at 60 pounds per square inch (psi). This makes it possible to hydrate your garden thoroughly and efficiently while saving water. The durable brass connectors contain seals that prevent leaks, further contributing to your water conservation efforts. The connectors easily link to other hoses to extend the soaker hose’s reach. Storing the hose is easy too, because the flat design rolls into a compact size so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. This hose measures 0.5 inch in diameter and is available in 25- and 50-foot lengths.
This soaker hose stands out for being made of recycled vinyl that’s eco-friendly, clog resistant and highly effective at hydrating plants. Another selling point is its flat design. Not only does it fit well among plants, but it’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver when it’s time to store it. The durable connectors are made to last. Unlike many soaker hoses, the Gilmour comes in extra-long lengths. In addition to the standard 25- and 50-foot options, it’s also available in a 75-foot hose suitable for larger gardens.
You can use up to 80% less water with this soaker hose compared to ordinary hoses, but that’s not all. Its flat design is easy to use and store, and it comes in more lengths than many competing brands. Depending on the size of your garden, you can choose from hoses measuring 15, 25, 50 and 75 feet. Made of recycled PVC material with a fabric layer for added protection, this soaker hose is constructed to last and distribute water evenly. It rolls up easily when not in use. This eco-friendly choice is also backed by a two-year warranty.
If you need a soaker hose with a very short or very long reach, this is the model to choose. Although it comes in standard sizes of 25, 50 and 100 feet, it’s also available in lengths of 10, 150 and 200 feet. This large selection makes it a good pick for gardens of all sizes, from small flower beds to large vegetable gardens. In addition to the hose, this model comes with durable brass connectors that are easy to attach and won’t rust or corrode. You can expect to use up to 70% less water with this recycled rubber model, a sound choice for the eco-conscious gardener.
Regardless of the size of your garden, chances are good that this 0.5-inch soaker hose comes in a size to meet your needs. It’s available in lengths of 10, 25, 50 and 75 feet, which are suitable for small to large gardens. In addition to saving water, the clog-resistant hose itself is also good for the environment because it’s made of recycled vinyl. It’s another quality soaker hose that’s flat, lightweight and easy to carry and store. The connectors are easy to attach to other hoses. The manufacturer provides a two-year warranty with purchase.
What to know before buying a soaker hose
Soaker vs. sprinkler
Soaker hoses and sprinkler hoses are sometimes referred to as the same product, but they are made differently. The two types of hoses are easy to confuse because the effect of a soaker and sprinkler hose is similar. Both use a more targeted irrigation method (versus a standard hose) to distribute water into your garden. Neither is the best choice for watering a whole lawn. They are best used in small to medium beds or plots of vegetables, fruits or flowers.
A true soaker hose is made from partially permeable material that enables it to evenly distribute water. When you turn on the water, it slowly seeps out along the entire length of the hose, not just from a straight line of holes in the hose. A soaker hose rests on and soaks the ground around your garden.
A sprinkler hose has a line of tiny holes along its length. Sprinkler hose material is not porous, so water only sprays out from the holes up and over your plants. Sprinkler hoses may also allow you to use them as soaker hoses, with the holes pointing to the ground, which makes them more effective in certain situations, but they aren’t as efficient as slow-watering, soaker hoses.
Material
Plastic or vinyl soaker hoses are the least expensive on the market. They work like those made of other materials, but they’re more likely to be damaged by intense sun exposure while sitting outside. They won’t last as long as those made of rubber.
Rubber hoses are also sometimes called fibrous hoses and are often made from recycled materials. Rubber, or latex, soaker hoses can last several seasons, particularly if you cover them with mulch.
Length
Most soaker hoses come in lengths of 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet. Although less common, you can find 150- and 200-foot options. When you’re trying to decide how long a hose you’ll need, keep in mind any extra distance that you might use by wrapping the hose around the base of plants or bushes, as well as any gaps between where you place the hose and the faucet.
Water pressure
A common challenge when using a soaker hose is too much water pressure. The water pressure coming from most exterior faucets turned on all the way is much too high for a soaker hose to handle. Too much water pressure can split and break a soaker hose or dispense too much water on your plants.
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). In a description of a soaker hose, the water pressure figure tells you how much is needed in order for the hose to work properly without damaging it or causing it to underperform. You can test your water pressure with a pressure gauge to get an idea of how far you should open up your faucet when using a soaker hose. You can also call your water department.
- 10 psi is the relatively low pressure true rubber soaker hoses need.
- 25 to 30 psi is the level at which most vinyl or plastic sprinkler hoses operate optimally.
- 60 psi or higher is the level coming from most exterior water faucets when they’re fully open. It’s a level traditional garden hoses can handle.
Diameter
The diameter of a soaker hose helps you determine how long of a hose you can use before it loses pressure. A larger diameter means less friction, so the water can go farther. If you have a long space to cover, choose a thicker hose. Soaker hoses have diameters of 0.25 inch to 0.625 inch, with 0.5 inch the most common.
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0.25 inch: Good for pots and other container plants
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0.375 inch: Good for most home gardens and raised beds
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0.5 inch: Good for larger gardens
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0.625 inch: Good for longer runs up to 250 feet
Fittings, connectors and end caps
Most hoses have screw fittings for attaching to another hose or the exterior faucet. As with other hoses, the best fittings and connectors are made of brass. Many hoses have plastic connectors, which are effective for a while, but they aren’t as durable as brass.
If you purchase a soaker hose with a push-fit hose fitting, which is easier to connect and disconnect, you might need an adapter in order for it to work with your exterior faucet. The hose might come with one, or you’ll have to purchase one separately.
Some hoses don’t come with any connectors or fittings, so you’ll have to purchase and place your own. Pay attention to what’s included with the soaker hose before you buy if you want to be able to use it straight out of the box.
Optional features
Kink resistance: A kink is when the hose gets folded over, cutting off the flow of water. Kinks can cause cracks and leaks in the hose. A kink-resistant hose is designed to resist this problem.
Custom length: A hose that can be cut to the desired length is useful if you’re planning to install your hose permanently or semipermanently in a garden row or raised bed. Cut-to-length hoses do not come with fittings, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
Optional accessories
Add-ons to consider purchasing with your soaker hose include the following:
Regulator: Regulates the pressure of water flowing to soaker hose
Calcium filter: Helps keep hard water deposits from clogging soaker hose
Flow discs: Helpful when running water over long distances
Plastic stakes: Designed to hold hose in position
End cap: Necessary to keep water from flowing out the end of the hose
Tips
- Protect your soaker hose. To help your soaker hose last longer, keep it buried under mulch and out of the sun.
- Maintain pressure when using multiple hoses. While you can link several soaker hoses together, you should limit the total length of the soaker extensions to 100 or 150 feet. Longer lengths won’t hold pressure as well.
- Keep your soaker hose level, not on a slope. It won’t distribute water evenly on slanted ground. For hills, try a drip hose instead.
- Link the hoses together correctly. If you’re having problems maintaining water pressure through soaker hoses that are linked together, check to see if the hose nozzle includes a restrictor disk. If so, remove it from between the linked hoses.
FAQ
Q. How much do soaker hoses cost?
A. The price is largely dictated by the length of the hose. Inexpensive 25-foot soaker hoses cost less than $20. For $25 to $40, you can purchase similar models that are 50 feet long. You can find some 75-foot hoses in this price range too. Longer hoses cost more than $40. These include customizable and cut-to-fit hoses. You’ll have more choice in terms of size and length if you spend over $60. You can find both sprinkler and soaker hoses at all price points.
Q. Do I keep a soaker hose on all the time?
A. No. Even though a soaker hose delivers water very slowly, it will be more water than most plants need if it’s kept running all the time. In average soil conditions, plants use about 2 inches of water every week. Delivering this amount of water will likely take several hours a week with a soaker hose, but it won’t require 24 hours a day.
To determine the number of hours you need to leave your hose on, look for the delivery rate on the hose you purchase. Another idea is to put a portion of the hose over a bucket or tub and time how long it takes to fill the container with 2 inches of water.
Q. Where should I use a soaker hose?
A. The planted rows in vegetable gardens are ideal for the use of a soaker hose. These hoses also work well with flowers in beds. Place the hose between rows of plants so as not to restrict growth. Soaker hoses are not ideal as a watering system for a whole yard. If you have a narrow strip of lawn to water, a sprinkler hose will work well.
Q. Will a soaker hose work if I bury it?
A. In some cases, you can bury soaker hoses. A buried hose is going to suffer a little more wear and tear than one on top of the ground. If you bury it, don’t go farther than 4 inches deep. Consider simply spreading some mulch over the hose instead.
