Should You Water Your Foundation in a Drought?
It sounds backwards, but watering your foundation during a Texas drought can reduce cracking. The key is consistency — here’s how to do it right.
Why it helps
Foundation watering keeps the perimeter clay from shrinking away from the slab, softening the drought side of the seasonal cycle.
How to do it
Use a soaker hose 12–18 inches from the slab, run it briefly and consistently (not flooding), and keep moisture even all the way around. Consistency beats volume.
It’s not a cure
Watering reduces swing but won’t reverse existing movement — that needs steel piers. Pair it with good drainage for the wet season.
- Consistent perimeter watering reduces drought shrinkage.
- Use a soaker hose, short cycles, even coverage.
- It manages risk but doesn’t reverse movement.
Not sure how serious it is?
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