How to Install a Drip Irrigation System Around Your Foundation to Stabilize Expansive Texas Clay
Foundation Drip Plan for Texas Concrete Home Slabs
Consistent, low-flow moisture helps reduce swell/shrink cycles in expansive soils. Below is a ready-to-install, two-zone plan for a rectangular home with a 200-ft perimeter using ½″ dripline and 1 GPH emitters.
System Layout (Two Zones)
- Run ½″ inline emitter pressure compensated / self cleaning tubing 8"–18″ away from the slab, parallel all the way around.
- Stake every 3–4 ft, or shallow-bury 2–4″ under mulch to limit evaporation and UV.
- Add flush ends (caps/mini-valves) for periodic line flushing.
- Keep line off driveways/walks where water would escape; maintain positive grading away from slab.
Quick Materials List
- Backflow preventer (anti-siphon) at water source
- 150-mesh drip filter + 25 PSI pressure regulator (drip grade)
- ½″ inline emitter tubing, 1 GPH @ 12″ spacing — ~200 ft total (+10% extra)
- ½″ poly header line + barbed fittings (elbows, tees), end caps/flush valves
- Stakes (40–50) and two valves/timers (1 per zone)
- Optional: moisture sensor or smart controller for dial-in scheduling
Watering Schedule (Cycle & Soak)
| Season | Frequency | Per-day Cycles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | 3–5 days/week | 2 × 15 min (60 min apart) | Increase on sunnier sides |
| Spring/Fall (Mar–May, Oct) | 2–3 days/week | 2 × 10 min | Keep moisture steady |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | As needed (≈1 day/week) | 1 × 10 min | Run only during dry spells |
Drainage & Care
- Maintain positive slope away from slab (~¼″ per foot for 5 ft).
- Extend downspouts ≥ 5 ft and prevent ponding near the foundation.
- Separate zones let you run sunnier sides a bit longer than shaded sides.
- Flush lines each season; clean the filter when pressure drops.
Quick FAQ
- Can I put the line against the slab? No. Keep a 8"–18″ buffer to avoid creating a wet trench at the edge.
- How deep should I bury it? 2–4″ is ideal under mulch/soil; deeper isn’t necessary for performance.
- Will this replace normal irrigation? No—this evens moisture at the perimeter. Lawn/bed irrigation still runs separately.
Need Help Sizing Parts or Programming?
We’ll tailor the exact runtime and parts list to your lot, controller, and exposure.
Foundation Drip Plan for Texas Clay (Monolithic Slab)
Consistent, low-flow moisture helps reduce swell/shrink cycles in expansive soils. Below is a ready-to-install, two-zone plan for a rectangular home with a 200-ft perimeter using ½″ dripline and 1 GPH emitters.
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