They are capable of providing hands-free and consistent water irrigation to gardens of any size. When it comes to price, they are cost-effective than irrigation drip systems. So, you can invest in them happily, even if you have a budget constraint. The best soaker hose may differ from one gardener to another based on budget, dimensions, yard space and other factors. Before investing in a soaker hose, we recommend you consider the following key factors.
Material –
Different materials like recycled rubber, PVC, polyurethane, etc. are used to manufacture soaker hoses. Among them, rubber is considered durable and lasts longer. FDA-grade polyurethane hose is best for organic gardens, while UV-resistant polyurethane hose is used in any climate. PVC is a cheaper model that can be used for a single or two seasons at most, as it develops cracks or brittle. So, choose according to your preference.
Length –
You have to buy a garden hose that can cover your entire garden area. Garden hoses come in length sizes of 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100 feet long (or more). The 15-foot shorter length option is used for small flower beds, while 100 feet long is best for large perennial borders. But remember that the longer the hose needs more water pressure to reach the other end of the pipe.
Diameter –
The hose diameter will vary from 3/8-inch to 1 inch, in which larger diameter hose often have more weep holes to deliver a large amount of water for about 200 – 250 feet. While looking to water nearby container plants, then go with a smaller diameter hose. Including these, we also recommend you to go through our detailed “Buying Guide” to know how to choose the right one, as per your requirement. Read on the following list to know the best soaker hoses that are carefully picked based on the same information and careful analysis.
Best Soaker Hoses 2022
7 Best Soaker Hoses Reviews
1. Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose
Gilmour is a very renowned brand in the market. You can see a lot of high rated products from Gilmour such as this soar hose. In the 1st position, we have placed Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose because of its affordability. It is a 25 feet long soaker hose that can be easily placed through rows of newly planted seeds or under mature plants for efficient watering. The system could be controlled by a timer for complete automation of the process. Even with the affordable price tag, it presents a very durable build quality that will surely last for seasons after seasons without any problem. This soaker hose is made up of vinyl that is covered with a clog-resistant fabric cover for the consistent soaking operation. You can also bury the hose under mulch for an easy DIY watering system. It has a remarkable 7 years of warranty, which is quite long. Best Features
Most affordable option 25 feet long soaker hose Can be placed through rows of plants Can be controlled with a timer Durable build quality Long-lasting material Made up of vinyl Covered with a clog-resistant fabric cover Consistent soaking achieved Can be buried under mulch 7 years of warranty
Pros
Price tag is very affordable Very long warranty period
Cons
It is comparatively shorter in length Not a good option for high pressure
2. Rocky Mountain Radar Goods Soaker Hose
You might not have heard about Rocky Mountain Radar before this article. But we can assure you that its soaker hose is worth checking out. In the 2nd position, we have another reliable option for a soaker hose from Rocky Mountain Radar. This is a ⅝ inch soaker hose that is around 25 feet long. It is made up of recycled rubber that provides a very heavy-duty performance and build quality as the rubber is generally recycled from tires. Although it is only 25 feet, it is not the limit as you can quickly attach another hose with the help of the reinforced fittings. This is the best option for garden and flower beds, as you will be getting a continuous flow of water from all over the hose. As it has a pretty thick body, water does not escape the hose easily, resulting in up to 70% water saving compared with a traditional water sprinkler. It is backed by a 7 year warranty period from Rocky Mountain Radar that is pretty long considering other options from the list. Best Features
Reliable option ⅝ inch soaker hose 25 feet long hose Made up of recycled rubber Heavy-duty performance Can be attached with another hose Reinforced fittings included Best option for garden and flower beds Continuous flow of water can be obtained Thick outer body 70% water saving compared with a traditional water sprinkler 7 years of warranty
Pros
Length can be increased by adding more hoses Build quality is pretty strong
Cons
Water distribution is not at selective locations Original length is not much
3. Swan Element Sprinkler Soaker Hose
The brand Swan has several products in-store essential for gardeners, farmers, and passionate homeowners. This element sprinkler soaker hose is designed with six holes per foot for a uniform watering pattern. It is an ideal choice for water lawns, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and narrow areas. It features long-lasting couplings with male ends that come in handy for easy draining and it can easily supply 1.2 gallons of water per hour. Coming in a size 15.2 metres, the hose can be easily unrolled and rolled for better storage. It is proven to be the safest tool to use as it meets the lead-free standards under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Best Features:
50 feet/ 15.2 meters length 6 holes per foot Made of rubber Lead-free 860 grams weight Assorted colors 7 years warranty
Pros:
Easy to use Safe and comfortable Easy to store
Cons:
Even distribution of water is not as good as promised
4. One Stop Gardens Soaker Hose
One-Stop Gardens is known for its cheaper yet highly applicable products. Here is a soaker hose from One Stop Gardens. One-Stop Gardens FBA_97193 is a 50 feet long soaker hose that can lie flat on the ground and weep water for prolonged irrigation sessions, unlike other tubular options. This allows water to be soaked directly at the roots of the plants without damaging it. You can restrict water flow with the help of miser discs up to 75% that are included with the product. This hose is made up of heavy-duty woven nylon that is quite durable. This is an ideal option if you are looking for an irrigation system rather than a water leakage or water sprinkler setup. It has a standard ¾ inch thread that can be easily installed on most of the household connections without any problem. You will be getting only 90 days of warranty from One Stop Garden that is marginally lesser than many other options from this list. Best Features
Lies flat on the ground Weeps water for prolonged irrigation sessions Water can be soaked directly at the roots Water flow can be restricted by up to 75% Miser discs included restricting the flow Made up of heavy-duty woven nylon An ideal option for an irrigation system Standard ¾ inch threads 90 days of warranty
Pros
Water distribution is unique Will not cause hurdles in the garden space
Cons
Warranty period is negligible Build quality could be better
5. Green Mount Soaker Hose
Green Mount is rather a fresh brand in the market. They are providing a very heavy-duty option, as mentioned below. Up next, we have a heavy-duty soaker hose from Green mount. This is a 50 feet long water hose that has ½ inches diameter. This hose has a high water leakage rating that is around 2 gallons per 2 minutes at regular 60 PSI pressure that is considerably higher than any other recycled rubber soaker hose. As it is made up of a PVC material, you can expect even water distribution along the length without any problem. This massive soaker hose is equally easy to store as it flattens up and takes only 0.15 cubic feet space for storage. As it is made with very durable material, it possesses high tensile strength that protects it from damaging in hot weather. It can be used either above the ground or under it if the soil pressure is less than 60 PSI. You can see universal connectors that can be used to attach multiple hoses at once to cover more ground. You will be getting 2 years of warranty along with this soaker hose from Green Mount. Best Features
50 feet long water hose ½ inches diameter High water leakage rating 2 gallons per 2 minutes of water leakage at regular 60 PSI pressure Even water leakage Easy to store Flattens up and takes only 0.15 cubic feet space High tensile strength Can sustain hot weather Universal connectors to connect more hoses 2 years of warranty
Pros
The water distribution rate is high Build quality is pretty good
Cons
Warranty period is very short regarding price tag Size is small
6. Dramm Soaker Garden Hose
Dramm is another lesser-known name in the market. But, it is a very reliable brand for a long term product. Here, we have a 50 foot long highly reliable soaker hose from Dramm. This premium soaker hose is a very convenient option if you wish to use it in your garden and beds. As you will be getting an even water distribution from start to end, you won’t have to worry about problems like overwatering. The entire 50-foot body of Dramm 17010 is made up of recycled rubber that is known for its durability. The outer body is very thick, which is essential to reduce water waste. As the thickness does not allow water sprinkling, you will be saving a lot of water compared to a general water sprinkler. Dramm is providing a lifetime warranty on this product, making it the most reliable option from our list. Such a long warranty period can completely justify the higher price tag. Best Features
Very reliable option 50-foot long soaker hose Convenient option for garden and beds Even water distribution No problems such as overwatering Made up of recycled rubber Durable build quality Thick hose reduce water waste Does not allow water sprinkling Lifetime warranty
Pros
Lifetime warranty period Durable build quality
Cons
Price tag is a bit expensive Not suitable for high-pressure output
7. Melnor Flat Soaker Garden Hose
Melnor is a comparatively lesser-known brand in the market. Still, you should look into its option for a soaker hose. In the last position, we have a soaker hose from Melnor. It is quite a long hose that measures around 50 feet along with a wide size of ¾ inch. It is backed by 2 years of the warranty period from Melnor, which is comparatively lower than other options on this list. Even though it is 50 feet long, you can easily store this soaker hose as it gets flattened for less space consumption. You can store this entire hose in a small space of 0.05 square feet. The hose has porous holes along its length that will deliver the water supply wherever you require. You can either place the hose over the ground or under a thin layer of soil for the best results. This can be the best option if you wish to use the hose for raised beds or vegetables. There are rust-resistant end caps included in the package for easy installation. As the fitting size is standard ¾ inches, it will easily fit into the hose thread without any problem. Best Features
Pretty long in length Measures up to 50 feet ¾ inches size 2 years of the warranty period Easy to store Can be flattened for less space consumption Can be stored in 0.05 square feet area Poros holes along its length Can be placed over the ground or under the ground Best option for raised beds and vegetables Rust resistant end caps included Standard ¾ inches size
Pros
The hose is pretty long Water distribution is uniform
Cons
The price tag is a bit higher than other options Warranty period is short
What to Consider While Shopping for a Soaker Hose:
To grab the right hose for your needs, you have to consider various aspects before buying them. Check out what are those factors.
1. Material:
A soaker hose should withstand the elements and can easily handle soil or mulch. So, the hose material will affect its water delivery efficiency and durability. In general, the soaker hose is made with polyurethane, recycled rubber, and flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), in such a way that they allow water to seep through those tiny perforations that get straight into the soil around the plants. The hose made with rubber is considered durable and long-lasting. The UV-resistant polyurethane hose is ideal to use in any environment, while the FDA grade polyurethane hose is eco-friendly and toxin-free, which makes it best suited for organic gardens. Less expensive soaker hoses are mostly made of thin vinyl, which lasts a shorter time (like 1 – 2 seasons). Yet need to replace when the hose develops cracks or become fragile. Whereas, high-end models have fiber reinforcement that makes the hose sustain intense water pressure, durable and long-lasting usage.
2. Soaker Hose Length:
To cover your entire garden area, you need to purchase the right length of a soaker hose. So, pick the adequate length of the soaker hose depending on your garden size. Usually, soaker hose comes in different lengths that range from 15 – 100 feet long, in which a shorter length of 15-feet is ideal for flower beds, and hose with 100 feet or even longer is suitable for long rows of summer vegetables or large perennial borders. If having a larger garden that requires more than 100 feet hose, then check for a soaker hose model allowing you to attach an extension. Simply, attach another hose to the current one like a daisy chain. But it has the main drawback – as the longer the hose, the more pressure is required for water to reach the other end of the pipe.
3. Hose Diameter:
The hose diameter will vary widely that range from 3/8-inch to 1-inch. Larger diameter hoses have to weep holes or more perforations that quickly and easily deliver a large amount of water into garden soil. Also, larger hoses need more water pressure compared to narrow soaker hoses. While a smaller diameter hose is ideal for watering nearby container plants. In case, if you want to water 200 – 250 feet, then go with a large diameter hose to water your hose.
4. Soaker Hose Design:
There are two main designs available for soaker hose – flat and round. Each type has its own set of strengths & weaknesses. Let’s know about them in detail. Flat Soaker Hose – This type of design suits best to lay out along the straight garden rows instead of zigzag around the bases of bushes, plants, and trees. With their flexibility, they are easy to lay and weave in between existing. And also, allow you to fold them easily into smaller bundles to store them properly over winter. Coming to its drawbacks – they have weep holes located typically on one side of the hose only (not in all hoses) instead of holes on all sides of the hose. Also, winding this hose design may cause kinks, which in turn restrict the water flow. These are more susceptible to rips, tears, or weather damage and thereby less durable. Round Soaker Hoses – This type of design is used on both straight rows and snaked around various trees and bushes without kinking, which makes it more versatile. Also, they can be used at a higher-pressure rating when compared to a flat soaker hose. These are durable, more flexible, expensive, and last longer. They are made with heavy-duty materials and have multiple exterior coatings to protect them from outside elements. The main drawback of this round soaker hose is that they are bulky and takes a lot of space for its storage.
5. Pressure Rating:
In general, the water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Most of these soaker hoses won’t have pressure ratings (not compulsory), but still, you have to consider them while buying. The soaker hose’s pressure rating will let you know the water pressure it can sustain without getting leak or burst. One can easily find the soaker hose pressure limit on the product specification while purchasing the soaker hose. A general rule is the broader and longer the soaker hose, the more water pressure the hose require to distribute water evenly to the holes at the end of the hose. So, the outdoor spigot should have to produce water up to at least 60 PSI. It is a perfect option for gardeners who are using it for the first time. Turn on the water before cover it with mulch and after lay out a soaker hose. Then check out if it has enough pressure to leak water out of the holes at the other end of the hose. In case, if it won’t then increase the water pressure gradually at the faucet till water oozes out of the holes. When the water flows from the holes, then simply take a note of how far the faucet was turned on and use the same pressure every time. Turning on the water pressure at full force will create unnecessary stress in the hose, which lead to ruptures and early failure.
6. Soaker Hose Perforation Size:
The perforation/hole size of a soaker hose will determine the rate of water leaking out from it. Make sure to get the hose with the right balance of perforation size for proper watering in your garden. This won’t let the water come out either too much or too little. So, one has to check out the water perforation rate of the hose based on the plants and garden area they need to water. Most manufacturers differ the holes and their placement for efficient irrigation, irrespective of the plant placement.
7. Weight:
The weight of the soaker hose will depend on the type of material used to make the hose and hose length. The larger hose is quite heavier, yet stay stable when compared to a smaller hose. Usually, a rubber hose is heavier and stay more likely in its place than a lightweight vinyl hose, which moves or arc under the water pressure. Burying a soaker hose under 1 – 2 inches of mulch will keep the hose in its place and this mulch will maintain the proper moisture level in the soil without evaporating.
8. Coverage Area:
A standard soaker hose will drench an average of 6 – 12 inches on either side of the hose. However, its area of coverage will depend on how long the watering cycle lasts. For instance, a 1-hour watering cycle will result in a wider spread of moisture than a cycle of 30 minutes watering.
9. Flow Rate:
The water has to flow out of the hose at a certain rate to moisturize your garden soil. Here the longer the hose, the lower its water flow rate will be. In some cases, we need a hose releasing about a gallon of water every minute to water the garden area quickly and effectively.
10. Backflow:
It happens rarely when a turn ON the spigot and a hose or underground sprinkler system is pressurized, then there is a chance of water to flow back from this hose/sprinkling system to the spigot. Keep in mind, it occurs only when the spigot is turned ON but not in the OFF position, where there is no in/out flow of water. The water inside a soaker hose is not drinkable (potable), as the soil or fertilizers enter into the hose through weep holes, and contaminate the water to make it unsuitable for drinking. Installing a backflow preventer between the hose and spigot is the best way to get rid of this backflow contamination. This preventer is a simple, inexpensive attachment that restricts water in the hose from entering into the home’s water supply system. Thus, you can have peace of mind without thinking about water contamination.
11. Flexibility:
Choosing a flexible hose will make your watering job quite easier. As you can easily lay this flexible soaker hose on a garden with plants here and there. Plus, they are easy to wind up and store properly when not using. While stiff/rigid hoses are suitable to lay on straight but not on where you need. Also, they won’t wind up easily, which makes them harder to store.
12. Hose Fittings:
One can find soaker hoses with a quick-connect push fitting, a classic male-female screw-on fitting or no-hose fittings at all for a proper fitting of a hose. Here the screw fittings will let you connect the hose to an outside standard faucet. An adapter is needed for the spigot itself while having push-fit fittings. Whereas, attach a fitting for no-hose fittings (a hose that won’t have any fittings). Brass fitting is the best option due to their durability and last longer compared to plastic fitting.
13. Ease of Use:
To make perfect usage of any gardening equipment, you have to spend less time in its setup and more time to use it. So, a hose with a simple and easy to fit design will allow you to start watering your plants and trees quickly. Consider this ease-of-use feature, especially when not having a dedicated water source for gardening and using it for other purposes. Thus, you have to attach and remove the hose quite often whenever you need to moisturize the soil. Also, check out for the design that won’t be damaged easily during its usage.
14. Cut to Length:
If you plan to bury the hose that fit precisely to a garden or perimeter, then this hose is your perfect option. However, you have to purchase and you have to attach the fittings.
15. Kink-Resistant Hoses:
Usually, these kinks are a bend in the hose causing tears or splits. So, to get rid of this issue, most manufacturers designed kink-resistant hoses. Choose thick rubber kink-resistant hoses with thinner, expandable styles, which are more prone to tears.
16. Optional Extras:
We notice a few hose models come with additional accessories like flow disks, end caps, and pressure regulators. Whereas for others, you have to separately buy these accessories (if needed). The calcium filters will help you in clearing trouble with clogs. Also, plastic stakes will secure the hose in its place.
17. Price:
The price range of the soaker hose will vary differently based on their built quality, material construction, and size of the hose. The general price range of short hoses (smaller than 25 feet) will be less than $10. While the widest diameter and longest length hoses will be $30 or more.
18. Warranty:
The product warranty is essential to consider while purchasing the soaker hose. Everyone wants a long-lasting product to have peace of mind for a specific period to get either replaced or repaired if anything happens wrong. Some soaker hose offers a minimum warranty of 1 year to a maximum of 7 years manufacturer warranty. Also, make sure to check with their customer support along with the ratings and reviews on the product before making its purchase.
Types of Soaker Hose:
The soaker hose comes in all shapes and sizes. One has to know about the types of hose available along with their material, design features, pros and cons. Let’s know about them in detail. Weeper Hose – Some weeper hoses are meant for drip and most of them perform a dual function of spraying and weeping. Most people prefer to use for soaking or weeping function where the hose’s wall let a continuous slow release of water, which gathers to produce droplets that roll down onto the soil and soak in for proper watering in your garden area. Drip Hose – Compared to a weeper hose, it is a slightly different hose wall structure. Its length will be a non-permeable material that has small holes pierced along the entire length releasing water droplets. The main benefit of a drip hose is that they made with more durable hose material and has more control over the water flow rate. Sprinkler Soaker Hose – As the name implies, this hose sprinkles water up to a few inches out from the hose, and delivers irrigation close to the hose. It is a perfect option when you need a slightly broader/wider water distribution.
Benefits of Using a Soaker Hose:
Watering plants roots rather than distributing water extensively over the undergrowth concentrates the water where it is needed most. Also, it offers some other benefits as well, which we explained below. Easy to Use – The pressure rating of the soaker hose may not allow you to use the pressure regulator. You have to easily adjust the water amount through the tap for its proper functioning. Deter Plant Fungal Growth – The soaker hose delivers water straight at the ground level into the soil, which prevents the plant from getting saturated wet and thereby lessens the chance of fungal growth. Prevents Soil Erosion – Soaker hose gradually release water into the soil. In case, if high-water pressure is used, then it prevents topsoil erosion and reduces water usage. Low Upfront Cost – This hose won’t have any complex moving parts, which makes it easy to operate. Its simple design will allow you to install and run them at a low cost. Attach the hose to the timer to save your water and spray the garden whenever needed. Retain Soil Moisture – The hose drip irrigation system will let the water ooze directly into the soil. Thus, it retains soil moisture and prevents excessive evaporation. Control Weeds – It allows very concentrated water area, and deters watering to weeds or undesirable plants which you want to restrict its growth in your garden area
Tips to Use Soaker Hose:
Here are some tips and tricks you have to follow while using this soaker hose. Have a look at them.
In case of burying a hose under the ground, you should not go more than 6 – 7 inches deep. If done deeply, this embedded hose won’t provide perfect soil moisture near the plant roots. They are quite useful when placed in a flat area. Never place in the regions having non-flat terrain. here low water pressure in the hose won’t allow water to reach a higher surface. If you don’t have a stable water pressure source, then prefer to use a water pressure regulator to water your plants properly. Make sure to use a timer to turn on/off the hose’s watering process automatically. Remove the end cap or use a filter to flush out waste from the hose and maintain the hose free from the debris inside the tube. Always use a backflow water preventer to prevent contaminating fresh drinking water from soiled outside water.
How to Install and Use a Soaker Hose:
Here is the detailed step by step process that let you know how to install and use the soaker hose. Let’s know about how to install this hose.
If you bought a new soaker hose, then leave it open for about an hour or so after unwinding it. It will loosen the tight coils of the hose and thereby allows you to lay it on the ground without much effort. Remove one end cap gently from the soaker hose. Hook it to your tap/water source properly. Run water for a few minutes to remove/flush out of the hose. Experts recommend flushing the hose while using the hose once or twice a year to clear any debris contained inside the hose. When once done completely, replace the other end cap.
Now after installing the soaker hose, you should know how to use them effectively.
When you want to water your garden, then lay the hose in your desired position. While setting up multiple tubes, then ensure to keep a distance of at least 18 – 20 inches apart to make plants get proper water. Pinhole the hose with wire garden pins in place and cover it by using a mulch. Avoid using soil as it compresses the tube, whereas using mulch around the hose will restrict the moisture loss due to evaporation. Then attach one end of the hose to the water outlet/faucet and slowly turn on the water. Make sure to check out how water will seep out of the tube and stop the water flow at the desired watering level. Let the water ooze and check it again to adjust the water flow. Use a pressure regulator to take note of the desired pressure level. Make sure to use it as a reference for future usage of water.
How to Clean Soaker Hose:
A clean hose will improve the water transfer efficiency and hose life. Its cleaning will depend on the type of hose you use and whether it is exposed in the air or covered with mulch. Here are a few steps to follow for proper cleaning of the soaker hose.
Store the hose in a safe and dry place after using each season. Also, clean any sediments or dirt from the hose and check for any damage before using it again. Submerge to soak the hose in a big water tub and make sure to put some weight to keep the hose immersed in water. Add 4 – 5 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent in water. Ensure that dishwasher won’t have chloride or ammonia, as it reacts with rubber and thereby develop cracks. Immerse the hose in dishwater for about 2 – 3 hours and place it under fresh water to clear the dirt and detergent. After cleaning, place the hose flat on the ground and check the holes for any clogs. If found any clog, then use a sharp object or a pin to clean those clogged holes. Connect the hose with a water outlet and run it for 3 – 4 minutes at high water flow. This high-pressure water will clean the inside hose and unclog the undetected clogged holes. After that, shake it up to remove water and allow it to dry away from the direct sunlight for a few hours. Then fold the hose and store it to use for the upcoming season.
In this article, we have shortlisted the best soar hoses available in the market right now so that you can choose one easily. We have also provided a buying guide that will help you along with your purchase. But, if you are looking for more, here are our top recommendations from this list:
If you are looking for an affordable option, we will suggest you go with Gilmour Flat Weeper Soaker Hose, 25 Feet, Black (870251-1001) right away without any second thought. Being the most affordable option, it offers a long 25 feet hose length that has a ¾ inch size. It has a remarkable 7 years of warranty that is very good at this price point. On the other hand, if you are looking for a reliable option, then you should definitely go with the Dramm Soaker Garden Hose. It has an astounding lifetime warranty period that makes it the most reliable option on our list. It is a 50 feet hose that has ⅝ inch size. Lastly, if you are looking for a high-pressure water hose, then you should consider Swan Element Sprinkler Soaker Hose. It has a narrow ½ inch size that can generate a lot of pressure. You will be getting a 7 year warranty period on this 50-foot long soar hose.Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
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