Irrigation Systems by Perimeter Walls

We’ve often discussed the dangers of excess water around your foundation—probably one of the most frequently covered topics on this blog. That’s because it is one of the leading causes of foundation problems. Given the nature of Texan soil and its high plasticity, extra care must be taken to manage moisture around your foundation year-round.

Standing water, pooling after heavy rains, poor drainage, negative slopes, leaks, and a lack of downspouts and gutters all contribute to foundation damage. The high-plasticity soils we have in Texas absorb water and expand, putting pressure on your foundation. This can lead to cracks, shifting, and eventually long-term structural damage.

So naturally, we’ve emphasized time and time again how important it is to keep water away from your perimeter walls.

That’s why, in one of our recent videos (included here for your enjoyment), you might be surprised to see us installing an irrigation system—right by the perimeter walls.

You might be wondering: After all their articles and warnings about water near the house...aren’t they going against their own advice?

To put it bluntly: No.

Here’s why:

While excessive moisture is a serious issue, so is the lack of it. We've touched on this before, but it's worth repeating: during dry seasons—especially in regions with expansive clay soils—the soil around a home can lose moisture rapidly. Just as excess moisture makes the soil swell, dry soil shrinks, pulling away from the foundation, removing critical support, and causing movement, settling, and cracking.

When this cycle repeats season after season, the risk of significant foundation damage increases. So the key isn’t just keeping water away—it’s balance.

In the case shown in the video, the homeowner contacted us to inspect the foundation after noticing some cracks in the drywall. After inspection, we found that the foundation itself was within normal parameters—less than half an inch of variation.

So what caused the cracks? The soil around the foundation was too dry. It was the middle of summer, and the lack of moisture had caused the soil to shrink. That slight settling was enough to trigger visible interior cracks.

Our recommendation was installing an irrigation system to keep moisture levels consistent throughout the year. This helps prevent the extreme expansion and contraction cycles that can put the foundation at risk.

But how much moisture is enough? That’s a great question—and luckily, there are simple tools to help answer it. We recommend using a soil moisture meter. This tool helps you monitor the moisture levels around your foundation. While some models are more expensive, many effective options are available for $25 or less.

Insert the probe into the soil at a depth of 6 to 8 inches, and check the moisture levels every few feet to get a good read across your property.

A pro tip is to keep a log of your readings to monitor seasonal changes and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

The irrigation system we installed in this case was a smart system. You can program the days, times, and exact amount of water needed—and it doesn’t stop there. These systems are connected to the internet and synced with local weather forecasts. If it’s going to rain, the system holds off automatically. Plus, everything can be managed from an app on your phone.

Now, if you prefer something more old fashioned you can still use soaker hoses—manual or programmable—or even just water by hand. The key is to water slowly and gradually to avoid runoff, so the water reaches deeper soil layers where it’s most needed. Then take another moisture reading to see how things are improving.

Whether you go with a high-tech system or a more traditional approach, the key is the same: maintain balanced soil moisture.

If you’re seeing cracks or signs of damage—or just want the most effective irrigation setup to protect your foundation—give us a call. We’ll help you determine the best plan of action, tailored to your specific needs.