how often should water the foundation during winter? (Frisco: how much, new home)

[dallas_cowboy]

As a first time new home buyer...... just like many others on the forum I am concerned about keeping foundation in good condition.

City of Frisco says no water to the yard.

We have drip line around foundation. How often foundation needs water during winter (also curious to know about its summer water needs). I know there is no magic number applicable for all homes but like to hear from ppl on this forum who successfully kept their foundation in good healthy condition (with no cracks or repairs) for 8 to 10 years.

Thanks in advance!

[octo]

A new post tension slab still requires watering of the foundation?

Aren't those strong enough to withstand some soil movement?

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by octo

A new post tension slab still requires watering of the foundation?

Yes.

Aren't those strong enough to withstand some soil movement?

PT construction is a method to help keep the foundation together if the slab moves and cracks. The cables are under a large amount of tension. If the slab moves and attempts to separate the cables will draw it back together at the crack point, if it can. All slabs can withstand some degree of movement due to soil expansion, contraction, and erosion. It is when these conditions exceed the slab design that we begin to see the signs of distress.

Answers in blue above.

[Rakin]

The answer to your question:

As often as needed to maintain an even level of moisture around your foundation.
Much of it depends on how much rain we get.

I water when we have not had a rain in 7-10 days.
Just like Goldilocks, the soil needs to be just right.
I don't let my soil get to dry or to wet.

And those drip lines should run about 2 times longer than a spray head due to low output.

[whj3773]

do you need to water a pier and beam foundation?

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by whj3773

do you need to water a pier and beam foundation?

Absolutely. You should also get underneath it every now and then to make sure you're getting good drainage and don't have standing water.

I would also make sure my foundation vents are open most of the year.

[dallas_cowboy]

Originally Posted by Rakin

The answer to your question:

As often as needed to maintain an even level of moisture around your foundation.
Much of it depends on how much rain we get.

I water when we have not had a rain in 7-10 days.
Just like Goldilocks, the soil needs to be just right.
I don't let my soil get to dry or to wet.

And those drip lines should run about 2 times longer than a spray head due to low output.

Thanks! So do you manually turn on your sprinkler system's drip line (only zones linked to foundation) every 7 to 10 days? How many minutes do you keep your drip line running to feed water to the foundation?

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by dallas_cowboy

Thanks! So do you manually turn on your sprinkler system's drip line (only zones linked to foundation) every 7 to 10 days? How many minutes do you keep your drip line running to feed water to the foundation?

In the fall and winter I cut my minutes back to about 2/3rds of the summer.
About Oct I turn my system to the off position and pay attention to the rain.

If we haven't had a rain in that 7-10 days I go flip it on and hit the Manual button to cycle the entire system.
If it's a dry period I might leave it on Auto or go back to the off position.

Adjust your watering to fit the dry or wet conditions. (and cooler weather)

Your plants need water in the winter. Especially a new home with new plants (small root system).
I water heavily before a big freeze. It helps protect the plants.

[dallas_cowboy]

Originally Posted by Rakin

In the fall and winter I cut my minutes back to about 2/3rds of the summer.
About Oct I turn my system to the off position and pay attention to the rain.

If we haven't had a rain in that 7-10 days I go flip it on and hit the Manual button to cycle the entire system.
If it's a dry period I might leave it on Auto or go back to the off position.

Adjust your watering to fit the dry or wet conditions. (and cooler weather)

Your plants need water in the winter. Especially a new home with new plants (small root system).
I water heavily before a big freeze. It helps protect the plants.

reduce 2/3rd of how many minutes?

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by dallas_cowboy

reduce 2/3rd of how many minutes?

I was referring to your summer schedule. You'll need to figure out how many minutes to water in the summer.
Your Builder or RE agent should be able to offer advice.
It's all custom and will depend on your homes location and watering zones.
Without seeing your home, I cannot recommend times.

It's kinda like asking how fast I should drive my car.