Flat Soaker Hose vs. Round: Which Is Better?

The dry season is fast approaching, it’s time to think about getting water for your thirsty plants!

There are many options for irrigating your lawn, but getting a soaker hose would definitely be worth the money. After all, they’re inexpensive and easy to install.

While both flat and round soaker hoses generally share the same purpose, each comes with benefits and limitations. A flat soaker hose can be the ticket to watering straight garden rows. However, it is not suitable for curvy paths as it may develop kinks that restrict water flow. Meanwhile, the round ones are more versatile and tend to be more resistant to damage.

That being said, there are other things you would need to consider before choosing.

Flat Soaker Hose vs. Round Soaker Hose: What’s the Difference?

Weight and Length

In terms of weight and length, there is actually no comparison between the two. Soaker hoses come in varying lengths, they’re available from 25 up to 100 feet or longer, depending on the size of your lawn.

Naturally, the larger the length, the heavier the hose will be. It also depends on the material it is made from. A heavier rubber hose may stay in place better than a lightweight vinyl hose as it may easily bend due to water pressure.

Kink or No Kink

Using a flat soaker in curved and uneven areas may result in kinks that restrict water flow. If you’re thinking about looping them around trees and bushes, the round ones may be better for you as they tend to be more flexible.

Sturdiness and Flexibility

The soaker’s sturdiness depends on the base material. In general, hoses produced from rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane take higher pressure better than those made from vinyl. That being said, round soakers usually last longer and tend to be more flexible than flat ones.

Usage and Coverage Area

Flat soakers are best for straight and even areas as they tend to tangle on narrow and curved surfaces. Meanwhile, round soakers are more mobile and resistant to damage, so they can be rolled around your lawn with less worries!

Since flat soakers have one-sided holes, water is typically distributed only on one specific spot or side. In contrast, round soakers have a broader water distribution pattern. Nonetheless, the coverage will largely depend on the duration of the watering cycle. An hour of watering spreads the moisture better than a cycle of just twenty (20) minutes.

Use in Certain Environment and Weather

Soaker hoses can usually be left in place during winter. Any moister left in the hose simply seeps out without any contraction or expansion issues. They should be buried by mulch or soil that function as insulators against the cold.

Note that a flat soaker should not be covered with too much soil as it hampers the flow of the water. Round ones are more durable and can be buried a lot more without being damaged, making them a better choice during heavy weather.

Price and Value of Money

Both types of hoses cost reasonably the same. However, if you value the economic aspect, the round soaker hose might actually provide more value to your money. Depending on the material, they might cost a little more than the flat ones, but the durability and flexibility definitely do not fall short.

Water Pressure Capacity

Soaker hoses don’t usually come with pressure ratings, but you should still make sure the one you settle with can withstand both low and high water pressure. It must be able to withstand at least 20 to 30 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. There’s actually no comparison in this aspect as this lies on the base material. However, those made from rubber, PVC, and polyurethane do have superior durability and can withstand higher pressures. In addition, larger-diameter and longer hoses need more pressure to evenly distribute water so it may require at least 60 psi.

Quick Comparison Table: Win or Lose?

Flat Soaker Hose vs. Round Soaker Hose: Which Is Better?

Although we cannot tell you exactly which you should opt for between the two, you can keep the following in mind.

A flat soaker has holes only on one side, so the water goes in one area directly to the ground. It cannot roll out of alignment the way round hoses can. Gardeners have even attested that this type is only suitable for watering straight row gardens. Burying it deep in the soil is also not recommended as these may weigh the hose down and restrict water from flowing.

A round soaker hose is more mobile, great for snaking around trees and bushes. Water is also more evenly distributed as it is equipped with tiny holes around its body. It’s typically made of vinyl or rubber rather than nylon-coated mesh material used for flat soakers. This material makes the hose more malleable for severe weather conditions.

Some people may prefer the flat soaker hose because they want to focus on watering a specific side of their garden. Others may want the round ones better for their flexibility, durability, and better coverage for water distribution.

Nonetheless, you should remember that the best deal out there is the one that meets your needs at the most reasonable price!

The Final Verdict

Choosing the right soaker hose for your garden is truly a dilemma. However, we are here to make things easier for you by providing the most important details about the products. We try to keep the ideas presented in this article informative and useful. For instance, we began to discuss the main differences between flat and round soaker hoses. We also considered their best features and limitations. Finally, we addressed how you might want to select the best type of soaker hose.

We hope you had fun and found something interesting in this article. It would be a pleasure if you could put these ideas into action and get amazing results. Feel free to reach out to us and tell us what you think!