Knowledge and Support
Frequently Asked Questions About CS Soaker Hoses
Answers about water pressure, hose lengths, water delivery, installation and accessories. Find the right information for Pressureless, Startup, Premium and Profi.
Practical Answers for Your Irrigation System
The choice of product line, available water pressure and water source all influence how a Soaker Hose works. Our answers help with planning, installation and troubleshooting. Technical values may vary depending on the model and measurement conditions.
Topic 1 of 5
🌱 Basics and Materials
How the Soaker Hose works, where it is manufactured and which variants are available.
What Is a CS Soaker Hose?
A CS Soaker Hose is a porous irrigation hose. Water passes through the hose wall and is released close to the soil along the installed length. How moisture spreads through the soil depends on factors such as the water supply, hose length, installation method and soil conditions.
How Does a Soaker Hose Differ from a Drip Hose or a Sprinkler?
A Soaker Hose releases water through its porous hose wall. A drip hose typically has defined drip points, while a sprinkler distributes water over an area from above. The most suitable system depends on the plants, soil, area layout and water supply.
Where Are CS Soaker Hoses Manufactured?
CS Soaker Hoses are manufactured in Germany. You can find the respective technical characteristics and application limits on the product pages and in the technical overview.
What Are CS Soaker Hoses Made Of?
For Startup, Premium and Profi, the current CS data sheets specify approximately 60 % recycled tire granulate and 40 % polyethylene. Only for Premium is the polyethylene explicitly described as recycled polyethylene. These specifications do not substantiate a general claim that all materials are recycled or that the Pressureless model has an identical composition.
Which Garden Areas Are Suitable for a CS Soaker Hose?
Depending on the product line and water supply, suitable applications include raised beds, vegetable beds, hedges, planting strips, greenhouses, certain lawns and larger irrigation systems. Under Applications, you will find examples for different garden areas.
Topic 2 of 5
💧 Water Delivery and Irrigation Duration
Estimate water requirements and avoid unsupported water-saving claims.
How Much Water Does a CS Soaker Hose Release?
Water delivery depends on the product line, pressure, soil conditions and operating duration. At 0,6 bar, the CS data sheets specify 8 to 12 l/(m·h) for Startup, 5 to 8 l/(m·h) for Premium and 8 to 12 l/(m·h) for Profi. After approximately 50 hours of irrigation, a soil-dependent reference range of 4 to 8 l/(m·h) is specified for these three product lines. These values are not guaranteed for every installation condition. With the Pressureless model, the water supply depends particularly on the available water head and the overall system configuration. Compare Technical Specifications.
How Long Should I Water My Garden Bed with a Soaker Hose?
There is no universally applicable number of minutes. Consider the plant type, soil moisture, weather, root zone, hose length and actual water delivery. Start with a test irrigation cycle and then check the moisture at the depth of the root zone. Adjust the duration and frequency accordingly.
Does a CS Soaker Hose Automatically Save Water?
No. A fixed percentage of water savings cannot be guaranteed in general. Delivering water close to the soil surface, beneath a covering or underground can reduce unnecessary watering of unplanted areas and certain evaporation losses. The actual amount of water used, irrigation control and comparison with the previous system remain decisive.
How Do Soaker Hoses Affect Water Consumption and Costs?
Actual water consumption can be estimated using hose length, measured water delivery and operating time, or measured with a suitable water meter. Cost savings only occur if less chargeable water is actually consumed compared with the previous irrigation method. Lower water consumption should not come at the expense of adequate soil moisture.
Topic 3 of 5
⚙️ Water Pressure and Water Sources
Understand the differences between mains water, pumps and rainwater.
What Is the Maximum Permissible Water Pressure for CS Soaker Hoses?
For all four current CS product lines, including Pressureless, the maximum permissible water pressure is 1,5 bar. This is an upper limit and not the recommended working pressure. For Startup, Premium and Profi, the current data sheets specify a working pressure of 0,4 to 0,6 bar. Pressureless is designed for a water supply with very low pressure head from a suitable water container.
Why Do I Need a Pressure Reducer?
A suitable pressure reducer reduces excessive inlet pressure to the intended operating range of the respective product line. Pressure regulation is particularly important when using mains water or a pump. However, a pressure reducer does not replace an adequate pump flow rate or suitable pump protection. Learn More About Pressure Reducers.
What Is the Difference Between a Pressure Reducer and a Flow Restrictor?
A pressure reducer regulates or limits pressure. A flow restrictor limits the amount of water flowing through the system but does not reliably maintain a specific outlet pressure. If the mains water pressure is too high, it therefore cannot replace a necessary pressure reducer. View Flow Restrictors.
Can I Connect the CS Soaker Hose Pressureless to a Rain Barrel?
Yes, provided the water level is sufficiently higher than the hose and the supply line, filter and hose length are suitable. The pressure head is created by the height difference between the water level and the Soaker Hose. As the water level drops, the pressure head decreases. “Pressureless” therefore means without conventional mains water pressure, not without a pressure difference. Plan Rain Barrel Irrigation.
Which Pump Is Suitable for a CS Soaker Hose?
The pump must provide the required flow rate at the actual operating pressure. Suitable pressure regulation, filtration and protection appropriate for the pump type are often necessary. An unregulated connection to a powerful garden pump is not recommended. Guidelines for Pump Operation.
Topic 4 of 5
📐 Installation and Maintenance
Understand irrigation run lengths, installation methods, limescale and frost protection.
What Is the Maximum Length of a CS Soaker Hose per Irrigation Run?
According to the current specifications, straight irrigation runs can be up to 50 m for Startup, 75 m for Premium and 100 m for Profi. For Pressureless, the maximum is 25 m for straight installation and up to 50 m of total hose length in a circular layout. The circularly installed Pressureless hose is supplied with water at one end only and sealed at the other, rather than connected as a closed loop. Separate planning guidelines apply to winding layouts. All Installation Guidelines.
Can I Install a CS Soaker Hose Above Ground?
Yes, depending on the application, above-ground installation is possible. For Startup, Premium and Profi, the data sheets recommend covering the hose with soil or bark mulch. Make sure the hose is installed without kinks and is protected from damage during gardening.
What Is the Difference Between Above-Ground and Underground Installation?
Above-ground installation makes the hose easier to access and inspect. With underground installation, water is released directly into the soil; depending on soil conditions and system design, surface evaporation losses may be lower. Installation depth must be adapted to the plants and site conditions. For Startup, Premium and Profi, the data sheets specify a range of 0 to 60 cm, not a standard depth suitable for every situation.
Is a CS Soaker Hose Frost-Resistant?
Frost resistance of the entire irrigation system is not universally guaranteed. Before freezing temperatures occur, shut off the water supply and drain accessible lines wherever possible. Drain filters, pressure reducers, distributors and other frost-sensitive components or store them in a frost-free location according to their instructions. Whether a buried hose can remain underground at a particular location depends on its installation and the respective product specifications.
How Can I Prevent Mineral Deposits and Limescale Buildup?
Hard water can cause deposits to form. Check the water quality and inspect water delivery regularly. Suitable ground covering can reduce excessive drying at the surface. A standard particle filter does not remove dissolved limescale-forming minerals and therefore cannot reliably prevent limescale buildup.
Topic 5 of 5
🔧 Accessories and Troubleshooting
Check filters, connections and water distribution.
Why Does CS Recommend a Water Filter?
A suitable water filter traps some of the dirt particles in the incoming water, reducing the risk of the Soaker Hose pores becoming clogged. We generally recommend filtration for mains water, rainwater and well water. The filtration rating must be suitable for the water quality and available water pressure. Compare Water Filters.
How Do I Install Suitable Connectors?
Use only fittings compatible with the respective hose variant. Insert connectors straight without tilting them, avoid excessive twisting and check the connections for leaks after opening the water supply. Whether installation aids or additional seals are required depends on the specific connector.
Why Does My Soaker Hose Release Water Unevenly?
Possible causes include insufficient available flow, unsuitable operating pressure, significant elevation differences, an unfavorable hose length or installation layout, and dirty filters. Check the entire water flow path before replacing the hose. Completely identical water delivery under all site conditions is not guaranteed. Go to the Troubleshooting Guide.
More Questions?
We Can Help You Choose Your CS Soaker Hose
Tell us about your water source, hose model, hose length and planned installation. This will help us provide specific advice on the right irrigation system for your needs.