How to Blow Out Sprinkler System With Air Compressor: Efficient Winterization Techniques for Healthy Lawns
How to Blow Out Sprinkler System With Air Compressor?
To blow out a sprinkler system with an air compressor, you will need to follow a few steps.
First, turn on the zones one at a time and add air until the water stops spraying out of the sprinklers.
The longest zone may take longer to blow out.
Remember not to run rotating sprinklers without water for too long to prevent motor damage.
Disconnect any hoses connected to hose bibbs on your house to prevent pipe cracking.
Run through all the zones and turn off the controller when finished.
For proper air compressor usage, determine the right amount of pressure to put into the sprinkler lines.
Too much pressure can cause damage.
It is recommended to use an air compressor with a volume of at least 5 cubic feet per minute (CFM), or 10 CFM for larger systems with bigger pipes.
The maximum air compressor pressure for blowing out black polyethylene pipes is 50 PSI.
To start, locate the pressure vacuum backflow device on the irrigation system and close off the valves leading to the backflow preventer.
Remove the plug on the blow-out port and connect the air compressor using a quick connect hose adapter.
If the system has multiple zones, blow out one zone at a time.
The CFM required can be calculated by dividing the total water GPM of the zone by 7.5.
Open manual drain valves first if present.
Connect the air compressor to the blow out line of the targeted zone and charge up the air tank.
Once the system timer opens the zone, the sprinkler heads will spray out the remaining water.
Only blow out the zone until it runs dry to avoid damage.
After blowing out each zone, bleed off any excess air pressure in the lines by disconnecting the air hose and leaving it open for some time.
Key Points:
- Turn on zones one by one and add air until water stops
- Be cautious of running rotating sprinklers without water
- Disconnect hoses from house to prevent pipe cracking
- Run through all zones and turn off controller
- Determine proper air compressor pressure
- Close valves and connect air compressor using quick connect hose adapter
Did You Know?
1. In cold-weather regions, blowing out a sprinkler system with an air compressor is essential to prevent freezing. This method ensures that water is completely removed from the system, avoiding damage and costly repairs.
2. The first “automatic lawn sprinkler” was created in 1933 by a man named Clarence MacKay. His invention allowed homeowners to water their lawns without manual effort, improving convenience and efficiency.
3. Did you know that air compressors used for blowing out sprinkler systems come in different sizes? The size of the compressor needed depends on various factors, including the size of the system, its layout, and the water pressure.
4. The most commonly used method to blow out a sprinkler system involves using an air compressor to blow air through the pipes and sprinkler heads. This method is highly effective in removing excess water and preventing damage caused by freezing.
5. When blowing out a sprinkler system with an air compressor, it is crucial to follow a specific sequence to ensure optimal results. Starting with the zone furthest from the compressor and gradually moving towards it ensures that each section is adequately cleared of water.
Turning On Zones And Adding Air Until Water Stops Spraying
One of the crucial steps in blowing out a sprinkler system with an air compressor is to turn on the zones one at a time and add air until the water stops spraying out of the sprinklers. This process helps to remove any remaining water from the system, preventing freezing during the winter months.
To begin, locate the pressure vacuum backflow device on the irrigation system and close off the valves leading to the backflow preventer. This step ensures that the water will not flow back into the system while blowing it out with air.
Next, remove the plug on the blow-out port to expose an air hose adapter. This adapter will enable you to connect the air compressor to the system. It is recommended to use a quick connect hose adapter to ensure a secure and efficient connection.
Once the air compressor is properly connected, it’s time to start the process zone by zone. Begin with the first zone and run it using the system timer. Ensure that the other zones are closed off and only the zone being blown out is active.
As the sprinkler heads pop up and start spraying water, gradually add air from the compressor. Continue this process until the water stops spraying and only air is coming out of the sprinklers. This indicates that the zone has been successfully blown out.
Repeat this process for each zone, ensuring that the air compressor is connected to the blow-out line for each zone. It’s important to note that each zone may have a different water flow rate and, consequently, a different amount of air pressure required to blow out the system effectively.
Attention To The “Lowest” And Longest Zone
When blowing out a sprinkler system, it’s important to pay special attention to the “lowest” and longest zone. This zone typically contains the most water and may take longer to blow out completely.
Due to the higher volume of water in this particular zone, it is essential to allocate enough time for the air compressor to push out all the water. Failing to remove all the water from this zone could lead to freezing and potential damage to the system.
While it may be tempting to rush through this process, it is crucial to remain patient and allow the air compressor sufficient time to remove all the water from each sprinkler head in the lowest and longest zone. This extra time investment ensures the proper winterization of the entire sprinkler system.
Preventing Damage To Rotating Sprinklers
While blowing out a sprinkler system using an air compressor is an effective winterization technique, it’s essential to prevent damage to rotating sprinklers during this process.
Rotating sprinklers should not be run for extended periods without water as it can cause damage to the motor.
To prevent motor damage, it’s advisable to limit the time that rotating sprinklers run without water. This can be achieved by continuously monitoring the system and stopping the process as soon as the water stops spraying from the sprinklers. By doing so, you protect the motor from overheating and potential harm.
Additionally, regularly maintaining and inspecting the rotating sprinklers can help identify any issues before blowing out the system. This ensures that any necessary repairs or replacements are made prior to winterization.
Disconnecting Hoses To Prevent Pipe Cracking
To prevent pipe cracking caused by trapped water, it is essential to disconnect any hoses connected to hose bibbs on your house before blowing out the sprinkler system with an air compressor.
When water freezes inside hoses, it expands, leading to the potential cracking of the hoses and pipes. By disconnecting these hoses before winterizing the system, you eliminate the risk of trapped water causing damage.
By taking this simple precaution, you ensure the longevity and functionality of your sprinkler system, saving you from costly repairs.
Proper Procedure For Running Through All Zones
Running through all the zones in the sprinkler system is a crucial step in the winterization process. To ensure an efficient blowout, it is important to follow a proper procedure.
Start by setting the system timer to open only the targeted zone and close off the others. This step ensures that each zone is blown out separately, allowing for efficient removal of water.
If your sprinkler system has manual drain valves, it is advisable to open them before starting the blowout process. This allows any remaining water to be released, preventing potential damage and freezing.
Connect the air compressor to the blow-out line of the targeted zone and charge up the air tank. This step ensures that you have enough air pressure to effectively blow out the sprinkler heads.
Once the system timer opens the zone, the sprinkler heads will pop up and begin spraying out the remaining water. It’s important to only blow out the zone until it runs dry to avoid overheating and melting of the sprinkler heads.
After blowing out each zone, it is necessary to bleed off any excess air pressure in the lines. Disconnect the air hose from the blow-out port and leave it open for some time to release any remaining air pressure.
Importance Of Draining A Garden Sprinkler System In Late Fall
Draining a garden sprinkler system in late fall is crucial to prevent freezing and damage to the plastic lines. As the temperatures drop during winter, any remaining water in the system can freeze and potentially cause the pipes to burst.
Using an air compressor to blow out sprinklers is one of the best ways to winterize the system and prevent such damage. When properly done, this process completely removes all the water from the system, leaving it dry and ready for the winter months.
While hiring a service company for this task can be expensive, learning to do it yourself with an air compressor can save money. However, it is important to understand the right amount of pressure to put into the sprinkler lines to prevent damage.
Key considerations for blowing out sprinkler systems with an air compressor:
- Carefully choose an air compressor with a volume of at least 5 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Larger systems may require a compressor with a larger CFM rating, such as 10 CFM.
- Use an air compressor with the recommended maximum pressure of 50 PSI for blowing out black polyethylene pipes. Exceeding this pressure can lead to damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong of an air compressor do I need to blow out sprinklers?
The strength of the air compressor you need to blow out sprinklers depends on the specific requirements of your sprinkler system. However, a reliable starting point would be to choose a compressor with a rating of at least 20+ CFM at 50 PSI, capable of maintaining these values for at least 5 minutes during use. Ultimately, the choice between a gas, electric, stationary, or portable compressor is yours to make, based on your preferences and needs.
Is a 3 gallon air compressor enough to blow out sprinklers?
While a 3-gallon air compressor may be suitable for smaller tasks, such as inflating tires or powering small tools, it may not provide sufficient volume or pressure to effectively blow out sprinklers. Winterizing sprinklers requires a compressor with enough capacity to fill the system with pressurized air, and a compressor size of 4-6 gallons is typically recommended for this task. Therefore, it would be advisable to consider a larger compressor to ensure proper and effective winterization of your sprinkler system.
What is the minimum size air compressor for sprinkler blowout?
The minimum size air compressor for sprinkler blowout depends on the size of the sprinkler system. For smaller systems, a reciprocating air compressor with a 10-gallon air receiver tank would generally suffice. However, for larger systems with multiple zones, a 20-, 30-, or even a 50-gallon air tank may be needed to sufficiently blow out the sprinkler lines and prevent any damage from freezing during winter. It is essential to match the size of the air compressor and receiver tank to the specific requirements of the sprinkler system to ensure effective blowout.
Can you use an air compressor as a water pressure?
Using an air compressor as a water pressure is not recommended due to the significant difference in PSI between the two. While most air compressors have a PSI of around 100-120, pressure washers typically require a PSI of 1000-2000. Thus, to use an air compressor as a pressure washer, one would need a high PSI air compressor and the appropriate attachments to achieve the desired pressure. However, it is worth noting that air compressors are not designed for this purpose, and it is recommended to use them for their intended use instead.