What kind of compressor do I need to blow out sprinklers?

To properly blow out a sprinkler system, your air compressor needs to provide at least 20 cubic feet per minute. Most irrigation professionals recommend using at least 50 cubic feet per minute. Most air compressors will list their cubic feet per minute rating on the side of the tank.

Beside this, what PSI is needed to blow out sprinklers?

Set the compressor air pressure regulator to a maximum of 80 psi for rigid PVC pipe systems, or 50 psi for flexible black polyethylene pipe. Then turn off the water supply and set the system timer to open just one zone. Next, open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone (if equipped).

One may also ask, can a pancake compressor blow out sprinklers? So a pancake or shopvac might be able to push water out of the system, but that doesn't mean it's getting all the water out, or even enough to prevent ice damage if the remaining water collects in a low spot. Fire sprinkler or lawn sprinkler? 10 cfm times 0.5 minute = 5 cfm - it's quite underpowered.

Regarding this, how do you blow out a sprinkler system with an air compressor?

To start the blow out, shut off the irrigation water supply and, with the compressor valve in the closed position, attach the air compressor hose to the fitting. Activate the station on the controller that is the zone or sprinklers highest in elevation and the furthest from the compressor.

How many CFM do I need to winterize my irrigation system?

To obtain proper air volume, you will need to rent or buy a compressor capable of providing 20 to 25 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air volume. Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi) during the blow out procedure. A pressure-regulating valve must be used to avoid over pressurization of the system.

34 Related Question Answers Found

Can I blow out my own sprinkler system?

High pressure and low volume won't get the job done. You want high volume and low pressure to eliminate damage and completely blow out your sprinklers. Additionally, don't mistake air pressure and water pressure. As you can see, blowing out your own sprinkler system isn't as simple as pushing air through it.

How do I blow out my sprinklers without a compressor?

You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.

How do I drain the water from my sprinkler system?

Manual Drain Valve

Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve.
Turn off the water supply by closing the main valve to the sprinkler system.
Open all the manual drain valves for each zone in the system, and leave them open so that all the water drains from the pipes and sprinkler heads.

When should I worry about sprinkler system freezing?

Sprinkler pipes and other components are at risk of freezing and breaking when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Immediate damage can occur to exposed pipes and sprinkler equipment with the first freeze of winter.

Do you need to blow out sprinkler system?

Most lawn sprinkler developers recommend the air blow out system to winterize an irrigation system. Forcing air through the valves, pipes and sprinkler heads completely rids the system of water. If you're a DIY'er, you'll need an air compressor that's able to put out the right air volume and pressure at the same time.

Do all sprinkler systems have a master valve?

A master valve is an automatic valve, typically an electric solenoid type valve, that is installed at the point where the irrigation system connects to the water supply. Most, but not all, irrigation controllers have a master valve circuit built in to them.

What is SCFM vs cfm?

A volumetric flow rate with units of CFM implies that the flow rate was measured at actual conditions (actual pressure, actual temperature). Since the air density of an air flow stated at standard conditions (SCFM) is always the same, it is essentially a mass flow rate!

When should I blow out my sprinklers?

When temperatures start to fall, it's time to consider winterizing your sprinkler system. Your lines must be drained or blown out using an air compressor before the first hard freeze. A hard freeze is when the outdoor air dips below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

How much does it cost to winterize sprinkler system?

Sprinkler System Winterization Average Costs

Hiring a professional to winterize a sprinkler system typically costs $50 to $150 depending on the system size and local rates. Air compressor rental runs approximately $30 to $60 per day. A half-day rental, which should be sufficiently long for the job, is slightly cheaper.

How much is it to rent an air compressor?

For example, you can rent one of these machines for under $200 per day. In contrast, owning an air compressor can cost $5,000 to $50,000 or more with interest fees and insurance costs.

How do you winterize a sprinkler system for a Rainbird?

How Do I "Winterize" My Irrigation System

Insulate your assets: Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system.
Stay in control: If you have an automatic system then you will need to "shut down" the controller (timer).
Drain the pipes:
Protect valves and backflow preventers:

What temperature should you blow out sprinklers?

To avoid any possibility of damage, sprinkler lines need to be drained prior to temperatures dipping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Failing to winterize a sprinkler system before a hard freeze (air temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit) can lead to expensive and time-consuming repair costs.

How big of an air compressor do I need?

For a typical garage air compressor, you need enough capacity and pressure to run all the air tools you will need. That will usually include a tire inflator, which needs just 1 or 2 CFM to put out the 32 PSI needed for most passenger tires. You may also have an impact wrench, for which will need at least 3 CFM to run.

Can air compressors blow up?

Rupture. A common danger of air compressors is the possibility that the compressor vessel will rupture under excessive pressure. Because too much pressure inside the air compressor can make the container rupture and explode, a pressure gauge is included on the air compressor machine.

How do I connect my air compressor to my irrigation system?

Sprinkler systems feature a fitting to allow the connection of an air compressor.

Locate the control panel for the sprinkler system.
Close the airflow valve on the compressor.
Go back to the control panel and manually open the sprinkler zone that is the farthest from the panel or at the highest point on the system.

How do you blow out a Rainbird sprinkler system?

Set the pressure regulating valve on the compressor to 50 psi. (Never exceed this setting!) Manually open the irrigation station you want to blow out BEFORE turning on the compressor. Gradually increase the flow of air from the compressor flow valve (not from the sprinkler control valve) until sprinkler heads pop up.

How do you blow out sprinklers with an air compressor?

To start the blow out, shut off the irrigation water supply and, with the compressor valve in the closed position, attach the air compressor hose to the fitting. Activate the station on the controller that is the zone or sprinklers highest in elevation and the furthest from the compressor.