How to Blow Out a Sprinkler System
- Turn the water off. ...
- Manually drain the water from the system. ...
- Rent or purchase an air compressor from your local equipment-rental yard. ...
- Attach the compressor to the hose bib, after checking that the compressor is off. ...
- Turn on the compressor and empty the hoses, starting with the furthest zone from you and working your way to the nearest. ...
What size compressor do I need for blowing out sprinklers?
What size compressor for blowing out sprinklers?
- Air volume: Air volume is the amount of space occupied by the air. ...
- Air pressure: It is asked to avoid over-pressurizing during the whole procedure. ...
- Flow rate: The flow rate of the air compressor is its ability to perform continuously for a specific time. ...
- Power options: An air compressor can run on either gasoline or electricity. ...
Can I Blow Out my Own sprinkler system?
While Trevor recommends hiring a professional to blow out your sprinklers, you can also do the job yourself, if you prefer. Jeremy gives the following step-by-step template: 'Go to your main water...
When to blow out sprinklers?
These steps are as follows:
- Firstly, you must turn off the supply of water. This is done by turning off the supply from the source. ...
- One the supply has been stopped, it is now important to drain the water that is still remaining in the pipe. ...
- Thirdly, you must connect the air compressor to the blow-out port and turn it on. ...
How do you blow out a sprinkler system?
How to Blow Out a Sprinkler System
- Turn the water off. ...
- Manually drain the water from the system. ...
- Rent or purchase an air compressor from your local equipment-rental yard. ...
- Attach the compressor to the hose bib, after checking that the compressor is off. ...
- Turn on the compressor and empty the hoses, starting with the furthest zone from you and working your way to the nearest. ...
Should I blowout my sprinklers?
A good rule of thumb is to have your sprinkler system winterized in early fall, but we recommend keeping an eye on the weather, and ensure that your watering system is drained and blown out at least one week prior to the seasons first freeze.
How do I add a blowout to my sprinkler system?
3:456:28How to Add a SAFE Isolated Sprinkler Blow Out Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put the glue in and then you stick it on to the pipe that you just cut right there. You put thatMoreAnd put the glue in and then you stick it on to the pipe that you just cut right there. You put that on and then it sticks almost immediately. So you want to make sure you place it properly.
Can I winterize my own sprinkler system?
Luckily, you can avoid frozen and burst irrigation pipes. To keep your investment functional, make it an annual habit to winterize your irrigation system. Simply drain the system and shut it down when you're done watering for the year.
How much does it cost to blowout sprinklers?
The cost to winterize or activate a sprinkler system ranges from $53 and $121, or $87 on average. Maintenance during the irrigation season averages about $115, on top of these expenses.To keep your sprinkler system working properly, it must receive regular maintenance from a professional plumber.
What size of air compressor do I need to blowout a sprinkler?
The minimum volume an air compressor must be able to provide to properly blowout an irrigation system is 20 cubic feet per meter (CFM). Still, many professionals recommend up to 50 CFM at under 50 PSI for optimal performance, assuming the water lines are less than an inch in diameter.
How do I winterize my sprinkler system self draining?
1:412:47How To Winterize Your Sprinkler System (Automatic Drain System)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you're looking for is a valve box typically a larger diameter take the lid. Off look down inMoreWhat you're looking for is a valve box typically a larger diameter take the lid. Off look down in there and there'll be a manual drain and what you'll do is open that up. Water will come out.
What happens if you don't winterize sprinklers?
If an irrigation system isn't properly winterized, water will be left in the pipes all winter. When temperatures get below freezing, the water will freeze and expand in the pipes, which could cause cracks in the pipe or on the fittings.
How do you manually drain a sprinkler system?
0:232:31How To Quick Drain Your Sprinkler System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo around leave those at 45 degrees. We're going to take these two handles. Turn these two 45. AndMoreGo around leave those at 45 degrees. We're going to take these two handles. Turn these two 45. And then we're going to find this drain at the very bottom of your pipe.
Will my sprinklers freeze at 20 degrees?
While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures at and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.
How much psi do you need to blowout a sprinkler system?
50 pounds per square inchTo 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.
What 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.
How do I winterize my sprinklers without an air 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 to start blowout process?
It is generally best practice to start the blowout process with the zone furthest away from the compressor hookup, using valves to control the airflow. Do not connect your air hose to the test cocks or any connection before the backflow preventer. Always make connections after the backflow valves in the line.
How to blow out a zone?
Make sure the valves are open on the zone you are blowing out. A closed line with pressurized air running through it can burst the pipe. Turn on the compressor and begin the blow out process. Some people prefer blowing out a zone in multiple segments instead of one long blowout.
When is the best time to winterize irrigation systems?
If you wait too long, you risk early freezes causing damage to your system. For example, if you live in the northern United States, generally early October is the best time to winterize your irrigation system and blow out the water lines.
Is it safe to blow out a sprinkler system?
Blowing out a sprinkler system can be dangerous, and all necessary safety precautions must be taken, including: Eye protection should be worn at all times. Never allow yourself or anyone else to stand above the pipes, sprinklers, or any valves. Ensure you have the proper equipment necessary to do the job correctly.
Is it bad to not winterize a water pump?
The Dangers of Not Winterizing a Water Pump. If any water pump or piping sits above the frost line, all the water in the line is susceptible to freezing, thawing, and potentially cracking the pump, casing, or piping, which is a costly thing to repair, especially with a lawn irrigation system. To minimize the risk of damage, a water pump system must ...
Can an air compressor blow out an irrigation system?
Portable, household air compressors will not have nearly enough power to blow out an irrigation system. Never try to fill up a compressor tank fully then release it all at once to make up for lack of air volume. The trick is to have lower pressure (PSI) and higher air volume (CFM) to evenly and safely eject water and vapor from the water lines.
Can you blow air into a closed line?
Air pressure (PSI) and volume (CFM) must be controlled at all times. Never blow air into a closed line or valve. Never overdo a blowout - the heat and friction can damage the lines if the air pressure doesn't crack them first. Portable, household air compressors will not have nearly enough power to blow out an irrigation system.
Need to blow out your sprinkler system to get ready for winter? Do it yourself! Follow along with this easy step-by-step tutorial for beginners to learn how to winterize sprinklers with an air compressor
As winter approaches, we get our yards ready by trimming back branches, clearing out flower beds, and preparing our lawn for colder weather. Winterizing your sprinkler system is another important step in preparing for winter and must be done correctly to be effective.
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If your area dips into freezing or almost freezing temperatures, a sprinkler blowout is absolutely necessary.
Sprinkler Blowout: Video Tutorial
We summed up the entire process of winterizing your sprinkler system in a YouTube video, which you can watch below!
