It is crucial to eliminate the excess water out of sprinkler lines during winter , as frozen water may expand and freeze inside irrigation valves pipes, sprinkler heads and pipes, causing bursts on pipes made of plastic underground.
Therefore, it is very crucial to blow out the water lines. A compressor is the best way to prepare your sprinkler system for winter.
In order to winterize your irrigation system, lawn sprinkler experts suggest using the air blowout systemthat is a system that blows air through valves pipes and sprinkler heads to eliminate all water completely.
For this, you will need an air compressor that can offer the required pressure, and cfm, or if you don't have an air compressor, you can rent a larger compressor or employ a professional to handle it for you.
Which Air Compressor Size is Best for Blow Out?
In order to blow air out of an irrigation system correctly an air compressor needs to be able to supply at least 20 cubic feet per minute. If the diameter of water lines exceeds an inch, irrigation professionals advise 50 CFM at 50 PSI to ensure optimal performance.
The CFM (volume) required to complete the job will increase the bigger the pipe. However, if you have only a tiny sprinkler system then a small 10 - or 20-gallon air compressor should be enough, and you should blow out your sprinkler system one zone at one time.
The air compressor's cubic foot per minute (CFM) rating can be found on the outside of the tank.
It is essential to ensure that your system is able to hold enough air to stop any remaining water from freezing, causing harm. By using valves that regulate pressure, you can prevent overpressurizing your system and restrict the pressure to 50 pounds for each square inch (PSI).
What is the minimum PSI needed to blow water lines?
If you're making use of a rigid PVC pipe then set the compressor air pressure regulator to 80 psi. Set the compressor air pressure regulator at 50 psi when you're using flexible polyethylene pipes.
The pressure rating recommended for blowouts is 50 PSI to ensure safety as well as efficiency and it is not recommended to push your pressure rating higher than 80 PSI in your lines, because the damage will more than likely happen.
What is the tank capacity of the sprinkler system?
As I mentioned earlier, if you have only a small sprinkler system the 10-gallon size air compressor should be enough if you are doing zone by zone but to handle larger systems most experts suggest an air compressor with tanks that range from 20 to 60 gallon.
This is due to the fact that the compressor requires constant airflow to blow out the sprinkler lines. The tank has to be refilled once it is almost empty. Smaller tanks can require longer filling which can mean more time, and consumes too much of your time.
The compressor motor won't perform overtime in the event that the tank is larger.
Irrigation System Compressor, Gas or Electric-powered
Both compressors are able to blow out water lines. There is no need to fret about anything. If you would rather have an electrically powered compressor then go for it if not then then choose a gas compressor.
The risk with using an air compressor that is electrical in sprinkler systems is that your extension cord may get more wet, which can be hazardous.
The gas-powered compressor on the other side doesn't require an extension cord, which means it is not exposing you to electro-shock. They can also work in any area of your backyard. This makes them perfect to winterize sprinkler systems that aren't connected to electrical outlets.
What is the cost for winterizing sprinkler systems?
Based on the dimensions and local rates of the sprinkler system the price of winterizing a sprinkler system may be anywhere from $50-$200.
Contact your friends and neighbors to determine the cost average in your area. If you don't possess an air compressor that could manage a proper sprinkler blowout then you can lease one or get an expert to handle it.
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