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.
How long does it take to blow out sprinkler system?
The blowout process is a pretty quick process, typically only taking about 15 – 20 minutes, depending on the number of zones. General steps are as follows: First shut off the water supply to your irrigation system using the master shut off valve. The contractor will remove the backflow valve.
When should you blow out sprinkler lines?
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 winterize my sprinkler system without a blowout?
Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. 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.
Can you blow out your own sprinklers?
Connect the compressor’s air hose to the blow-out plug. By the way, it doesn’t take much air pressure to blow out a sprinkler system. In fact, too much pressure can damage the system. A 10 cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM) air compressor should suffice, and if you don’t have one, you can rent one.
Will a 6 gallon air compressor blow out sprinklers?
We have used a variety of compressor sizes to winterize our sprinklers over the years. You need a compressor that has either enough volume or large enough motor to fill your system with pressurized air. A compressor size of 4-6 gallons should be enough.
Can I blow out sprinklers through backflow preventer?
Do not blow the system out through a backflow or pump. First blow out the system, then drain the backflow or pump. Do not leave the manual drain valves open after the blow out.
Can you blow out sprinklers with small air compressor?
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.
How do I winterize my sprinkler system?
Steps for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
Step 1: Shut Off the Water. It will come as no surprise that the first step is turning off the water to the system with a main valve that’s usually found near your water meter. Step 2: Turn Off the Timer. Step 3: Drain the Water. Step 4: Insulate Above-Ground Components.
Why do sprinkler heads not pop up?
— A broken sprinkler head is one of the most common reasons that your pop-up sprinkler heads do not work properly, even when the water is turned on at a full blast. Broken sprinkler heads are easy to identify. Simply look for cracked casings, broken plastic pieces, or heads that refuse to pop-up out of the ground.
How much psi do you need to blowout a sprinkler system?
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. Air volume should be high and air pressure low.
How much does it cost to winterize sprinkler system?
The cost to winterize or activate a sprinkler system ranges from $53 and $117, or $84 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.
When should you winterize your sprinkler system?
As a general rule, you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected. Your grass will survive without regular watering during that time, as the plants are already preparing for the dry winter season.
