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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.
How big of an air compressor do I need to blow out sprinklers?
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 many psi should you use to blow out 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.
When should you blow out 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.
Can I blow out my sprinklers myself?
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.
Can you blow out sprinklers with 6 gallon air compressor?
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. It is a bit on the heavier side though, for a portable compressor.
What happens if you don’t blow out your sprinklers?
The Danger of Not Winterizing Your Sprinkler System If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. When water freezes, it expands causing the parts of your system to burst and destroying your sprinkler system.
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.
Do you blow out sprinklers in the spring?
Irrigation systems are different than the pipes that run through your home. They are exposed to cold weather that causes water to freeze in the pipes. Blowing out sprinklers protects them and gets them ready for use the following spring so you know they’re ready to go when it’s time to start irrigating once again.
At what temperature should I turn off sprinklers?
While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.
How do I prepare for sprinkler blowout?
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.
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 know if my sprinkler system is self draining?
Depending on the type of drain valve your system utilizes, draining could be truly automatic, or it could be manual, requiring that you pull a few levers to get things moving. One way to tell if your system is manual-draining is if your sprinkler heads have check valves on them.
How much does it cost to have sprinklers blown out?
Typical costs: Hiring a landscaping or sprinkler company to winterize/blow out a sprinkler system can cost $30-$160 or more, and typically costs about $55-$85 for an average home, depending on the number of irrigation zones in the system, the local cost of living and the month the work is done.
What happens if sprinkler pipes freeze?
As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on all these elements of your irrigation system. Elements of the system can burst, break, malfunction, and leak, leading to problems such as dangerous ice pooling on walkways and driveway, and puddling around your home, which can damage your house’s foundation.
Do sprinklers need to be winterized?
Even if you have drained some water out of the system, the remaining water can freeze, expand and crack the PVC piping (rigid, white pipe), usually from fitting to fitting. To minimize the risk of freeze damage to your irrigation system, you’ll need to “winterize” your irrigation system.
When should I turn my sprinklers back on?
The right answer is “whenever it stops getting freezing at night.” Your irrigation system won’t know when your lawn is ready to be watered. It’ll turn on whenever you (or whoever you hired) turns it back on.
What temperature is too cold to water grass?
When the temperature is below 40℉ (4℃), it is too cold to water grass. Grasses enter dormancy as temperatures dip closer to freezing, requiring much less water.
