Table of Contents
What PSI Do I need to blow out 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.
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. A good rule of thumb is that the air compressor needs to be able to sustain the recommended PSI and CFM requirements (read below) for at least 2 minutes per zone on a sprinkler system to be effective.
How do you blow out a sprinkler system 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 you bleed irrigation lines?
Bleed your sprinkler system to avoid any potential problems. Bleeding, or “winterizing” your home’s sprinkler system is one way to protect your sprinkler system from freezing during winter. An easy way to do this is by draining the pipes and then blowing it out to dry with an air compressor.
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.
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.
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.
Is a 6 gallon air compressor enough to blow out sprinklers?
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.
Do sprinklers need to be blown out?
You only want to blow out your sprinkler with the right amount of air volume. If you don’t use enough air volume after flushing some of the water out of the system, the air will rise to the top of the water. And if water flows down, it’ll freeze and put your system in danger of damage.
How do you blow out a sprinkler system without a backflow preventer?
If you’re not using potable water for irrigation, your system may not include a backflow device, but if it does, turn it off via two valve shut-off handles on the separate pipes feeding into the device.
How much does sprinkler blowout cost?
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.
How cold is too cold for 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.
Why wont my sprinklers blow out?
Most likely, the air inlet valve is not sealing properly. When pressurized from the side marked “normal flow” (which is where your tap is), it should open the check valve, and also force the air inlet valve shut.
How many sprinkler heads can be on one zone?
At different pressures, the sprinkler head and nozzle will consume different amounts of water. For example, at 35 pounds per square inch (PSI) the 5000 Series Rotor using the 3.0 nozzle will use 3.11 gallons per minute (GPM). If your home’s water capacity was 10 GPM, you could place 3 heads per zone.
How do you winterize an irrigation 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.
How much is winterization cost?
Average Cost to Winterize a House Average Cost $200 – $250 High Cost $700 – $1,000 Low Cost $65.
At what temp should I not water grass?
Any temperature below 40℉ is too cold to use sprinklers to water your lawn. Although air temperatures are still above freezing, water droplets clinging to grass blades will be exposed to wind chill or colder nighttime temperatures, which may freeze them solid. This can result in brittle, frozen grass.
