Table of Contents
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.
What PSI Do I need to blow out sprinkler lines?
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.
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.
Should you blowout your sprinkler lines?
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.
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 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.
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.
When 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.
What if my sprinkler system doesn’t have a backflow preventer?
The good news is, protecting your home, family and drinking water is actually quite simple. Even if your irrigation system was installed without a backflow device, one can be installed now, to prevent the possibility of contamination.
How do I winterize my lawn 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.
How long does it take to drain 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.
What causes air in sprinkler lines?
In most irrigation systems, the pipelines are full of air when the system is not in use. When your irrigation system shuts down most of the water drains out through the emitters or any auto drain valves you might have installed and is replaced by air. Turbulence and water velocity increase dissolved air.
Why is my sprinkler system so loud?
Improper Water Pressure High water pressure entering your irrigation system may produce loud sounds called water hammer, reveals Irrigation Tutorials. If you have high water pressure, a pressure-reducing valve is a simple addition to the outlet to reverse your noise problems.
Should you leave sprinkler valves open in winter?
Manual valves should be left in the open position throughout winter to prevent repressurization. Some sprinkler heads have both side and bottom pipe inlets. If you use the side inlet, install a drain valve on the bottom inlet to prevent the case from freezing.
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.
What temperature do sprinkler pipes freeze?
You shouldn’t be stressed and worried about your pipes freezing when the temperature isn’t in the danger zone. A sprinkler system will freeze if the temperature falls below 32° F (0° Celsius).
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 do I know if my sprinklers are 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.
