Table of Contents
Can I blow out my own sprinkler system?
Blow Out the System Remove the plug and screw in a brass quick-connect blow-out plug. 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. Divide the total GPM of each zone by 7.5 to find the proper CFM of air pressure for the compressor.
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.
What PSI Do I need to blow out my sprinklers?
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 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.
What happens if you dont blow out sprinklers?
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do I really need a backflow preventer?
Understand that it is always recommended to install a backflow preventer in any situation where incoming water and waste water have a chance of being cross-connected. This serves to protect you and your home, keeping your drinking, bathing, and cleaning water safe.
Where does a backflow preventer go?
Where is the Backflow Preventer Located? You should have your backflow prevention assembly installed inside an above-ground enclosure. It’s the safest and most cost-effective place to put it.
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).
How do I keep my sprinklers from freezing?
The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Make sure it is wrapped with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag) to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing.
