Although 20-50 CFM is the most common air compressor recommendation for landscapers, some professionals are comfortable with air compressors that produce higher CFM than the standard guidelines and have learned how to use these compressors without damaging the sprinkler system. Most reciprocating air compressors will require an air receiver tank that is at least 10 gallons to accomplish this, but a 20-, 30- or 50-gallon air tank may be required for larger sprinkler systems with multiple zones. Because the air compressor integrates with the vehicle, landscapers with UNDERHOOD air compressors have instant air on demand anywhere their vehicle goes.
If you have sprinklers in your yard for your lawn and live where it freezes, then one job that needs to be done each year before winter is winterizing sprinklers. Then attach your compressor and start filling up your lines with air, you should see or hear water coming out of all of your spigots. Turn on the zones one at a time and add air until the water stops spraying out of the sprinklers.
With as much water naturally drained from the pipes as possible, now is the time to turn on your air compressor and get it ready for the task ahead. The amount of power that you will ultimately need to blow out the sprinkling system may depend on the types of pipes involved. Congratulations – you now know exactly how to blow out a sprinkler system with an air compressor and can complete this process on an annual basis to protect your sprinkler system from damage. Every year as winter approaches, you should have an air compressor on hand to blow out any lingering water from the pipes of your irrigation system.
It features an excellent price point, at around $400. While the specifics of multiple air compressors are discussed below in greater detail, the upshot is that the best air compressor on the market today for the purpose of winterizing your sprinkler system is the Stealth 20 Gallon SAQ-12018. Some air compressors may include this piece with purchase, but they are also readily available at most local hardware stores, along with couplings to secure the sprinkler system air compressor connection. Once you’ve made sure that your air compressor is fully charged, begin to apply air to the sprinkler system very gradually, not exceeding the appropriate PSI for your sprinkler piping.
Portability: If you need your air compressor for blowing out sprinklers every year, choose a portable tool. To ensure a standard blowing out sprinklers air compressor size, go through the three essential variables- Air Volume. To do it perfectly, you must require the best air compressor for blowing out sprinklers.
what air compressor to blow out sprinklers Related Question:
What PSI should I use to blow out 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.
What type of air compressor do I need 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.
Can I use my air compressor to blow out my sprinklers?
When it comes to sprinkler winterizing, one of the most commonly asked questions goes as follows — can I use my air compressor to blow out my sprinklers? If you have an air compressor with a cubic foot per minute rating in the range of 80 cfm to 100 cfm, the answer is yes.
What size air compressor do I need to blow out a sprinkler system?
To properly blow out a sprinkler system, your air compressor needs to provide at least 20 cubic feet per minute. Most irrigation professionals recommend using at least 50 cubic feet per minute.
How many CFM do I need to blow out my 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.
What type of air compressor do I need?
The best formula for calculating the right sized home air compressor is to add up the CFM requirement for all the tools you intend to use as well as identify the peak PSI each one needs. This gives you the upper limit of what tank size in gallons, capacity in CFM and pressure in PSI you require.
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.
Is SCFM the same as CFM?
SCFM and CFM are both essential values that indicate the airflow rate in a compressor. SCFM measures this value based on ‘ideal’ temperature and pressure conditions, while CFM measures the ‘actual’ air flow rate. CFM is the recognized value for measuring the airflow rate in the United States.
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.
Is a 6 gallon air compressor good for air tools?
Tools that require only quick bursts of air, like pneumatic brad nail guns and finish nail guns, drain the air tank much more slowly. For these tasks, 2- to 6-gallon tanks are sufficient.
Is a 3 gallon air compressor enough to blow out sprinklers?
Most experts recommend nothing smaller than a 50 cubic feet per minute compressor for a home sprinkler system. Professionals often use a large gas or diesel powered compressor that can discharge over 125 cubic feet per minute of air and can blow out a pipe as large as 3″ diameter.
What size air compressor do I need to winterize my RV?
Volume – not pressure – is what you need. A 20 gallon air compressor is probably more than you’ll need to simply winterize an RV. If you’ve got one that large, it will work fine, but others use much smaller compressors.
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 is a good size air compressor for home use?
For best results, use a compressor with a capacity of 5-6 CFM. Because you’ll be spraying nearly constantly, a larger, 10-gallon tank will keep you from waiting for the compressor to refill every few minutes.
