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.
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.
Learning how to properly using an air compressor to blow out sprinklers means understanding how to put out just the right amount of pressure into your sprinkler lines one zone at a time. With enough experience, you will soon understand how to spread out the load needed to blow out just the right size of your sprinkler system using the air compressor that you have on hand.1. To properly blow out your sprinkler system, you may need to have an air compressor that can sustain enough volume to blow air into a section two minutes at a time, or even longer.
Of course, you can have a professional come home every season to expel it but in the long, investing in the best air compressor for sprinkler blowout could make economic sense. Best air compressor for sprinkler blowout- our nominees. Check Latest Price Best air compressor for sprinkler blowout: Buying guide.
To properly blow out a sprinkler system, your air compressor needs to provide at least 20 cubic feet per minute. To obtain proper air volume, you will need to rent or buy a compressor capable of providing 20 to 25 cubic feet per minute of air volume. Air compressor rental runs approximately $30 to $60 per day.
how big of air compressor to blow out sprinklers Related Question:
Is a 20 gallon air compressor big enough 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.
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 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.
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.
Can a 3 gallon compressor 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.
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 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.
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.
How do I protect my sprinklers when 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.
How much does a sprinkler blowout cost?
Cost to Blow Out Sprinkler System Hiring a pro to winterize your system will require about $80 to $85. Plumbers usually prefer to “blow out” the sprinkler because it works for almost all systems. This involves an air compressor to force the water out.
How do I winterize my sprinkler system without a blowout?
Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. 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 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.
Do you really need to blow out sprinklers?
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.
What happens if you forget to blow out sprinklers?
Cracked pipes and fittings If an irrigation system isn’t properly winterized, water will be left in the pipes all winter. When temperatures get below freezing, the water will freeze and expand in the pipes, which could cause cracks in the pipe or on the fittings.
Will a 3 gallon air compressor 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.
