Top 5 Best Air Compressors For Sprinkler Blowout

Sprinkler systems are important investments that need good care all year, but when winter approaches, you must conduct one of the most critical maintenance tasks on your system – winterize the sprinkler lines.

 

There are three techniques for winterizing a pump system: using manual drain valves, using an auto-drain feature, and the blowout method. The blowout method is often the simplest and most effective method of winterizing a sprinkler pump system. The air compressor is the ideal tool for this task.

 

The article below will explain why, how and when to blow out your sprinkler system, and then cover our top picks for air compressors for the job. We’ve gone over all of the size factors of the air compressor that are most necessary for this work, which is significant since air compressors come in a variety of specifications, capacities, and sizes.

 

 

How Do You Choose The Right Compressor For Blowing Out Your Sprinkler System?

When it comes to choosing the right compressor for winterizing your sprinkler system, there are a few things you need to take into account. First, the type of sprinkler system you have. Second, the amount of water pressure your system can handle. And finally, the size and power of the compressor you choose. For systems that use pressurized water, like lawn sprinklers or landscape irrigation systems, a compressor with a high-pressure rating is required. This will ensure that the pump can push enough of the excess water through the sprinkler pipes to effectively wet all areas of the lawn or garden.

 

In addition, if your system uses low-pressure water (like those used in domestic washing machines), then a lower-pressure compressor may be sufficient. If you have an outdoor irrigation system that uses non-pressurized water (like rain gardens or streamers), then a less powerful compressor may be adequate. This is because these systems rely on gravity to distribute water throughout an area – meaning less pressure is needed to achieve this goal. Finally, when selecting a compressor for your sprinkler system, make sure it meets your specific needs in terms of size and power. Many compressors available on the market today are suitable for use with sprinkler systems, but it’s important to read the specifications of each model carefully before making a purchase. In conclusion, make sure to consult your sprinkler system’s owner’s manual and talk to a qualified technician before winterizing it. By doing so, you’ll ensure a safe and successful winterization process.

 

How Powerful An Air Compressor Do I Need For Sprinkler Blowout?

This depends on your system and the size of it. If you have a large system, you may need a compressor that can handle a lot of pressure, then you should look for a model with a high PSI rating. These compressors are usually designed for use with industrial applications and can produce over 150 PSI. If you have a large sprinkler system, or if you frequently experience blowouts, then a high PSI compressor is likely the best option for you. Smaller, portable compressors can generate between 60 and 90 PSI, which is are perfectly adequate for use with small sprinkler systems. If you aren’t sure whether or not your system requires a high-PSI compressor, consult the owner’s manual or your local technician.

 

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need For Sprinkler Blowouts?

When it comes to size, there is no one right answer. The size of the compressor mostly depends on the size of the sprinkler system. To find the right model for your needs, consult your owner’s manual or talk to an authorized technician. By doing so, you’ll be able to ensure that your compressor is capable of handling the pressure created by your sprinkler system. And if ever there were an emergency and you needed to use your compressor quickly, knowing which model to choose would be much easier. You can get a good idea of the size of compressor needed by doing a little reading and working out though – start with our guide “What Size Air Compressor For Blowing Out Sprinklers?“.

 

There are 4 factors you need to consider when choosing the right size air compressor for sprinkler blowout. They include the pressure within the air tank (PSI), airflow the system is capable of producing in cubic feet per minute (CFM), the Duty Cycle of the compressor and then the hose and power cord length.

 

PSI Requirements for Blowing Out Sprinklers

• The range for recommended compressor PSI when it comes to blowing out sprinklers is from 50 to 80PSI.
• Of course, this figure depends on the type of pipes in your system.
• Just to recap, PSI stands for pound-force per square inch (PSI). It is the measurement for stress or pressure in the air tank. If an air compressor has high PSI or pressure, it means that it can extrude high force.
• It is important to balance the pressure so that it is too little that some water is left in the sprinkler lines or too high that it damages the system.

Air Flow / CFM Requirements for Sprinkler Blowout

• For the blowing out operation to go according to plan, you need to have at least 2.4 cfm from your air compressor (CFM stands for Cubic Foot per Minute)
• Some irrigation professionals who will even recommend as much as 50cfm.
• You will immediately know whether your compressor meets this threshold because the manufacturer will have indicated the rating on the compressor.
• An important point to remember is that the larger the line, the higher the amount of air flow that will be needed to blow out the system.
• A large line typically is about 1 inch in diameter.
• A ½ inch line is categorized as small and will demand less airflow.
• Another thing to remember that anything below 20cfm may not blow out the water completely.
• Every compressor needs some time to fill its air tank, and it may run out before you complete blowing out the sprinklers.
• Experts in this area suggest using a tank of about 10 gallons capacity.
• Probably you have a compressor already but are unsure whether it is safe or adequate for the system. You could test it in 2 ways:
• Run the unit for about two minutes continuously at not less than 20cfm – two minutes is the common time for blowing out a regular sprinkler system.
  • If the pressure remains largely stable, your compressor is good for the job.
  • If the pressure drops, you may need to buy a more powerful compressor or rent one.
• If you have a copy of your sprinkler system layout with the gallons per minute output of each sprinkler head, you may get a better estimate of how much CFM it would take to blow out a zone.
  • Simply divide the total GPM of each zone by 7.5 to obtain the suggested CFM needs per zone if you know the size and GPM of each sprinkler head in your system.

Duty Cycle Requirements for Sprinkler Blowout

• In air compressors, duty cycle shows the time the air compressor spends running compared to time spent resting.
• Quick air compressor recovery times mean you can work with less breaks.
• Assuming that a compressor has a cycle time of 1 hour and a duty cycle of 30%, it means that it runs for 20 minutes, then goes into air compressor recovery time of 40 minutes more or less.
• If you have an air compressor and can’t find the duty cycle anywhere, try just googling the make and model of your compressor.
• Write “duty cycle” after the make and model name and you should find it.
• You will most likely find the duty cycle details listed on websites for all current compressor types.
• Note that the duty cycle ratings are generated under standard conditions of temperature and pressure level.
• Often, higher or lower temperatures lower the duty cycle.

Hose & Cord Length Requirements for Sprinkler Blowout

• It is always important to choose the right power extension cord and air compressor hose to make your quality air compressor even better.
• Since this is an outdoor situation, we would recommend a 16-gauge power cord for the air compressor.
• Most air hoses are either 50 feet or 100 feet long, but there could be other lengths in between because the applications of body shop air compressors vary.
• If you wish to maximize the length, pick the 100-feet option.
• However, remember that there will some level of pressure drop for every increase in length – about 3.35 PSI is lost in 100cfm@90PSI traveling in a 1 inch 100 foot air hose.

How To Use A Compressor For Sprinkler Blowouts

The basic premise is to use the compressed air to force out any remaining water in your sprinkler lines. When the pressure in the system is increased, it can help to close off areas of the system that may have become open due to water flow. This can help to prevent remaining water from freezing in the pipes, water corroding metal components, and large amounts of water from flowing out and potentially causing damage. There are a few things that you’ll need in order to use a compressor for this purpose. First, you’ll need to have an air compressor. Second, you’ll need to know how to operate the compressor. Finally, you’ll need to know how to connect the compressor to the sprinkler system. The usual methods of connecting compressors include using hoses and adapters. Hoses can be inserted into ports on the side of the compressor, while adapters allow compressors from different brands and models to be used together. Whatever method you choose, make sure that it’s compatible with your sprinkler system and that it’s safe for both you and your equipment.

 

Important Tips Before Attempting To Blowout Your Sprinklers Yourself

• Using an air compressor with the recommended PSI and CFM ratings, the steps below outline the general process of blowing out water lines on an irrigation system.
• Always read your owner’s manual for recommendations on proper use and safety before attempting the blowout, and consult an irrigation professional or seek additional help if you’re unsure – incorrect use of air compressors can be dangerous.
• It’s also recommended that a sprinkler system is blown out one zone at a time.

Step 1- Prepare the Irrigation Lines

• The first step is to cut off the water supply to the irrigation lines and verify that no additional water may enter them.
• Ensure that the pressure sensors on an irrigation system are unplugged and protected during this stage so that they are not harmed during the spray.
• Undo the hose bib.
• Close the backflow valves to prevent air from entering. Remember, whatever zone you operate on first, make sure those valves are completely opened to avoid damaging the closing components.

Step 2 – Connect Your Compressor to the Blow Out Port

• A blowout port should be included into the pipe of every system. It is typically best practise to begin the blowout process with the zone furthest away from the compressor connection, controlling the airflow using valves.
• Connect your air hose to the test cocks or any other connection prior to the backflow preventer.
• Always connect to the line after the backflow valves. Running air through the backflow preventer may severely damage it, making it costly to repair.

Step 3 – Blow Out Your Sprinklers

• Check that the valves on the zone you’re blowing out are open. A closed line carrying pressured air might cause the pipe to rupture.
• Start the blow out operation by turning on the compressor.
• Some folks prefer blowing up a zone in chunks rather than one large burst.
• When the water does not seem to be leaving the sprinklers, switch off the air supply to the line, as dry air passing through those pipes may cause friction and general wear and tear.
• Rep this procedure for each zone, repeating zones as needed.

Step 4 – Drain the Backflow Valve

• After the blowout is finished and all lines have been cleaned, the water and pressure in the backflow preventer should be released.
• Allow water to drain by opening the remaining test cocks and ball valves.
• Once everything has been completely emptied, some specialists may leave the valves open at 45 degrees to allow any water that may have entered the pipe over the season to escape so it does not freeze in the line.

 

2. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil-Free and Powerful Air Compressor, 2 HP

(Our #1 for Large Sprinkler Systems)

CHECK PRICE

Specifications

Product Dimensions (inches): ‎16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches

Weight:  82.5 pounds Oiled / Oil-Free:

Capacity: 10 gallons

Power Source: Electric (AC)

HP (Horsepower): 2 HP

Max. PSI (Air Pressure): 90 PSI

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI & 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI

Noise Rating: 70 dB

Package Includes: ‎1 Air Compressor

Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

 

Pros

• Quiet for its size
• High CFM so capable of blowing out the biggest sprinkler systems
• Easy to move due to wheels
• Great build quality

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a manual
• Pricier than some