How to Properly Blow Out Underground Sprinklers

Blowing out underground sprinklers is a crucial step in winterizing your irrigation system to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

It's essential to blow out the sprinklers before the first frost to avoid costly repairs.

A typical residential system can take around 30 minutes to an hour to blow out, depending on the size of the system and the air compressor used.

Make sure to check your system's manual for specific instructions on how to blow out the sprinklers, as different systems may have varying requirements.

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Before you start blowing out your underground sprinklers, it's essential to prepare for the process. Winterizing your irrigation system involves blowing out the entire system to remove excess water, so make sure you're ready to do this thoroughly.

You'll need to clear each line of your sprinkler system, which means turning off the water supply to that line. After clearing each line, close the tap on that line to prevent any remaining water from causing damage.

Don't overlook the importance of blowing out your sprinklers before winter, as a lack of adequate care can cause your sprinkler system to fail the following season, resulting in wasted time and expense.

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Shutting off the main water supply is a crucial step in preparing your sprinkler system for winter. This ensures that no additional water flows into the piping, preventing potential issues.

You'll need to locate the main water supply and turn it off. This is usually the first step in the winterization process.

Once you've turned off the water supply, you'll also need to open the hose bib on the main water supply that's connected to the irrigation system to let the remaining water drain out. This helps to remove excess water from the pipes.

After draining the water, you'll be ready to move on to the next step in the winterization process.

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Removing a System is a crucial part of preparation, especially for irrigation systems. It's essential to blow out the sprinkler system to ensure it's empty of any possible water and debris.

Even small amounts of moisture can harm the inside of the equipment while it sits idle during the long winter season. This can lead to wasted time and expense when the system fails.

To blow out the irrigation system, you'll need to connect the compressor to the downstream blowout fitting. Ensure the isolation ball cock on the downstream side of the backflow device is closed.

Remember to turn it back to the half-open, half-closed position after blowing out the irrigation system. Start one or more of the zones/stations at the irrigation controller, and turn on the compressor to the proper pressure.

If the backflow device doesn't have a blowout fitting on the downstream side, one will need to be added before the irrigation system can be blown out.

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To blow out underground sprinklers effectively, you'll need the right equipment and tools.

An air compressor is a must-have for this job, as it provides the necessary airflow to blow out the sprinklers. I've found that a powerful air compressor can make a big difference in getting the job done quickly.

You'll also need an air compressor hose to connect to the compressor and reach the sprinklers. Make sure it's long enough to cover the distance.

Safety goggles and gloves are essential for protecting yourself from flying debris and compressed air. Trust me, it's better to be safe than sorry!

Here's a rundown of the tools and materials you'll need:

To blow out the system, you'll need a few essential tools, including a bucket, channel lock pliers, an air compressor, and an air compressor water blow out adapter. This will help you effectively clear the water from your underground sprinklers.

You should aim to blow out each zone for no more than two minutes at a time to prevent overheating sprinkler heads. This is especially important for those with plastic gears, which can melt or become damaged if exposed to excessive heat.

To ensure all water is removed from the system, use a high-pressure air compressor to force water out of every sprinkler zone. Focus on areas with uneven terrain and low spots where water might collect, and repeat the blowout process at least two times per zone.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Blowing out the system requires the right tools and a bit of know-how. You'll need an air compressor, an air compressor water blow out adapter, a bucket, and channel lock pliers.

To blow out the system, you can use either the blow out method or the automatic drain method. The blow out method involves using an air compressor to force water out of the pipes, while the automatic drain method uses a valve to automatically drain the water when the pressure drops below a certain number of pounds per square inch.

If you choose to use the blow out method, it's a good idea to keep the pressure below 50 PSI to avoid damaging the irrigation lines. However, you may be able to use as much as 80 PSI for thick PVC piping.

Here are the tools you'll need for the blow out method:

To use the automatic drain method, you'll need to shut down and drain the water line, run one sprinkler head to relieve pressure, wait for automatic draining to finish, and close all the valves.

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The Automatic Drain Method is a convenient way to winterize your sprinkler system. This method is especially helpful if you have an auto drain system installed by your sprinkler system manufacturer.

You'll need to start by shutting down and draining the water line. This involves turning off the isolation valve to the sprinkler system and opening the hose bib to let the remaining water drain out.

To reduce internal pressure, run one sprinkler head. This will allow the open sprinkler head to relieve the pressure throughout the water lines.

Automatic draining should begin once the pressure drops below the specific number of pounds per square inch as indicated by the manufacturer. If your sprinkler heads are equipped with check valves, you may need to raise them above ground to drain them individually.

The automatic drain valves will open, clearing the pipes of excess water. Give the system a few hours to empty the remaining water.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Opening and closing backflow valves is a crucial step in the blowout process. You need to release any remaining pressurized air from the system by opening and closing the backflow and airflow valves.

This step ensures that the air pressure is directed into the pipes, making the blowout more effective. Don't forget to close all backflow preventer valves before blowing out the sprinkler system.

If you leave the backflow preventer valves open, you'll lose air pressure and the blowout will be less effective. Closing them first will help you get the best results.

Here's a quick checklist to keep in mind:

High pressure air is essential for removing all water from the sprinkler system. It forces any remaining water to move through each line and exit through the sprinkler head.

A high-pressure air blowout can reach every nook and cranny of the sprinkler system, leaving very little room for water to remain.

According to Example 11, high-pressure air ensures all water is removed from the system, significantly reducing the chances of winter-related damage.

Using a high-pressure air compressor to force water out of every sprinkler zone is crucial, especially in low-lying areas where water tends to collect, as mentioned in Example 5.

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You should aim to blow out each zone for about two minutes, or until the spray of water coming out of the irrigation line turns to air, as suggested in Example 3.

To ensure all water is removed, you should repeat the blowout process at least two times per zone, focusing on areas with uneven terrain and low spots where water might collect, as mentioned in Example 5.

The pressure you use should be kept below 50 PSI to avoid damaging the irrigation lines, although 80 PSI may be used for thick PVC piping, as noted in Example 3.

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Overheating Heads can be a real problem when blowing out the sprinkler system. Blowing out the system for too long can overheat sprinkler heads, especially those with plastic gears.

It's essential to limit the blowout time to prevent damage. Blow out each zone for no more than two minutes at a time.

Once the water stops coming out, move on to the next zone. This will prevent overheating and potential damage to sprinkler heads.

Allowing sprinkler heads to cool between blowouts is crucial. This will prevent overheating and ensure a safe blowout process.

If necessary, repeat the process for each zone to ensure a thorough blowout.

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To avoid damage, it's essential to shut off the water flow and drain the pipes to keep them empty in winter. This will prevent cracked lines and leaks.

Shut off the water flow by locating the main shut-off valve and turning it clockwise.

Start by blowing out each zone individually to ensure a proper blowout.

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To avoid damage, it is essential to shut off the water flow and drain the pipes to keep them empty in winter. This guide offers clear steps on blowing out your system to prevent cracked lines and leaks.

Shut off the water flow to your irrigation system by locating the main shut-off valve and turning it clockwise. This will prevent any further water from entering the system.

To blow out each zone individually, start with the zones at the highest elevations of the yard and furthest away from the main water line. This will help prevent any water from flowing back into the system.

It's recommended to blow out each zone twice to make sure all the water is purged from the system. This involves two short cycles per station/zone, rather than one long cycle.

Leave all the valves on your backflow preventer half open after purging the system of all water. This will help keep the backflow preventer from freezing and splitting during the winter.

The irrigation controller should remain powered during the winter, and should not be unplugged. Heat from the transformer can help reduce moisture and protect components in the controller from corrosion.

Here's a quick checklist to ensure you're properly winterizing your irrigation system:

High air pressure blowouts can be incredibly effective at removing water from your sprinkler system, but using too much pressure can cause significant damage.

Excessive air pressure can lead to cracks or bursts in PVC and polyethylene pipes, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair.

To avoid this, it's essential to keep the air pressure between 40 to 80 PSI for PVC pipes and below 50 PSI for polyethylene pipes.

Adjusting the air compressor to this range will ensure effective water removal without damaging the pipes.

Here are the recommended air pressure ranges for different types of pipes:

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your sprinkler system is properly blown out and protected from winter-related damage.

Winterizing your irrigation system is a crucial step to take before the winter season. It involves blowing out the entire system to remove excess water.

You'll need to use the blow out method, which entails blowing in air at high pressure into the pipes to force all the water out of the irrigation system. This method is the best for winterizing your system because it ensures that there's no water remaining in the piping.

Leaving even the smallest amount of water poses the risk of cracking or rupturing the irrigation system when the water freezes and expands. This is why it's essential to use the blow out method.

To blow out the irrigation system, connect the compressor to the downstream blowout fitting. Ensure the isolation ball cock on the downstream side of the backflow device is closed.

After blowing out the system, turn the isolation ball cock back to the half-open, half-closed position. If the backflow device doesn't have a blowout fitting on the downstream side, you'll need to add one before blowing out the system.

Remember to insulate all the above-ground fixtures of your irrigation system to prevent them from freezing.

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Failing to completely drain the system can lead to damage, so make sure to use a high-pressure air compressor to force water out of every sprinkler zone. Focus on areas with uneven terrain and low spots where water might collect.

If you don't repeat the blowout process at least two times per zone, you might not remove all the water, which can cause pipes to crack during winter. This is especially common in low-lying areas where water tends to collect.

To ensure a successful blowout, use the following steps:

Troubleshooting is a crucial step in ensuring your sprinkler system is properly winterized. If you fail to drain the system, any residual water left in the pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to crack during winter.

In low-lying areas, water tends to collect, making it a common problem. To avoid this, use a high-pressure air compressor to force water out of every sprinkler zone, focusing on areas with uneven terrain and low spots. Repeat the blowout process at least two times per zone to ensure that all water is removed.

Forgetting to open sprinkler zones can also cause issues. This can trap water in the pipes, leading to potential freeze damage. Always open each zone before applying compressed air, starting with the zone farthest from the main line or at the highest elevation.

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Water left in your irrigation pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to crack or burst during winter. This can lead to expensive repairs and a non-functional sprinkler system. To avoid this, make sure to blow out the sprinkler system, clearing the entire sprinkling system of any signs of water.

Not closing backflow valves can lead to loss of air pressure, making the blowout less effective. This can cause the air pressure to escape instead of being directed into the pipes.

Before blowing out the sprinkler system, close all backflow preventer valves. This will help to direct the air pressure into the pipes rather than allowing it to escape.

If you fail to close the backflow valves, the air pressure will escape, reducing the effectiveness of the blowout process. This can result in a less thorough cleaning of the system.

To avoid this issue, make sure to close all backflow preventer valves before blowing out the sprinkler system.