Plumbing Question...............(starch)

John Starcher_4

...how large an air compressor is needed to "winterize" a lawn irrigation system?

We do several hundred home winterizations each year (lots of summer homes here!) where we blow out the water lines, antifreeze the drains and traps, etc. I use a standard air compressor, and have no problems.

I'm getting quite a few calls to blow out irrigation systems, but have no idea how many cfm would be needed to be produced by the air compressor to safely and effectively do this.

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions!!!

Thanks,

Starch

Mike T., Swampeast MO

"It is recommended that a qualified licensed contractor perform this type of "Winterization" method, The blow out method utilizes an air compressor with a Cubic Foot per Minute (CFM) rating of 80-100 for any mainline of 2" or less. These types of compressors can be rented at your local equipment rental yard. The compressor is attached to the mainline via a quick coupler, hose bib or other type connection, which is located after the backflow device. Compressed air should not be blown through any backflow device. To start the "blow out", shut off the irrigation water supply and, with the compressor valve in the closed position, attach the air compressor hose to the fitting. Activate the station on the controller that is the zone or sprinklers highest in elevation and the furthest from the compressor. Close the backflow isolation valves. Then slowly open the valve on the compressor; this should gradually introduce air into the irrigation system. The air pressure should be constant at 50 PSI. If the sprinkler heads do not pop up and seal, increase the air pressure until the heads do pop up and seal. The air pressure should NEVER exceed 80 PSI."

Here's a link to the entire article:

Winterizing Your Irrigation System

John Starcher_4

Thanks, Mike!!!!! (nm)

David_13

vacumme

could you pull it down into a vaccume?

Larry Weingarten

I remember...

there is a valve meant to be installed at low points in the irrigation system. It is similar to a vacuum breaker in that is is closed against pressure and opens at very low pressure. What is does is open when the water is off and drain out the piping into the ground. Sorry I don't have any more detail, but the folks at an irrigation supply will likely know. There's lots more dusty bits of usually useless trivia where that came from! ;~)