Winterizing your sprinkler system is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures. Blowing out your sprinkler system, also known as air compression, is the most effective method to remove water and protect your valuable irrigation investment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Why Blow Out Your Sprinkler System?
Freezing water expands, putting immense pressure on your sprinkler pipes and heads. This pressure can cause cracks, bursts, and other damage that can lead to expensive repairs in the spring. Blowing out your sprinkler system removes the water, replacing it with compressed air, thus preventing freeze damage. This preventative measure saves you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Benefits of Air Compression:
- Prevents pipe damage: Eliminates water that could freeze and expand.
- Saves money: Avoids costly repairs and replacements.
- Extends system lifespan: Proper winterization keeps your system running smoothly for years.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your system is protected from winter's harsh conditions.
Tools and Equipment You'll Need:
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Air compressor: Choose a compressor with enough CFM (cubic feet per minute) to effectively blow out your system's largest pipe. A compressor with at least 5 CFM is generally recommended.
- Air compressor hose: A durable, heavy-duty hose rated for the pressure of your compressor.
- Blow-out fitting: This specialized fitting connects your air compressor to your sprinkler system. Ensure it's compatible with your system's backflow preventer.
- Backflow preventer: This device prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply. You'll need to know how to access and disconnect it (if necessary) for the blow-out process.
- Wrench: Appropriate size for disconnecting and reconnecting your system's components.
- Water meter key: To turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
- Gloves and safety glasses: Protect yourself during the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Blowing Out Your Sprinkler System:
1. Turn Off the Water: Locate your water meter and turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system completely.
2. Locate and Access Your Backflow Preventer: This is a crucial step. Consult your irrigation system's manual if needed, or refer to the backflow preventer itself for directions. Sometimes the backflow preventer needs to be disconnected from the system to properly blow it out.
3. Connect the Blow-Out Fitting: Attach the blow-out fitting to the outlet pipe at the end of your sprinkler system, typically found near your main water valve or backflow preventer.
4. Connect the Air Compressor: Attach the other end of the blow-out fitting to your air compressor's hose.
5. Turn on the Air Compressor: Gradually increase the air pressure. Never exceed the recommended pressure for your system or compressor. Monitor the process carefully and listen for any unusual sounds.
6. Monitor for Air Flow: As the air pushes out the water, you should see water coming out of all sprinkler heads. If one sprinkler doesn’t blow out, you may need to manually clear obstructions in that line.
7. Turn off the Air Compressor Once the Air Blows Clearly: Once the air blows clear, turn off the air compressor and disconnect the hose.
8. Reconnect Your System (if applicable): Reconnect any components you had to disconnect to perform the blow-out procedure.
9. Turn the Water Supply Back On: Carefully turn the water supply back on and check your sprinkler system for any leaks or other issues.
Troubleshooting and Additional Tips:
- System Not Blowing Out Completely: You may have a clogged pipe or a leak somewhere in your system. Check all lines for clogs or obstructions.
- Low Air Pressure: Ensure your air compressor has enough power and that the hose is not kinked or damaged.
- Backflow Preventer Issues: Some backflow preventers require specific procedures for winterization. Consult your local professional if you have any doubts.
Professional Help: If you're not comfortable completing this task yourself, it's best to contact a professional irrigation company. They have the experience and specialized equipment to ensure your system is properly winterized.
By carefully following these steps, you'll effectively blow out your sprinkler system and protect it from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures. Remember, preventing damage is far cheaper and easier than repairing it in the spring!
