What psi should a sprinkler compressor be set at?
If your sprinkler lines are made of rigid PVC set the air compressor to a maximum of 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). If your irrigation system is made of flexible black tubing, set the air compressor to a maximum of 50 PSI .
How long does it take to winterize a sprinkler system?
A professional can winterize an eight-zone system in about half an hour. The average homeowner can expect to take three hours or more on the same sprinkler system. It really depends on the size of the air compressor you use. A properly sized air compressor running air through each sprinkler zone for two minutes should do the trick.
How much pressure does it take to blow out a sprinkler?
The compressors we use at All Terrain do not use a ton of pressure (think 55-65 psi to blow out a sprinkler), but they DO have a rating of 185 CFM which mimics water; after all, it’s not the pressure that’s the issue, it’s the volume.
Can I use an air compressor to clean my sprinkler system?
With a basic quick-connect coupling, you can use your air compressor to clear water from your sprinkler system for the winter. But, there are many different ways to connect to your system. Just be aware that even the largest home compressor isn't powerful enough to blow out the entire system at once.
What size air compressor do I need to winterize sprinkler system?
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.
What is a good psi for a sprinkler system?
about 40 to 60 psiYou have probably checked the air pressure in a tire and noticed that the gauge has units of psi, pounds per square inch. Residential water pressure is ideally about 40 to 60 psi, however, this can vary significantly based on location.
Is 60 psi good water pressure for sprinkler system?
Most residential water pressures are generally in the 40 - 80 PSI range. Under 40 is considered low, so you may need to boost pressure if installing an irrigation system. Over 80 is high, and many household water appliances may be at risk of damage over this range. A pressure reducing valve may be necessary.
How do I increase the psi in my sprinkler system?
Adjust Your Pressure Loss Data:Increase the mainline size. ... Lower the sprinkler head operating pressure. ... Reduce the pressure loss in the laterals. ... Increase the size of the backflow preventer or valves. ... Lower the Initial Design Flow. ... Add a booster pump to increase the water pressure.
What flow rate do you need for an irrigation system?
The standard sprinkler flow rates, in general, are from 4 gallons per minute (gpm) from a 5/32-inch nozzle at 30 pounds pressures to over 11 gpm from a 7/32-inch nozzle at 70 pounds pressures.
How do I winterize my sprinkler system?
Winterizing your sprinkler system can be mastered easily but there are instances when outsourcing this irrigation maintenance is your best option. Consider hiring a professional if: 1 You have limited knowledge of the sprinkler system and how it works. Blowing out your irrigation system improperly can damage components. 2 If you cannot get your hands on a powerful enough air compressor to blow out your sprinkler lines thoroughly. 3 If your sprinkler system has been recently installed, has a service contract, or is still under installation warranty. Blowing out the irrigation system yourself could void the warranty.
How to prepare a sprinkler system for winter?
Indoor control systems are the easiest to prepare for the winter. Simply leave the power ON to the control unit and switch the unit to the OFF position. This will prevent the sprinkler system from accidentally turning on when not in use.
How long does it take for a sprinkler head to melt?
Without water to keep the sprinkler heads cool, they can get damaged or melt in less than a minute.
What temperature does a hard freeze occur?
This takes place when the temperature falls below 28 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there for several days. During a hard freeze, even the sunshine and daytime temperatures are not enough to make up for the decrease in temperature.
Can I drain my sprinkler system without an air compressor?
If you are lucky enough to have your sprinklers lines installed on a s lope, graded back towards the water supply line, you can drain the system without an air compressor.
Can I blow out all my sprinkler lines at once?
Depending on the size and CFM of your air compressor you may be able to blow all of your sprinkler lines out all at once. However, if your sprinkler system is large and has several zones or you have a smaller air compressor you will have to blow out each zone individually. If your irrigation system has manual drain valves, yours want to open them first.
Why You Need to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
If you live where the ground temperatures drop well below freezing point, your irrigation system is susceptible to damage and cracks because of the cold temperature.
The Sprinkler Winterizing Process
Winterizing the sprinkler system involves removing all the remaining water from the system to prevent ice damage. Here’s how.
Taking Care of Your Lawn Sprinkler System
Winterizing your sprinkler system is the best way to protect your investment in your irrigation system. If you do it right and on time, your system will be as good as new, ready to keep your lawn looking magnificent when spring hits.
How long does a sprinkler system last?
Take a little care when you schedule a sprinkler blowout in Boulder, Greeley, or Fort Collins and you’ll get 40-60 years of life out of your sprinkler system!
How does all terrain landscape winterize?
How does All Terrain Landscaping winterize your sprinkler system? The blow out method involves placing a small amount of pressure behind the sprinkler system using a commercial air compressor at only 55-65 psi delivering 185 CFM. When properly done, the blow out method forces all of the water out of the sprinkler system so there is no chance of freeze damage throughout the winter months.
What happens when you turn off the pressure on a drain?
When there’s pressure, it pushes the spring closed. When you turn off the pressure, the spring opens and allows the water to run out. Or that’s the plan anyway. If that spring doesn’t open for some reason, you have cracks in your pipe…or worse. Let’s face it, we’ve seen auto drains fail.
Can you blow out a sprinkler system in Colorado?
When properly done, the blow out method forces all of the water out of the sprinkler system so there is no chance of freeze damage throughout the winter months. Let All Terrain blow out your sprinkler in Boulder to save them from the intense Colorado winter damage so you don’t have to deal with any of the risks.
Can you run a timer in rain?
Allowing the system to run in rain mode throughout the winter is usually safe and shouldn’t run up your energy costs .
Can you hook an air compressor to a sprinkler system?
Some sprinkler systems allow you to hook an air compressor up to the pipes to force the remaining water out of the sprinkler heads. However, this method is destructive and even dangerous when tried on a sprinkler system that isn’t built for it.
Can you drain a sprinkler system manually?
Manual Draining. Some sprinkler systems may allow you to drain the water manually. These systems have shut-off valves at low points or ends of the piping. Make sure to wear eye protection while completing this step because the water supply in the system is under pressure.
Do sprinklers need maintenance?
However, that doesn’t mean that the sprinklers themselves don’t require their own maintenance. In most parts of the country, you ought to shut down your sprinkler system in the fall and bring it back online in ...
Does Trugreen do sprinklers?
TruGreen, in addition to its lawn care services, offers sprinkler repair and maintenance to homeowners throughout the country. If you’d like a free quote, fill out this quick form or call 1-866-817-2287 to speak to a customer service representative. 50% off for This Old House readers.*.
How to winterize a sprinkler system
1. Shut off the water — First, switch off the water supply to the system. This is usually via a main valve near your water meter. If your system has backflow preventing valves, then those need to be shut off too.
Manual Draining
This is a straightforward method. Essentially, the pipes are elevated so that they manually drain when you release a valve at the lowest point — this could be at the end of the pipes. Wearing goggles to protect your eyes, slowly release each valve to let the water drain until empty. Close them again once finished.
Automatic Draining
Some sprinkler systems can automatically drain, which is very useful. All you need to do is turn on the sprinklers while the water is shut off. This will drain the majority, but some residual water will still remain in the valves.
Blow-out Draining
This is the most complicated and time-consuming draining method. You essentially force compressed air into the system, blowing out any excess water through the sprinkler heads.
How to insulate a sprinkler system
This final step is simple: you’re going to want to insulate any exposed components. This means everything should be covered in insulation foam or tape, including the water supply shut-off valve, backflow preventers as well as any exposed pipes. Just be careful not to block any vents or drains on the backflow preventers.
What happens if you don't winterize your sprinkler system?
Failing to properly prepare your irrigation system and sprinklers for the coldest part of the year will result in lots of damage and leaks that only become visible during the spring when you turn your irrigation back on.
Why is it important to keep the irrigation zone open?
Keep an irrigation zone that is the furthest down your system open so that the water pressure on the mainline is relieved. It is important that while running the air compressor element to drain the line that the zone valve is kept open.
Can you winterize sprinklers?
The only exception to this rule is for people that live in climates that never go below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius. Most of the United States dips below freezing at some point during the winter so please take the time to properly winterize your sprinklers and irrigation lines to avoid costly damage.