How to Winterize Sprinkler System With Air Compressor? A Comprehensive Guide
Winterizing your sprinkler system is essential to prevent frozen pipes from cracking and causing costly repairs. Using an air compressor is a highly effective method, involving forcing water out of the lines using compressed air, thus protecting your system from freezing temperatures.
Understanding the Importance of Winterization
Leaving water in your sprinkler system over the winter is a recipe for disaster. The freezing and expanding water can crack pipes, damage sprinkler heads, and even destroy backflow preventers. Repairing this damage can be expensive and time-consuming. Winterization is an investment in the longevity of your sprinkler system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing with an Air Compressor
This process requires careful attention to detail and safety precautions. Rushing can damage your system.
1. Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have everything you need:
- Air compressor: A compressor capable of delivering at least 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) is recommended, but typically you’ll only use 40-50 PSI.
- Adapter fitting: To connect your air compressor hose to the sprinkler system. This may require some experimentation to find the right size. Common fittings include garden hose adapters or quick-connect fittings.
- Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
- Wrench or pliers: For tightening connections.
- Screwdriver: For opening drain valves (if applicable).
- Ear protection: Especially if your compressor is loud.
2. Shutting Off the Water Supply
The first and most crucial step is to turn off the main water supply to your sprinkler system. This is typically located indoors, near your water meter or on the backflow preventer itself. Locate the shut-off valve and turn it completely off. You may want to mark it so you remember its function.
3. Relieving Water Pressure
Before connecting the air compressor, relieve any remaining water pressure in the system. This can be done by opening the manual drain valves (if your system has them) located on the main line and on the backflow preventer. If no drain valves exist, you can relieve pressure by opening the valve on the sprinkler head furthest from the point you’ll be connecting the compressor.
4. Connecting the Air Compressor
Connect the adapter fitting to the air compressor hose. Then, connect the fitting to the blowout port on your sprinkler system. This port is often located on the backflow preventer or on the main line. Ensure the connection is secure to prevent air leaks.
5. Blowing Out the Sprinkler Lines
- Start the air compressor. Set the regulator to around 40-50 PSI initially. Never exceed the maximum pressure rating of your pipes and sprinkler heads (often 80 PSI for PVC).
- Open one zone at a time. Manually activate each zone valve or use the sprinkler timer to cycle through them.
- Observe the sprinkler heads. Allow the air to run until only a fine mist or no water comes out of the sprinkler heads in that zone. This may take several minutes per zone.
- Repeat for all zones. Systematically work through each zone, ensuring all water is expelled.
- Reduce pressure if necessary. If sprinkler heads are spraying excessively or appear damaged, reduce the air pressure immediately.
6. Disconnecting the Air Compressor
Once all zones have been blown out, turn off the air compressor and disconnect the hose. Carefully release any remaining pressure in the hose before storing it.
7. Draining the Backflow Preventer
Backflow preventers are particularly vulnerable to freeze damage. Drain the backflow preventer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves opening test cocks and drain valves. Refer to your backflow preventer’s manual for specific instructions.
8. Insulating Vulnerable Components
Insulate any exposed pipes or backflow preventers. Pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape can provide additional protection. Pay particular attention to components located above ground.
9. Final Inspection
After completing the winterization process, inspect your system for any signs of damage or leaks. Address any issues immediately to prevent further problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about winterizing your sprinkler system with an air compressor:
FAQ 1: What size air compressor do I need?
A compressor that can deliver at least 80 PSI is recommended. However, for most residential systems, you’ll likely only need to use 40-50 PSI to effectively blow out the lines. Focus on CFM (cubic feet per minute) – a higher CFM rating will allow you to blow out zones more quickly.
FAQ 2: Can I damage my sprinkler system by using too much air pressure?
Yes! Excessive air pressure can crack pipes and damage sprinkler heads. Always start with a lower pressure (40 PSI) and gradually increase it only if necessary. Never exceed the maximum pressure rating of your system components, usually 80 PSI for PVC.
FAQ 3: How do I know if I’ve completely removed all the water from the lines?
You’ll know the water is mostly gone when you see a fine mist or just air coming out of the sprinkler heads in each zone. It’s better to run the air a little longer than to leave water in the lines.
FAQ 4: What if I don’t have a blowout port on my sprinkler system?
If you don’t have a dedicated blowout port, you can often connect the air compressor to the backflow preventer or at the point where the sprinkler system connects to the main water supply after removing any fittings. You might need to purchase additional adapters.
FAQ 5: How often should I winterize my sprinkler system?
You should winterize your sprinkler system every year before the first hard freeze. This is typically in late fall or early winter, depending on your geographic location.
FAQ 6: Do I need to winterize my sprinkler system if I live in a mild climate?
Even in mild climates, freezing temperatures can occur unexpectedly. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and winterize your system if there’s a risk of freezing temperatures.
FAQ 7: What if I have a drip irrigation system? Does it need winterizing too?
Yes, drip irrigation systems also need to be winterized. The same principles apply – you need to remove the water from the lines to prevent freezing. Blow out the drip lines with compressed air, being careful not to exceed the pressure limits of the drip emitters.
FAQ 8: Is it safe to use a leaf blower instead of an air compressor?
No, using a leaf blower is not recommended. Leaf blowers don’t provide the necessary pressure to effectively clear the lines, and they can introduce debris into the system.
FAQ 9: Should I add antifreeze to my sprinkler system?
Adding antifreeze to the entire sprinkler system is generally not recommended. It can be harmful to the environment and may damage some system components. However, antifreeze can be used in specific components like backflow preventers, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and using potable water antifreeze.
FAQ 10: What are the signs of a frozen sprinkler system?
Signs of a frozen sprinkler system include water leaks, cracked pipes, and sprinkler heads that are no longer functioning properly.
FAQ 11: Can I hire a professional to winterize my sprinkler system?
Yes, hiring a professional is a great option if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or if you have a complex system. A professional will have the experience and equipment to winterize your system quickly and efficiently.
FAQ 12: What is a backflow preventer and why is it important to drain it?
A backflow preventer is a device that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply. It’s crucial to drain it because it’s often located above ground and is very susceptible to freeze damage. The internal components are delicate and can easily crack if water freezes inside.
Conclusion
Winterizing your sprinkler system with an air compressor is a proactive step to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs. By following these steps and answering these FAQs, you can ensure your system is ready for the winter months and will be in good working order come spring. Remember to prioritize safety and consult your system’s documentation for specific instructions.