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As a first time homeowner, I'm always curious what household tasks I can do on my own versus hiring someone to do it. The biggest thing for me has been doing it on my own time and not having to wait for their availability.
If something breaks, it's just another opportunity to learn to fix something. To each their own.
Wonder how you would blow out/winterize an in-ground sprinkler with this.
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
This compressor does 2.4cfm at 90psi, which is pretty low for air tools.
There's a chart on this page[northerntool.com] that shows how much air is typically needed for a variety of tools. Your specific tools might be different, so check the manufacturer specs before ruling it out.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank bookerttt
Wonder how you would blow out/winterize an in-ground sprinkler with this.
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
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Dec 26, 2021 01:25 PM
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Quote
from turls
:
Every thread with air compressors talks about this.
I don't get it. The yearly maintenance also includes fixing broken/worn heads, testing, etc. How much are you guys paying for your yearly maintenance to want to avoid the expense? I understand saving even a few bucks, but the company I switched to is around $160. It just seems like asking for trouble to go to completely DIY.
As a first time homeowner, I'm always curious what household tasks I can do on my own versus hiring someone to do it. The biggest thing for me has been doing it on my own time and not having to wait for their availability.
If something breaks, it's just another opportunity to learn to fix something. To each their own.
Wonder how you would blow out/winterize an in-ground sprinkler with this.
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
My gut says it would be with a RV attachment. When I owned a RV I used to blow out the lines.
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Every thread with air compressors talks about this.
I don't get it. The yearly maintenance also includes fixing broken/worn heads, testing, etc. How much are you guys paying for your yearly maintenance to want to avoid the expense? I understand saving even a few bucks, but the company I switched to is around $160. It just seems like asking for trouble to go to completely DIY.
Generally for winterizing in my neck of the woods, it's around $60-$80 for a 5-8 zone system.
You can buy a bigger compressor than this ( around a 20 gallon) on a good sale for around $200.
As long as you know what you're doing ( mainly, don't use too high a pressure), you won't run into the aforementioned problems. It takes about an hour for 6 zones.
In 3 years you made your money back, and have the compressor for other tasks.
Have a neighbor who was in construction. He's NEVER blown his lines out at all and never has a problem. Of course, he designed and installed his own system. He left a valve at the low point of each zone. End of the season, he simply opens the valve.
Get where you're coming from because I pay a pool company to blow out the inground pool lines. Because of the decking above it would be a nightmare to replace a section of those lines. Sprinkler lines much easier to fix and access and as mentioned if you know what you're doing ( YouTube) you won't run into problems. Pool equipment is also a lot more expensive to replace. Ex boss did his own pool, but didn't get enough water out of the pool heater. It froze and cracked. He replaced heater for well over $1,000.
To me at least, not worth taking chance on pool. Totally worth it on sprinkler.
Last edited by bookerttt December 26, 2021 at 05:42 AM.
Good price and I'm tempted, but I'd need an upright unit. Also worth noting that I can see two sight glasses and oil fills in the pic. While the pump is claimed to be oil-free, the actual compressor motor must use use oil.
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I bought the McGraw 8 gallon from harbour freight this fall, cost me 138$ , blew out my own 4 zone sprinklers. learned everything from YouTube. For you diyers it's easier than you think, make sure you buy a sprinkler blowout kit attachment from Amazon, costs around 10$.
Wonder how you would blow out/winterize an in-ground sprinkler with this.
I was wondering the same.
This units boasts of 135 Max PSI with 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI and 2.3 SCFM at 90 PSI.
From an article I found online:
How to Blow Out Sprinkler Systems
Using an air compressor with the recommended PSI and CFM ratings (50 PSI and 20-50 CFM)
I'm new to this, but graphing the data in my head leads me to believe this compressor can't swing 50 PSI at 20-50 CFM. Yes, SCFM is different than CFM. In comparison to SCFM, CFM values are always a smaller number as they are calculated at a higher pressure which decreases the volume of gas and makes it smaller.
So.. Someone smarter than me, please help me understand if this thing can blow out sprinkler lines or pool lines. I'm assuming it can't.. Or isn't ideal for it, at minimum.
Thanks!
Wonder how you would blow out/winterize an in-ground sprinkler with this.
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
Question, do you think this compressor has the proper adapter to plug it into your sprinkler system? There are two ports On my Backflow preventer. Do I need to buy something special to fit those port? And which port should I put it in??
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Good Investment.
Been using 8Gal to winterize my sprinklers.
Bit cumbersome, take extra 5 min per zone since I have to blow it out twice per zone but easier to transport for filling up my tires.
Good investment to DIY winterization. Just watch few youtube clips for how to save 100+ every year to have someone do it. Of course if you earn good salary, its optional.
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If something breaks, it's just another opportunity to learn to fix something. To each their own.
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
There's a chart on this page [northerntool.com] that shows how much air is typically needed for a variety of tools. Your specific tools might be different, so check the manufacturer specs before ruling it out.
169 Comments
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank bookerttt
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank SpEddie
I don't get it. The yearly maintenance also includes fixing broken/worn heads, testing, etc. How much are you guys paying for your yearly maintenance to want to avoid the expense? I understand saving even a few bucks, but the company I switched to is around $160. It just seems like asking for trouble to go to completely DIY.
If something breaks, it's just another opportunity to learn to fix something. To each their own.
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I don't get it. The yearly maintenance also includes fixing broken/worn heads, testing, etc. How much are you guys paying for your yearly maintenance to want to avoid the expense? I understand saving even a few bucks, but the company I switched to is around $160. It just seems like asking for trouble to go to completely DIY.
You can buy a bigger compressor than this ( around a 20 gallon) on a good sale for around $200.
As long as you know what you're doing ( mainly, don't use too high a pressure), you won't run into the aforementioned problems. It takes about an hour for 6 zones.
In 3 years you made your money back, and have the compressor for other tasks.
Have a neighbor who was in construction. He's NEVER blown his lines out at all and never has a problem. Of course, he designed and installed his own system. He left a valve at the low point of each zone. End of the season, he simply opens the valve.
Get where you're coming from because I pay a pool company to blow out the inground pool lines. Because of the decking above it would be a nightmare to replace a section of those lines. Sprinkler lines much easier to fix and access and as mentioned if you know what you're doing ( YouTube) you won't run into problems. Pool equipment is also a lot more expensive to replace. Ex boss did his own pool, but didn't get enough water out of the pool heater. It froze and cracked. He replaced heater for well over $1,000.
To me at least, not worth taking chance on pool. Totally worth it on sprinkler.
https://slickdeals.net/f/15486259-goodyear-6-gallon-pancake-air-compressor-with-2-brad-nail-combo-kit-fs-walmart-com-89?src=SiteSear
Hopefully I can finally retire my 100dB!! 15yo, same sized Delta compressor.
I'd turn it on and then leave the garage while it filled.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank beyondwatches
This units boasts of 135 Max PSI with 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI and 2.3 SCFM at 90 PSI.
From an article I found online:
How to Blow Out Sprinkler Systems
Using an air compressor with the recommended PSI and CFM ratings (50 PSI and 20-50 CFM)
I'm new to this, but graphing the data in my head leads me to believe this compressor can't swing 50 PSI at 20-50 CFM. Yes, SCFM is different than CFM. In comparison to SCFM, CFM values are always a smaller number as they are calculated at a higher pressure which decreases the volume of gas and makes it smaller.
So.. Someone smarter than me, please help me understand if this thing can blow out sprinkler lines or pool lines. I'm assuming it can't.. Or isn't ideal for it, at minimum.
Thanks!
Having hired sprinkler companies for years to do so, I would watch them blow every last bit of water from each zone. More recently, I realized that's just for show. When water expands to ice, it only increases by 9%. No need to get 100% out. Get 30% out and it should have plenty of room to expand without cracking the pipes.
Remember a plumber telling me he could protect a sprinkler system from freezing using a pancake compressor. Instead of asking him how, I thought he was wrong.
I've realized I was wrong for not asking him how.
I have a 20 gallon compressor and before the 9% freezing expansion realization, would run each zone thru 2 cycles to make sure ALL the water was out. Now, only run each zone once. Know for sure that with 20 gallons most of the water is blown out with the one pass.
With this one guessing you still may have to cycle through each zone 2 -3 x.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Been using 8Gal to winterize my sprinklers.
Bit cumbersome, take extra 5 min per zone since I have to blow it out twice per zone but easier to transport for filling up my tires.
Good investment to DIY winterization. Just watch few youtube clips for how to save 100+ every year to have someone do it. Of course if you earn good salary, its optional.
Leave a Comment