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If freezing temperatures are in the forecast, it?EUR??,,????'?????< Without winteriation possible problems could include cracked valves, mains freezing and bursting and backflows that cause damage. Anything that is pressurized can cause damage if winterization is not performed. There are three common winterization techniques: manual drain valve, automatic drain valve and a compressed air blowout. It is important to remember that no matter which method you choose to remove water from the irrigation system, controller protection is also critical to the winterization process. It?EUR??,,????'?????< A portable air compressor lets you push water from irrigation lines in a few minutes with compressed air. Contractors should use a compressor capable of providing 10 to 25 cubic feet per minute of air volume. It is important to rent or buy the right air compressor for the job as some small shop compressors of 2 hp may not be adequate. However, air pressure must not exceed 50 psi during the blowout procedure. And always wear eye protection when using this method. Photo: www.airtoolswa.com.au Compressed Air Blowout Method The compressed air blowout method uses compressed air to clear water from the mainline pipe, sprinkler control valves, lateral pipes and sprinkler heads. Contractors should be advised to use extreme care when using this method to winterize the irrigation system. Excessive pressure (above 50 lbs. per square inch) can damage valves or sprinkler pipes or can generate flying debris, causing physical injury to the operator. Contractors should never stand over irrigation pipes, sprinklers or valves during this process. To obtain proper air volume, contractors should use a compressor capable of providing 10 to 25 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air volume. It is important to rent or buy the right air compressor for the job as some small shop compressors of two hp may not be adequate. However, air pressure must not exceed 50 psi during the blowout procedure. Using a pressure-regulating valve to avoid over-pressurization, contractors should keep air volume high and air pressure low to minimize the potential for damage. Contractors should not try to use an air compressor with high pressure (120 psi) and low volume to evacuate water from the system. Even if the system can withstand 120 psi of water pressure, similar air pressure will damage the system. The viscosity of air is much lower than water, generating much higher stresses. Also, don?EUR??,,????'?????< To hook up the air hose, the sprinkler system mainline should offer a separate quick-connect fitting, manual gate valve, plugged ?EUR??,,????'?????< Blowing out a system using a timer is safer than activating the valves manually. If the system has a timer, follow those guidelines described first.
Without winteriation possible problems could include cracked valves, mains freezing and bursting and backflows that cause damage. Anything that is pressurized can cause damage if winterization is not performed.
There are three common winterization techniques: manual drain valve, automatic drain valve and a compressed air blowout. It is important to remember that no matter which method you choose to remove water from the irrigation system, controller protection is also critical to the winterization process. It?EUR??,,????'?????<
The compressed air blowout method uses compressed air to clear water from the mainline pipe, sprinkler control valves, lateral pipes and sprinkler heads. Contractors should be advised to use extreme care when using this method to winterize the irrigation system. Excessive pressure (above 50 lbs. per square inch) can damage valves or sprinkler pipes or can generate flying debris, causing physical injury to the operator. Contractors should never stand over irrigation pipes, sprinklers or valves during this process.
To obtain proper air volume, contractors should use a compressor capable of providing 10 to 25 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air volume. It is important to rent or buy the right air compressor for the job as some small shop compressors of two hp may not be adequate. However, air pressure must not exceed 50 psi during the blowout procedure. Using a pressure-regulating valve to avoid over-pressurization, contractors should keep air volume high and air pressure low to minimize the potential for damage.
Contractors should not try to use an air compressor with high pressure (120 psi) and low volume to evacuate water from the system. Even if the system can withstand 120 psi of water pressure, similar air pressure will damage the system. The viscosity of air is much lower than water, generating much higher stresses. Also, don?EUR??,,????'?????<
To hook up the air hose, the sprinkler system mainline should offer a separate quick-connect fitting, manual gate valve, plugged ?EUR??,,????'?????<
Blowing out a system using a timer is safer than activating the valves manually. If the system has a timer, follow those guidelines described first.
There?EUR??,,????'?????< landscapearchitect.com.
To read the complete article, with manual drain valve and automatic drain valve methods, visit landscapearchitect.com and type ?EUR??,,????'?????< Rod Waller is a Contractor Account Manager for Rain Bird Corporation in Florida.
Rod Waller is a Contractor Account Manager for Rain Bird Corporation in Florida.
To winterize the irrigation system using the controller, close the mainline sprinkler shut-off valve (A). Relieve the water pressure on the mainline by activating a circuit or zone from the controller. Activate the circuit that is farthest from the air connection before letting air into the piping. Always keep a sprinkler zone control valve open from start-up to compressor shutdown.
Attach the compressor hose to the blow-out adapter???????(R)???????+???????(R)???????(C). Set the pressure-regulating valve on the compressor to 50 psi and turn on the compressor.
Gradually increase the flow of air until all the sprinkler heads pop up. The amount of flow or volume required will depend on the length of pipe and number of heads but contractors should not blow any circuit more than two minutes at a time. Sustained heat from the compressed air may damage pipe and sprinkler drive mechanisms that use water for lubrication and cooling.
Switch to another station or zone by advancing the controller to the next circuit. Do not turn the controller off at any time during this operation unless the compressor is first shut off.
To ensure that lines adequately drain, repeat the cycle two or more times, activating each zone from the controller until nothing more than a fine mist appears from the heads. After blowing out all the zones, leave one zone on while shutting down the compressor. You may then unhook the compressor from the mainline and turn off the controller.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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