How to blow out (winterize) your inground sprinkler system

A step by step "how to" video on how to winterize (blow out) your inground sprinkler system. Video doesn't say it, but be sure to SHUT THE WATER SUPPLY TO THE SYSTEM OFF IN THE HOUSE BEFORE YOU START!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• sprinkler system
• winterize
• inground
• sprinkler
• irrigation
• irrigation system
• blow out
• how to

[Mr70Cenzo]

Thanks for this great video. The best I've found. I've read that one should not blow out the system through the backflow preventer. I'd appreciate your comments.

Thank you.

[SethTheSportsman]

@Mr70Cenzo Thank you! Most systems do not have access ports before the preventer. In this case, one has no option but to use the port before the RPZ valve. My system was professionally installed, the first year I watched them blow the system out and this is the port that they used so I never have really given it a second thought. Last week was my 10th time blowing it out and have had no issue yet......knock on wood! Good luck!

[shyboy98]

Thanks for the instructional video.

Question.....

Is the below air compressor from home depot adequate for this job?

Mikata MAC2400 Powerful 2.5 HP 4 pole motor produces 4.2 CFM at 90 psi for increased productivity

[SethTheSportsman]

@shyboy98

I do not think it will be. The tanks look too small. The comprressor I use is a 20 gal and that is about as small as you want to go. I have a feeling that your tanks will empty too fast. I guess it would be possible but it would prob take forever considering you would have to constantly be having to rebuild pressure in your tanks.

[dominicreitman]

Thanks Seth, great video. I little trick I did that may help others out. Since I have ten zones in my system I didn't want to run around the yard opening and closing valves. I got my compressor hooked up and the regulator set to 50psi. I then created a program that would run each station for one minute (the smallest time increment). I then set the water saver to 40% so each zone runs about 25 seconds. Then I added a three minute delay between each zone to allow the compressor to recharge.

[SethTheSportsman]

HAHAHA, I love it! Can't wait to try it next year. Thanks for the post

[asmart1973]

Great video! The only comment I have is that instead of rigging the adapter to connect the compressor to the system, I used a standard connector and connected it directly to the port before the blowout preventer. The air went through the preventer, sealing it and went into the system. I did lose that seal at one point - which is evident by a loud groaning sound as it can't quite make the seal, but putting some water back into the system via the main valve for a second helped. Thanks!

[Cr38or1000]

@ciavran Go ahead and leave them open

[ciavran]

Thank you @SethTheSportsman, Great video. After opening up the petcocks to relieve pressure, do I leave the valves open or closed for the winter?

[Cr38or1000]

@KILLERKAY3 This happened to me once, It happened when when I had pressure to the system then removed it and then hooked it back up again. Seems like the backflow preventer lost its prime or something and allowed the air to just flow through the top of the valve. I recharged my system and started over, had no problem after that. Not saying this will work for yours, but it solved the problem on my system.

[KILLERKAY3]

I tried doing this and it worked for the first zone, but now when I try on any of the zones the air from the compressor is leaking out of the "Vacuum pressure breaker" does anybody know what I'm doing wrong?

[DoodliePoo]

This was the best video I found to explain how to DIY - thank you, Seth. That said, I do wish that DIY vids would give names and explanations of the parts and how they work. Heck if I knew what a petcock or a shrader valve is (now I know after six hours of frustration).

[ski21avs1]

Minor detail: Shut the water off to your system first.

[DBALLA9]

I heard that 80psi was too much for the sprinkler heads to handle...suggest was at 70 or 50psi and under