How to Blow Out Your Sprinkler System - DIY (Winterize Your Irrigation System)

In this video I show you how to blow out (winterize) your own sprinkler system (irrigation system) using any average compressor. Here's a link to the adapter you'll need to do the job: amzn.to/2kKNvJh
I've been doing it for about 15 years and have never had a single broken line, head, anything... Save yourself $50+ by following this DIY.
Thanks for watching guys and please let me know if you have any questions. Also, please consider subscribing to my channel! I'm going to be coming out with a lot more content that's sure to please. ;)
On a sidenote for anyone reading this far down... what do you think of my new "Channel Intro"? This is the first video I've used it on. Created 100% DIY style in Fusion 9, Garage Band, and Davinci Resolve. Hoping to do some DIY tutorials on how I did everything if anyone is interested. Figure it goes right along with my channel so why not do some DIY graphic design, video, and audio creation tutorials. If you're interested, subscribe and make a comment below and I'll see about putting some together.

[@mikedavenport5803]

I have been opening and shutting down irrigation systems for 30+ years and installing them and this is a OK method if you live in a area where the ground is not subject of freezing if you live in a very very cold climate then I would not suggest this at all I use a 185 Ingersoll Ryan air compressor pull behind that you use for like jackhammers and things like that which is guaranteed to get all the water out

[@ExtremeDIY]

Im in northern Indiana. It freezes. This has always done the job for 15 years.

[@DangerousDevilOfficial]

You gave clear and concise instructions and clear and concise information that is my thoughts exactly. I have had sprinklers for 16 years. Live in northern Utah (cold winters). I have couple of line drains installed. I have never even shut the water off at the line shutoff. And only blown them out a few times. And never had a single issue with broken pipes. I don’t recommend what I have done to most. But people over worry about their lines. As long as the majority of water is out of the lines, exactly as you said, there is plenty of space for the water to freeze and expand. I will finally shut off the main line this year as I made new upgrades this year to my system (new manifold and new battery powered timer). They charge $100 here for a 3 valve system (what I have) to winterize! Save that 16 years = $1,600! Has basically paid for all upgrades and maintenance to them over the years and then some to do it myself! A job that literally takes no more than 15 minutes for my small system.

[@macdaddybill]

I have been wanting to do mine for years and going to finally give it a shot my local plumber charges $80 for my 10 zones and 52 heads which I guess isn't bad.

[@DangerousDevilOfficial]

@@macdaddybill no. That is a good price actually.

[@macdaddybill]

@@DangerousDevilOfficial I did mine a few weeks ago with 20 gallon compressor, crossing fingers I got enough out. Some zones ran a minute or two till mist stopped some others didn't have much mist and even reran on those zones. But system is 30 years old and think the pipes are starting to go, I have repaired cracked pipes 3 times since we have been in house the past 11 years.

[@AZ_sunshine]

thank you! I appreciate watching a video that's not 'perfect', similar to what I have. Your tips are helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this (also love hearing the children in the background - but the BIG SPIDER YIKES!) Thanks again. You are a good instructor.

[@geoffhazel2]

I just watched a video of a "professional" blow a system with the big gasoline compressor you'd use for a jackhammer. And you know what? they didn't even run it until no water came out. As soon as all the heads were blowing "mist" they moved on to the next zone. So your little compressor does just what is needed.

[@1575murray]

That big compressor seems to be overkill for the average system at least here in NY where the distances involved aren't that great.

[@SuperStanislovas]

it's fun when you guys say you can do this with little compressor... I have 3.75 liters / 1 gallon compressor, and You have like 10-20x bigger compressor.... and this is not surprize that You can push out all the water... while my system which is 10-20x smaller was working perfectly for years...

[@Rob-hv9kt]

Question ? I have same hunter box can I switch the dial just to manual single station and leave it on that setting while blowing out an individual zone instead of setting the dial back to bypass sensor ?

[@stevepowell7465]

Thank you! You really made it simple and relieved my apprehension about this! I love DIY vids!!!

[@bklynff55]

I use a Scott bottle with a regulator for air tools and you never have to worry about having to recharge an air compressor. I use a 3/8" NPT to 1/4" quick connect then a 1/4" female to 1/2" male adaptor and screw it into the system.

[@maeu59]

What’s a Scott bottle?

[@gerry.shafer6101]

I. LIKE. YOUR. AIR. VALVE. SETUP. THANKS.

[@Rob-hv9kt]

In nj $150 to blow out 2 zones I have a old hunter control box 2 valve and 2 solenoids my question is how do I blow out an individual zone?

[@TheDylan6908]

What pressure setting did you set for the blowout?

[@av8ionUSMC]

At 2:04, are you turning the red knob on and off in-between zones so not to damage the lines. In other words, turning each zone on prior to allowing air into it? Or does it matter once you begin? Thanks. Great video!

[@ExtremeDIY]

I only did before the first zone so the water from the main sprinkler line wouldn’t go into the compressor. Once the compressor is charged with air, and the main line is purged of water (after you run air through the first zone), that is no a longer a concern.

[@apatel7787]

Thank you. Just gave me an idea as to how to do mine this year.

[@brianm7348]

Where are you located. Just curious how cold it gets by you. I’m in north west jersey. We get pretty bad winters

[@ExtremeDIY]

North central Indiana. Get’s pretty cold here as well.

[@h70007]

So each zone needs one tank or more than one tank of air? Do you keep the compressor plugged in to kick off automatically? Or you free it completely, plug it to charge and repeat the process?

[@ExtremeDIY]

I leave it plugged in and usually run 2 tanks through each zone, but 1 may be enough.

[@pugster6837]

Thanks! Bought a house with a system and knew nothing about this.

[@ExtremeDIY]

My pleasure!

[@yangli1905]

What is the size of your air compressor. If it is 50 Gallon, it will cost way more than $50.

[@trolologuy02]

He probably just got it at a garage sale or something

[@ExtremeDIY]

It’s a 15 gal, not a 50 gal... I bought it used for $50 from a friend like 10 yrs ago. Still going strong.

[@JM-nh8yp]

good video. but its a lot easier to just forget the control panel altogether and just manually turn on the zones. most systems have a manual valve on solenoid for each zone. fast, aimple.

[@wgooetrik]

Turning on zones isn't that hard 🤣

[@cadenceandfamily2159]

Lmao! I'm probably not laughing because I'm happy about the multiple videos that seemed over complicated! I'm laughing because this makes sence to me! Why shouldn't you be able to have them all release the water at once? Seems more straight forward

[@doronwen]

Hi there. How do I choose the right compressor for the job? PSI? size? what does it depends on? thanks

[@miguelmarquez4192]

Do not go above 80psi to avoid bursting your line!! 64 to 70 is plenty.

[@miguelmarquez4192]

Do not go above 80psi to avoid bursting your line!! 64 to 70 is plenty.

[@sohaibch]

Do you insulate the black flow preventer etc as well or just the blowing out is enough?

[@ExtremeDIY]

I never did and never had any problems.

[@miguelmarquez4192]

I live in colorado and alot of us still do because its so cold. I still experience the odd blown solenoid here and there, even with blowing out. I had alot of trouble this spring because my dog ate it off and it mustve gotten too cold. How if i didnt have water in my lines, we may never know. Lol damn sprinklers. I just wanna start over

[@arturopalma7997]

Savior, thank you!!!

[@uniqueminds9408]

Do you have do this every year n do it when ur gonna start it system

[@ExtremeDIY]

Yes, you have to do it every year. To start the system, you just basically turn your water valve back on to your lines. Make sure to shut your outside blowout valve before you do it though.

[@jeremys959]

What cfm rating is the compressor?

[@Rob-hv9kt]

Ty

[@youtuber9991]

Got me motivated to blow my own system out, it worked surprisingly well! Found an adapter made to go straight from the air compressor to the hose attachment, I found it in the sprinkler section at that hardware store. My hose relief valve was far away from my backflow block so I just blew from the hose through to the backflow valve and it cleared almost everything in the line.

[@ExtremeDIY]

Awesome job Scott! Glad you were able to get 'er done! :)

[@jspinosa50]

Thanks! Very helpfull

[@DrunkInPublic]

KZbin algorithm wth…this is the video i was looking for

[@ExtremeDIY]

Glad you found it! 😊

[@bryanbenoit8055]

Thanks for posting!

[@xiaofeiyue46]

Hi, thank you for showing the video. Can I know the specifications of the air compressor you used such as CFM/SCFM, and Gal? Thank you!

[@ExtremeDIY]

It's just a little 15 gal compressor, cable of about 60 psi and not very much CFM... lol But it works! :)

[@virgil3241]

For the inside drain valve, do you have to do that last? I have one on my system and want to do this myself. Is it better to do it first or last?

[@ExtremeDIY]

I do it last.

[@virgil3241]

@@ExtremeDIY Is there a reason for this. I just moved to a house and have sprinklers for the first time and I already drained mine. Although to refill it is just a turn of the valve. Im off to the hardware store to make my quick connect for my compressor.

[@robertmedina6105]

Great tip. How far is your blowout valve from your manifold?

[@ExtremeDIY]

All my valves are inline. No manifold.

[@robertivey3268]

Actually, the pros do not get all the water out. Saw that on a video by a pro doing this with the big compressor. You should also leave the water valve partially open outside.

[@gimmeanathlon]

How much air pressure needs to be pushing through?

[@ExtremeDIY]

I set my regulator to 30-40 psi. Works for me.

[@youtuber9991]

I read that you shouldn't exceed 60 psi, so anything just below that is best.

[@cubeweaver]

What psi do you set up on the compressor? 40? Thx

[@yangwill8064]

under 50psi would be ok

[@Jesusiskingamen1]

Actually under 80 psi.

[@Rob-hv9kt]

That depends on what type of sprinkler line you have summa rated for 80 psi sum rated under that so my recommendation is to play safe and go 40-45 psi

[@stevenhu202]

That is not a 50 gallon compressor.

[@lesstime1678]

the best thing on that video was the kid on the job site ,,kids are so beautiful ,i have 2 daughters and 7 grandkids.

[@rightsizingforseniors1386]

You sabotaged yoursef - Couldn't you wait for daylight? - Terribly sloppy!!!

[@plumberjoe80]

My free time is worth way more than $50. It’s gotta take you 3-4 hours using a dinky compressor like that.

[@organsnyder]

Looks like he was goofing off with his kids in the meantime, so no time wasted!

[@zemzem8323]

My neighbor and I do it at the same time, it’s fun and a bonding experience, not for everyone I guess.

[@TM-tg4yn]

Ya but you would miss out on seeing a dang tarantula in the back yard! LoL! Great vid thanks!

[@gregsu168]

I borrowed a neighbor's 15 gal compressor and with 13 zones, it took 25 min. 40 PSI and a zone would blow mist after 30 secs. Most of the time was spent walking back/forth to the control panel and hose attachment. Walk to control panel to the start the zone. Then to the hose attachment to turn it on. Walk to that yard area to see mist, walk back to turn off hose and then walk to control panel to pick next zone. Rinse and repeat. I suppose leaving the hose on might have worked, but I was worried about building up pressure on the thinner PVC pipes so I shutoff at that valve each time - glad I had a quarter-turn valve!