Winterize Sprinkler Blow Out

[@gmwdim]

It’s that time of year again, time to watch this video again and follow the instructions.

[@naldana6996]

I watched many of this videos, but like this one none. Thank you very much for your explanation. Do it right now.

[@drosenberg8018]

Dave why turn off the compressor before blowing out each zone? Why not allow the compressor to make up some air while blowing out the zone? You're the second person to suggest this - I'm just trying to understand why. Thanks in advance!

[@terryswain9733]

Super helpful -- the best explanation of how to blow out a sprinkler system I could find on KZbin. I figured out what compressor fittings I needed and went to HD and got them. Then I blew out my sprinklers, my mother-in-law's, and my adult children's systems also. It went great even though my compressor only has a 6-gallon tank. Thank you so much!

[@tedh7543]

Thank you so much for this video DIY DAVE! I blew out my irrigation system today and followed your instructions to the letter. I am a plumbing contractor so the process makes total sense to me and of course I have all of the tools to perform this, but I have never had an irrigation system until now in my current home, so this video helped tremendously. I blew out my 7 zones in about 45 minutes and saved $85. Not a bad way to spend 45 minutes on a beautiful afternoon (I ate ice cream and watched videos in my garage while my 15 gallon compressor refilled).

[@swiftmoon4782]

Thanks for this. Perfect level of breaking it down step by step for a beginner without being condescending.

[@DIYDAVE]

Happy to hear this. Good luck with your job.

[@davgh8273]

Thanks for showing us so detailed DIY video. It is greatly helpful!

[@xl3287]

Best video for winterizing sprinkler system. Detail and clear. Thanks Dave.

[@keithmeyers9566]

Thanks for this. It was just what I needed, especially since you use the same system that I do and your instructions were the easiest I’ve seen so far. Perfect for the DIYer.

[@DIYDAVE]

Glad it helped.

[@jerseystrong7284]

Dave thanks for the step by step on blowing out the sprinkler system. Going to buy my own compressor.

[@DIYDAVE]

Good for you. Saving money for years to come.

[@z1522]

The backflow manual describes ONLY passively draining the unit; blowing out must be done from the downstream side, with the last ball valve closed so than no pressurized air is blown through the actual main backflow unit. After all lines are blown out, air is disconnected, then half-open all ball valves for winter.

[@draufganger620]

Very easy to follow and explained perfectly for the novice like myself. Just blew mine out today. The forecast calls for 5 inches of snow tomorrow followed by overnight lows into the low teens. I figured I better get on it. Followed your method and it was a breeze. Thanks man!

[@DIYDAVE]

Happy to hear it worked out well for you. Saving that cash for years to come.

[@jimignatowsky]

Thanks DIY Dave. I purchased my home late last year and had never had an irrigation setup before. The previous owner said the lines would naturally clear with gravity. This spring I had 3 leaks to repair. With your guidance the process should be much easier come next spring. Thanks for the great tutorial.

[@DIYDAVE]

I’m still scratching my head on how a line would clear with gravity. Where’s it going? Glad this helped you.

[@mothug978]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Dave! Love your Tarantino style video! Keep up the good work 👏

[@karmakazeband]

Hey thanks for this video, it really helped me to make the right choices. The "hot dog" style 8 gallon compressor is what I went with, they can be found for under $200. Manufacturers recommend against blowing out sprinklers through backflow preventer test cocks. I didn't have a hose bib or drain after the backflow on my system. I wound up getting an adapter from my local hardware store to hook my compressor to the top test cock on the backflow preventer. I took the the bell cap off. Whenever air was turned on, I would gently pull up the bonnet and lever up the spring assembly on the poppet with a flat-blade screwdriver to provide enough pressure to the system.

[@DIYDAVE]

What I do is close the line before the vacuum breaker, charge the line and slowly open the line. Never any issues for me. Your was should work too! Nice job.

[@jurassicnarc]

Why wouldn’t’ you leave the compressor in the run condition since the outlet valve would prevent you from accidentally over pressuring the sprinkler system?

[@motivationindrive8514]

Just to critique, your supposed to hook after the back flow preventer to because you can damage it if blowing out before it, but you did say you did plan on putting the blow out attachment after the back flow preventer. also tip with the plumber tape... wrap it so it tightens the tape as you screw it into the threads, wrap counter clockwise in this case, just noticed the way you wrapped it, sometimes it can bunch up as you tighten. Good video overall though

[@DIYDAVE]

I suck with the tape, I don’t often use it so I just try and wrap it. It’s not perm but sometimes it bunches like you said. I just do it over :) For the back flow. I close it and then charge the line and then slowly open it. No issues.

[@bugzie706]

if you are implying he wrapped the telflon tape in the wrong direction around the air hose fitting-you are most certainly wrong!

[@motivationindrive8514]

@@bugzie706 this was over a year ago and I’m not rewatching the video… like I stated wrap the Teflon so it tightens as is threaded in… this changes depending if it’s reverse thread application. Either way as I stated is the correct way to do it… so I guess that means your wrong…🤦‍♂️👌👍

[@frogsmoker714]

@@motivationindrive8514 Just wrap it around the opposite way it's gonna be screwed in. Easy

[@motivationindrive8514]

@@frogsmoker714 thank you for saying literally what I said with different words lol

[@tanveernaeem1157]

Great easy to follow video for uninitiated folks. One question though: Do we turn on air supply before opening a zone valve or do we open the valve first and then open the air supply valve. Thanks.

[@jimboreaddabible777]

Best DIY video I've seen in a long time! Thank you!

[@eugenebaja8967]

Best video on explaining for beginners ! Thank You , Eugene

[@farokhbhada5529]

Thanks for this video clip. It was very informative and makes the winterizing process a whole less intimidating

[@DIYDAVE]

That’s great to hear. Let me know when you go through with it and how you faired.

[@anthonyparham312]

Most PVC is rated at 200psi. Leave your compressor on because as soon as you start the zone it will go down and hover around 40psi. If you have a larger system go to the valve that's furthest from the backflow and manually turn it on. Let water drain out all the way of the main line. Set timer to test for 2 to 3 minutes a zone. No running back and forth or turning compressors on and off.

[@moucomics]

Thanks for the information, Dave! Just did this to my house.

[@DIYDAVE]

Happy to hear it was successful - nice work

[@mernachampagnie5426]

Thank you for this video ,its very helpful.My question is,When my system comes on in the mornings its very frightening, its a loud rattling sound and vibration in the line.Thanks

[@sherrya.1060]

Questions: Do you have to keep turning off the compressor between zones? And is it obvious where to hook up the air compressor to the water line???

[@michaeltatalovich991]

Very thorough and practical. Thanks Dave!

[@edwingonzalez6128]

Thank you I followed your instructions and had was successful.

[@akimalam2041]

Nice video - learned a lot - inspiring. Thanks

[@xpert1111]

Why do you need to keep recharging the compressor? As long as you have the output set for the proper PSI it is all automatic no?

[@barrycameron6261]

Thanks so much for answering any questions I had, especially explaining how to use the control box for winterizing my 3 zone system.

[@DIYDAVE]

Glad it helped you out!

[@tylergardner3777]

Do different irrigation systems require a different psi?

[@sheepmasterr]

wow you are good. You got a knack for explaining things. You make it less intimidating. Thank you. Is it possible to use a power washer instead of a compressor? Should be able to blow air instead of water from power washer?

[@DIYDAVE]

I wouldn’t suggest that. Never run a power washer without water running through it.

[@sheepmasterr]

yes my neighbor said it will ruin motor. thanks

[@ipatchee007]

Great teaching Dave! Thanks!

[@scoottscoott90]

I have a similar system with no access point after the back flow. What adapter size are you using for the pipes to fit the compressor quick connect

[@DIYDAVE]

You have to have an opening or a spigot? Depends on your plug size. Bring your plug to the hardware store and find the right sized adapter.

[@barrysmith1341]

The access point should be before the backflow, not after it.

[@DaveSomething]

Thanks, Dave!

[@Rob-hv9kt]

Great detailed video. I’m gonna buy a compressor these bozos where I live on to charge me $145 to blow it out and I refuse to pay that . I can buy a compressor for $143. I have the same system as you do so I was gonna use the control box after selecting desired zone i only have 2 zones . i flip the dial back to run ? That won’t damage my pump ? I operate off well obviously the pump will be off so I guess when you do this, it engages the solenoid?

[@wblighting]

Could you take off the farthest nozzle and blow out the majority of the water faster? Then put back the nozzle to finish?

[@38minori]

I have 4zone sprinkler system. Each zone 4 head sprinkler. I bought 8gal 150psi compressor. I tried blow out water but it didn’t work.what am I doing wrong? Please, answer me. Thank you

[@gkazy]

Hi, great video! Can you add links or the exact names of the quick connects and adapters you use? Thanks

[@DIYDAVE]

I got a kit and some extra one at the big orange hardware store. I’ll add some links in a bit

[@maeu59]

When connect to the spigot there’s not enough pressure to close the vacuum breaker, it’s rated at 175psi. I had to to connect to the small valve after the breaker.

[@a.t.d.515]

Not clear if you are running your compressor and then opening valves or if you open valves then start the compressor??? Do I connect the compressor to the blow out valve then tune it to the right psi and then open up valves?

[@daveaz943]

Charge your compressor to full then tune your PSI. Then turn off the charge switch. Then open your station valve until your compressor depletes. Close the valve and recharge your compressor and do it again until no more mist.

[@a.t.d.515]

@@daveaz943 Thanks!

[@marcisaacs9407]

Hard to see what part of the solonoid you turned?

[@Euro__YT]

Hello DIY Dave I have hard plastic sprinkler pipes down my basement. How much PSI should I go?

[@Tony-dx3eo]

Dave---you may want to upgrade your system controller to something like a Rachio Smart Controller...you can control each zone remotely by using an app on your phone...easy peasy!

[@DIYDAVE]

One day. I just can’t justify that expense :)

[@jw15jawan]

Thanks for the video, what brand of air compressors do you have in the video?

[@Darkice77]

As soon as i pressure mine up with air, it all comes out the blow out valve. How do i get the valve to seal?

[@Darkice77]

I recharged it with water and it seals, so its not blown, but it wont seal with air.

[@Dowan_Gim]

Thank you so much!

[@tomaswalsh-gomez8042]

Dave, what scfm pressure is recommended for 17 zones? Most tanks will hold 130psi. So I don’t think pressure is an issue, but I noticed your tanks scfm was at 4.1.

[@jeremytrieloff]

Hi Dave, is 4 CFPM on that compressor enough long-lasting pressure?

[@DIYDAVE]

Not sure what that converts to. I just do what you see in the video and it works for me. Has been for over a decade.

[@NordicDan]

What diameter of air hose do you use? I have a 3/8" ID hose and wondering if I should get a 1/2" ID hose. Especially given my sprinkler system lines are already 3/4" ID if I remember right.

[@DIYDAVE]

3/8. Works fine for me

[@keithp2345]

Hi! Would a pancake compressor be enough for a small 2 zone system? It covers 700 sq ft.

[@DIYDAVE]

It worked for the commenter above.

[@firefighter49lt]

Be easier to not mess with turning on or off on the compressor as soon as you close the valve the tank should rebuild and then you can open the next zone without the added steps

[@DIYDAVE]

I tried this approach but I was losing compression PSI when the tank was refilling which happens almost immediately if I don’t cut it off. I found it was stronger when I cut off the tank and let it completely discharge. I suspect it’s becasue of the tank size.

[@Rob-hv9kt]

Thats a great point ! I was wondering why you turn off the compressor as well but now that makes sense

[@tomTom-lb5cu]

Thank you

[@marksointu1557]

Great video! I have a small 6 gallon pancake compressor and I ran my 7 zones with 4-5 heads at 40 psi like you said. The water pretty much ran to mist. Ran through each zone 4 times. I noticed a couple of the heads wouldn’t come up by the 3d cycle. Does that indicate there wasn’t enough air? Or is it most likely dry and there was nothing more to come out? Thanks again!!

[@DIYDAVE]

If you don’t get anymore water / mist then the zone is clear.

[@laytonholmgren8366]

Thanks for the helpful video. Should the heads pop up? The first zone did but the rest didn't. I used an 8 gallon 150 PSI compressor and it maintained 75 PSI through the regulator without dropping. Hadn't ran the system for a few weeks.

[@DIYDAVE]

The should pop-up. Are you charging the compressor to full for each zone?

[@laytonholmgren8366]

@@DIYDAVE Yes I fully charged the system and let it turn on to keep the psi up. My assumption is there wasn't a lot of water in the lines. I think you indicated you went through the zones a few times. After the inital time, did they in pop up? I had some water coming out the first time and less water after the first time. Could hear the air coming out.

[@DIYDAVE]

@@laytonholmgren8366 ahh if you already flushed out the water and it went to mist then the heads will drop without water and pressure running through them so your zone is cleared.

[@shane6002]

Hey Dave great informative video why then does the irrigation companies say you need a large CFM compressor to do the lines properly I have a 130 PSI 20 gallon 5 horse compressor did it the exact same way you did yours do you do it two or three times to be sure all the water is out thank you for your time

[@DIYDAVE]

I suspect it's because if you use a smaller compressor and only do it one time then yeah, it's not good enough. But that's why I do it three or 4 times. Works great for me.

[@mrBDeye]

I learned a lot from your video.

[@888Longball]

I bought a new controller that is controlled through an app so it makes changing zones easy.

[@mattavaldez75]

I didn't get to blowing out the sprinkler system yet, it's Sunday and snowing since early this morning, down in the teens, everyone is closed right now, I turned off everything, will my sprinkler pipes underground be ok till tomorrow?

[@DIYDAVE]

We’re both in the same place. I didn’t get to blowing mine either and it’s been dropping. In my experience it takes a few days and very cold spell to affect the lines in the ground but the copper fittings above ground can freeze over in a day when it’s prolonged below 32. Get to it ASAP. It’s 32 here today and this is what I will be doing

[@maximedube2813]

Is there any risk of breaking the backflow system while you blowing air throught it?

[@DIYDAVE]

Not if your PSI out is correct. If you go to high you can break the vacuum seal in the back-flow and you can damage your heads.

[@barrysmith1341]

Make sure your connector is before the backflow though. I’ve done this kind of work for countless years and if your winterization connection is after the backflow, you won’t get all the water out of the system and, risk destroying your backflow if it freezes over the winter.

[@bugzie706]

@@barrysmith1341 wrong!

[@jessegregory829]

Quick question on what size of hose you are using on your compressor. Is it 3/8 or 1/4 diameter?

[@DIYDAVE]

3/8

[@jessegregory829]

Awesome thanks!

[@xanthanx]

I have a wireless system. Pop out my cellphone, and walla! Works flawlessly for each zones. 😁🤪

[@DIYDAVE]

I’m a bit jellie! Those systems are expensive and I can’t justify it because I know how to use my timer and my rain sensor still works.

[@williamvigil9824]

Dave what size is the larger bushing? Seems to be what I have.

[@DIYDAVE]

3/4

[@tonypetrik7430]

Thought it was 40 psi? Maybe 60 through pvc.

[@DIYDAVE]

I’ve been using 60-75 PSI

[@bugzie706]

@@DIYDAVE its rated for 75psi, which means it will not blow out till 85-95psi but why chance that 50 psi is fine

[@hunterdorroh]

Would a 6 gallon work or would you say an 8 is the minimum?

[@DIYDAVE]

I wouldn’t use smaller than the 8 gallon I’m using. With that said if you already have a 6 give it a try. You many need to do each zone a few more times.

[@KK-pb3nt]

Dave, Can you let me know the brand name of the compressor that you use so I can purchase the same kind. I only have 4 zones.

[@RyCryst]

Looks like the Husky 8gal Compressor. I just bought one of these a couple months ago. Looks Identical.

[@DIYDAVE]

Husky 8 Gallon, got it on sale at the Orange Big Box.

[@Shutchohole]

Your channel locks will slip less of you turn them around so that the hook end is over the plug in the direction you want to turn. The teeth are directional. Not a huge deal but I like to give the tip. (I use channel lock pliers literally 100s of times in a day sometimes.)

[@DIYDAVE]

For sure. My plug is pvc so it’s all chewed up so direction for this one doesn’t matter. If it were Metal I would have made the effort to flip it ;)

[@tomallen7699]

Leave plug in but loose

[@andreyv1]

So is your compressor running before you start to turn on zones? Or do you first turn on a zone and then the compressor

[@DIYDAVE]

Charge the compressor and once full then open the zone

[@carmencristantiello5176]

you need volume not pressure. I blow out at 50 psi but have a 30 gallon and a 40 gallon compressors to blow out irrigation systems.. 8 gallons is not enough volume

[@tomaswalsh-gomez8042]

What would you recommend for a 17 zone system?

[@carmencristantiello5176]

@@tomaswalsh-gomez8042 the number of zones doesnt mean much.. you can have two heads per zone, i would recommend a thirty gallon minimum assuming you have six to seven heads per zone.

[@tomaswalsh-gomez8042]

@@carmencristantiello5176 I have 5 heads per zone and use 27 gallon tank for 17 zones. I only pressure up to 30 or 40 psi. 50 starts to be a bit much.

[@bennysadiku4549]

Good job. I pay 125 and it’s expensive

[@dwaaziwaazi]

Add a hose spigot to the cap so you don’t have to remove it annually

[@DIYDAVE]

Good idea. I actually have an extra spigot hanging around too.

[@caledavid4376]

Ross?!?

[@DIYDAVE]

Lol. I get that from time to time.

[@hollowpoint1057]

You actually should put the plug back in. You just don’t tighten it down. Same concept as with the ball valves. They should all be left 25% open (one-quarter turn). Leaving any of them all the way open, or all the way closed can cause issues.

[@michaelmayes6395]

You're using your channel locks upside down, turn then over and they will lock.

[@rwaynem]

No, no, no! Do not blow compressed air through backflow. Can damage backflow. Connect compressor downstream of Backflow. Also, all bacflow valves at half open 40 degree angle including test cocks.

[@logicalrationality3521]

Nope, nope, nope. Sprinkler winterizing cannot be done properly with such a small air compressor. CFM is the only thing that matters, you have to have enough air flow to get behind the water and push (generally no less than 12cfm). An air compressor such as yours has around 4cfm, this causes the air to "float" over the water in the pipe at a certain point, giving the impression that the line has been purged. You may be getting away with doing it this way for a few reasons but most will not be so lucky. Considering the cost involved repairing damages it's irresponsible of you to post this vid as if you know what you are talking about.

[@frayscomedyclips]

Whoa whoa whoa Nelly, "nope nope nope" I appreciate your lively response but calm down, I know it lacks proper etiquette to tell someone to calm down but calm down lol bc you're partially correct, which makes you wrong lol. It can be done with a small air compressor, the guy in the video may be a poor teacher and communicator and made mistakes, but it can be done. Have a good day 😂

[@logicalrationality3521]

@frayperry3704 Uhm what, sounds like you are more worked up than I am, maybe it's you who needs to calm down. Anyway, no, it can not be done with such a small air compressor, it can only be done partially, which is why I said "he may get away with it". I do this for a living, professionally for 20yrs, and I go behind diy and weekend warriors all the time with the proper equipment and blow out the water they left behind.

[@frayscomedyclips]

I'm worked up because of you buddy, with your watered down advice, and it can be done, and with your experience you should know that, it just takes longer. 20 years, It's sad, you are the reason why I do things myself bc I swear workmanship or craftsmanship is overrated, no one knows what they are doing or what they are talking about. You and ppl like your kind just regurgitate what someone taught you, without you actually studying the science behind it. Like I said, it can be done, and the fact that you could care less about inquiring as to why I am stating it can be done speaks volumes about your frame of mind.

[@logicalrationality3521]

@frayperry3704 Watered down, yup, watered down to simple physics...air is lighter than water, without adequate volume the air will ride free space over the water in the pipes. At 4cfm there isn't enough volume, no matter how much time you put in...it's that simple, as taught to me by I don't know, my 5th grade teacher. So maybe climb down off that horse you named arrogance, I diy a lot of things myself, but I don't pick fights with physics

[@logicalrationality3521]

You are one of em aren't you, the weekend warriors who go around ripping people off with your little electric pancake air compressor? I live in a fairly large city and I see you guys all the time. Occasionally I'll knock on a door you just left and finish your shoddy diy job just to show people how you stole from them. I don't fight it too much though, cause in the spring they call me to do the repairs, not you. Guys like you help guys like me get off to a good start earning an honest living in the spring lol. Thanks!

[@chrislatella4249]

soon as you said proper psi i stopped watching

[@bneyens]

Way too much info, and slow….

[@rgagnon1008]

HUGE problem with your technique. You are blowing air THROUGH your backflow preventer. THIS IS WRONG. Air should never be pushed through the backflow preventer. Any Irrigation specialist will tell you this!

[@DIYDAVE]

10+ years and no problem to date.

[@WaterDesignirrigation]

. First of all that machine is way too small. Your saving a few dollars and risking hundreds if not thousands on repairs in the springHave fun. I’m a

[@DIYDAVE]

Thanks for your very inaccurate comment. Been using this type of machine for over a decade and never one problem. And my own irrigation pro said it’s fine. It will take you a bit but it’s fine. It seems most of the comments like these are from Irrigation Pros losing business to DIY. Adapt or Die is my business model.

[@raoulduke5673]

Hell yeah! Get em Dave!

[@jayabraham4377]

@@DIYDAVE Agreed! Remember that water expands only 11% when frozen. So you don’t need to necessarily remove every drop of water from the lines with a very powerful compressor. Just need to remove enough water from the lines such that it won’t freeze and expand such that it will cause damage. I saw and chatted with the Pro that came and did it my house and did the entire job in less than 20 minutes and going rate is $90 in my area. Saw the entire process and easy enough for the DIYer.

[@Rob-hv9kt]

@@DIYDAVE you absolutely right it just takes a little longer you may have to repeat and rinse couple times on each zone at the very worst

[@iceman846]

Why are you using those pliers backwards