skip to main content

sprinkler winterization question

18 years ago

Hello, all.

I tried to blow out water yesterday using a 5HP 20 Gal pump. A couple of questions: I know I won't be able to take all the water out with this pump, but how much should I take out? Is there a rule of thumb? I remember I read somewhere that as long as sprinkler heads stay up after the mist, I am putting in enough volume of air. But I am not getting that. Some water comes out but after some mist, heads just go back.

Also, I have this one particular zone that is on quite a slope that I did not get any water out. Not even the heads will pop up. This is the closest zone to the pump. Is it normal or should I be concerned about this?

Any comments or tips will help. Thanks a lot.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

waterboy69
18 years ago
Are you opening the zone valves before blowing the air through the lines?
mich5
Original Author
18 years ago
Well, I blew out a couple of times on each zone and I waited about 10 seconds before I opened up each zone on second run. My guess is that my pressure was too low at ~35psi. I am going to try again with 40-50psi today.
Related Discussions
Turned on water after sprinklers were winterized... what to do?
Q
Comments (1)
nj Unless the pipes to the valves are metal, winterize again. What cost more winterizing or repair manifold and mainline pipe usually in difficult place to get at. JMHO Aloha
...See More
Winterizing Sprinkler System
Q
Comments (1)
C, If your laterals and heads are lower in elevation than your anti-siphon valve and each sprinkler is lower than the next, you probably are okay. If you have a shut main to your sprinkler system, turn it off. If you haven't seen splitting of the above ground mainlines, you are probably okay. Thaw in the spring will tell. Pray more than once. JMHO. Aloha
...See More
Cap-off Sprinkler head and winterizing
Q
Comments (4)
Usually the winterizing process involves an air compressor to force the water coming out of the heads. Then turning on the lower point drain to let the rest of water coming out (it is in my basement). Would that be sufficient to just use the lower point drain?
...See More
help me winterize my sprinkler system
Q
Comments (1)
You can attach a fitting to the test cock. Set your compressor to 40 psi Max. I have a drain/waste valve in the house that supplys the water. I shut the water off and remove the waste cap. I screw a compressor fitting over the hole and purge from there. Done it for years. No problems. Again, keep the pressure down.
...See More
arcas
18 years ago
40-50psi may not be sufficient either. The company that installed my sprinklers used around 65psi to winterize my setup this morning. This was higher than I expected so I asked him about it and he said anything under 45psi gives iffy results unless you're willing to spend a lot of time doing it. Even at 65psi with a tow-behind compressor, it took a good 20 minutes to blow out 4 zones. I'd imagine it would take the better part of an afternoon to do so with my little 15 gallon compressor.
steve_l
18 years ago
It takes me about an hour to do 6 zones with my 15 gallon 3.5HP Sears unit, along with disconnecting the well pump/tank connections and wiring. I do each zone twice (once would be fine but I'm paranoid). 50 psi has worked for me. I'm up to 10 years now without a problem. Your mileage may vary.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

Help! 5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Do You Have an Answer for This Week's Design Dilemmas?

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

REMODELING GUIDES 13 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Tackling a Renovation

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

No one knows you better than yourself, so to get the remodel you truly want, consider these questions first

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

Design Dilemmas: 5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Share Your Design Know-How on the Houzz Questions Board

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

REMODELING GUIDES Planning a Kitchen Remodel? Start With These 5 Questions

By Tiffany Carboni

Before you consider aesthetics, make sure your new kitchen will work for your cooking and entertaining style

Sponsored

Bull Run Kitchen and Bath

241 Reviews

Virginia's Top Rated Kitchen & Bath Renovation Firm I Best of Houzz

More Discussions

Irrigation idea to water the garden

5

Adding a Drip Zone

0

What is the best sprinkler head for rusty water?

1

Cannot find irrigation water source and need to replace valve

1

New Berry Patch Questions and Requests for Advice

3