How to blow out your sprinkler system Winterizing sprinkler irrigation

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How to blow out your sprinkler system
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303-255-5554 Winterizing sprinkler irrigation is very important in preventing freeze damage over the winter. Before the first freeze, it is important to blow out and winterize your sprinkler irrigation system. Landscaping tips.
1) Shut off the water valve inside the home that feeds the sprinkler irrigation system
2) Open the release valve with a flat head screwdriver to allow air inside the system
3) Hook up your air compressor (100psi) to the release valve and open the first valve to allow air into the fist zone.
4) Let the air push all or most of the water out of the sprinkler heads until only air is coming out.
5) Close the first valve and open the second valve.
6) Open each remaining valve one at a time to push all of the remaining water out of the lines.
7) Keep the 2 ball valves 3/4 open to allow any excess water to expand and escape if frozen.
8) Open the release valves at the bottom of the lines to release any remaining water
9) Cover the sprinkler system with insulation to prevent any freeze damage
Not all sprinkler systems are set up the same. Most sprinkler irrigation systems have different on and off valves. By following these step by step instructions, you should be able to blow out your sprinkler irrigation sytem on your own. If you need help, please feel free to leave a question in the comment box or give us a call today. Thanks for watching!
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3 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 237

@renaks27 11 лет назад

Thank you!! My husband usually does this but he's deployed. I couldn't bring myself to pay somebody when we had the equipment to do it myself. My system is winterized thanks to you!

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

You're very welcome and make sure to thank your husband for his services. We really appreciate that.

@MrSebesta 2 года назад

This is by far the best job at explaining the proper steps in winterizing an in-ground sprinkler system!!! Very well put together to hit on the necessary information while not adding so much commentary that you lose the average viewer!!! I recommend following this video if you're here to learn the right way!!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!

@michaelj.c.peters557 Год назад

thanks for the video - I lived in Denver (Castle Rock) for 15 years, and never had a problem using your method. The problem came in the spring, after the first nice warm week and I'd turn the system back on and then BOOOM 12 degrees at noon the next day and blew the top off the Febco - $$$$$ took a long time to learn to wait till after June 1st.

@truthreignsfacts4997 7 лет назад

A excellent, informative video on winterizing the sprinkler system. Thank you for a great video made for some of us who are dummies.

@jfontini1 11 лет назад

Very simple and consice, I drainned my system and did not experience any issues. Thanks.

@upabittoolate 11 лет назад

Extremely useful. Thanks from a Stapleton resident.

@jeremybordenca1508 9 лет назад

Currently working for a lawn irrigation company in new england as a service tech. I have run into situations where the poppet assembly inside the bell continues to leak while winterizing. What ive found is that your standard air compressor for tools may not be enough pressure to the poppet and allow air to flow to the system. Typically a trailer mount or truck mount is used because the pressure stays constant at 120-140 psi. Also...when blowing out, you want to blow out from the bottom test port blowing through the backflow totally. If you dont have access to the controller the valves ars the easiest option, however setting a 2 min test cycle on the controller not only assures the zone will be blown out, but all zones will be blown out equally, and you know the controller is functioning properly. Once completed turn both ball valves to 45° angles allowing for no water (condensation) build up freezing and crackinv the casing around the valve. Remember to unplug your controller. This will save $$ in the event a power surge occurs wiping out your program and mother board. Hunter PRO-C controllers are prone to this as well as older Rainbird /Rain Dial controllers.

@knockitstiff 3 года назад

@jeremy bordenca Good advice! I live in MA and have been chasing my guy for weeks to blow out the lines. With cold weather moving in, I will have to do this myself. From your comments, blowing through the Febco backflow valve at 120-140 PSI is NOT a problem, correct? I have a 2 gallon, 125 PSI compressor but I might need one with a bigger tank. In case I have to go buy one, what are the minimum specs that I need to do the job? Thanks!

@joelmatzdorf4151 2 года назад

This video was incredibly helpful, and go Bronocs! One tip to add, make sure your compressor output is somewhere near 60 PSI to ensure the backflow preventer seals. I was struggling to connect my compressor to the backflow because the PSI was too low and it was blowing air through the top instead of sealing.

@medavis Год назад

This was very helpful, thank you @Joel Matzdorf! I was having this exact problem

@lukermusick Год назад

Underrated comment of the century

@giankim5228 Год назад

Thank you for including this valuable information in the comments! I was going to call a professional because I couldn't figure out what was going on.

@sneumann8279 11 месяцев назад

Good tip. Also, 60 is about the magic number. The 100 mentioned in this video could damage irrigation components.

@archadoodledandy 11 месяцев назад

My backflow wouldn’t seal properly no mater what psi I used. I took off the cap and poured some water in it and then released the air into the system and got it to finally work.

@nathanstewart8137 9 лет назад

Thanks a lot, your video was the most informative I could find. Not an ad telling you that you need a professional. Thanks again for the great video and go Broncos

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+Nathan Stewart Thanks for watching!

@acidburn95 4 года назад

Fantastic video, thank you for sharing. Thanks to you, I was able to figure out that I needed to set my compressor to 80 PSI to kick open the back flow prey, once I did that, I quickly decreased to 40 PSI and sprinkler heads started popping with the sweet sound of water and air escaping. Cheers brotha!

@AlexWelchRacing 2 года назад

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@AlexWelchRacing 2 года назад

Oooiiij

@jandrb55 11 лет назад

So easy to do thanks. All I had was two gallon tank but did job with patience

@erinplur 11 лет назад

There is no need to cover the pipes after they are completely blown out, as only freezing water inside the pipes will damage the parts. Good video. Many other systems will have the main shutoff outside buried and accessible via a box or tube.

@mastersmuseumofficialchann7327 8 лет назад

I appreciate your video, it was really helpful. You did what my neighbors in 2 years haven't done. God bless.

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

Try tapping on the top of the backflow with the side of your screwdriver while air is going through. It's not sealing inside the housing. Also try turning air on and off a couple of times.

@machia0705 10 лет назад

Excellent, thank you, New Jersey.

@michaelnelson9441 Год назад

Thank you very much!!! Very easy to follow!!!

@timmeester6824 2 года назад

Thanks for taking the time to walk us all through this subject. I'm from Phoenix (never need to do this in PHX0 and at I'm at my parents place in NE who are not able to do it themselves these days so it was up to me to get it done and this was very helpful. Thanks again for such a detailed vid, it was very helpful and probably saved us a bunch of money in repairs next spring!

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

Awesome! I've been to San Diego/ Mission Beach several times. I love it. Must be nice to not have to winterize.

@peteagrawal 9 лет назад

Thank you for the video. We are scrambling for the time to have someone come out do the work for our condo. Long story short, I am about to get a compressor and do this work my own.

@DamonDAmico 8 лет назад

+Pete Agrawal Where do you live?

@peteagrawal 8 лет назад

Chicago IL

@SegaCDUniverse Год назад

Seemed to work well, thank you!

@maeu59 11 месяцев назад

I’ve tried connecting to the spigot at the bottom of my system, but there wasn’t enough pressure to close the vacuum valve so I connected just like you show to one of the test valves and it worked fine.

@DamonDAmico 12 лет назад

Either the plastic has cracked from freeze damage which you can check by taking off the metal top and unscrewing the plastic or the o ring may be broke. Sometimes if you have to much air going through, you can tap on the metal top with a screw driver to make the seal inside. Try opening one of the valves before you hook the air up.

@tobyt881 11 лет назад

Thanks for this useful how-to video.

@cwsnowpro1959 10 лет назад

made it look simple,thanks

@DamonDAmico 10 лет назад

Thanks for watching and sharing!

@specialed828 10 лет назад

Great job on the video... I am going to see if there's a place to add air to our commercial system at my job..but I dont think so. Ty so much

@tyh7158 2 года назад

Those they are having issues with air coming out of the bell top, I tried higher PSI and few other things which didnt work. What I ended up doing is turning the water on so it would seal then shut off the valve going to your house again. Dont open anything to lower the pressure then connect your air compressor(have 60psi built up) , open the valve where youre connected with your air and then start opening your zones. From that point, i left the air compressor on and shut off the zone to let the pressure build back up to 60 psi and opened the zone again, then next zone rinse and repeat till I finished. Last years Febco had some water and caused it crack. Took out the bell top, poppet & bonnet and put them in a plastic bag then taped underneath my sprinkler system this year. Figure better to put it inside where the rubber gaskets are not exposed to the cold.

@DaleBrunsvold 11 лет назад

i just wanted to say that when I just did my sprinkler system I used only a 1 gallon compressor and it worked fine. I didn't really need any pressure. Just connected it turned it on and went from zone to zone until I got air. Used hardly any pressure at all.

@staceylrogers 9 лет назад

Before you opened your third valve, you had vented the ball valves. When you directed the camera back to the backflow preventer, the valves were in the open position. Shouldn't they remain vented (45degrees) until they are turned on in the spring? Also, I like to vent the ports as well, to prevent cracking.

@honoratoleal4160 2 года назад

thanks for helping God Bless

@mr.createandfix5504 2 года назад

Having the removable backflow device is against code in some cities. Some people are removing the device, then installing a straight pipe in place to increase pressure on a poorly designed system because backflow devices create pressure loss. Check with your local/state officials before removing your device. In TX you must have a license to re-install a device.

@kurtpes 13 дней назад

Thank you! Just moved to Elizabeth and was not sure what to do. When should this be done in the fall?

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

You can get a 5-6 gallon compressor with 150 max psi and use about 50-100 psi depending on your irrigation set up.

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

Your welcome. Glad I could help

@tomwatson5628 8 лет назад

Nice video. I have been watching a few of them now. The only thing that concerns me is that everyone else is say don't go over 80psi because it can cause damage to the pipes. Do you feel 80psi is adequate.

@machia-mw1lm 7 лет назад

Thank you from New Jersey .

@AndrewCottle 11 лет назад

Damon, I appreciate this great video. I had 2 questions actually: 1 - I keep reading a lot of "How tos" that mention not to blow compressed air through the vacuum breaker, but it looks like that is how you demonstrate. Is it really now that big of a deal as long as you don't have the pressure too high? 2- I live in Denver area and the other night it got very cold so I turned off water and removed the vacuum breaker. Does the line/backflow need to be pressure sealed again before blowing out?

@Guillotines_For_Globalists 7 лет назад

Whenever I tried to winterize through either of the two test ports on the backflow preventer, all of the air comes out through the backflow preventer, not through the sprinkler system. Any ideas? You should also mention not to pressurize the system at the full 90-100 psi. Something like 30-40 psi would be much safer for the plastic in the ground. Same goes for the sprinkler heads themselves, especially the ones that move. Without water they will be burning up without the lubrication and cooling that the liquid provides.

@79dogface 7 лет назад

First time home owners here. Learning fast. Why leave the valves halfway open? Thanks

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

If you have a drain valve below the valves, you can open it and it will drain. You should be able to hook up air though the back flo.

@Mikedoc52 11 лет назад

Every backflow manufacturer I know of says NEVER blow the air through the backflow. It can damage the seals and other parts in it.

@jeremybordenca1508 7 лет назад

Mikedoc52 ive been in the irrigation industry for quite some time here in massachusetts. 90% of the backflows i have serviced or seen, have all had either a 1/2" or 3/4" draw off ( similar to boiler drain) installed before the backflow itself to serve as a spigot for homeowner use. We also use the very same spigot for hose connection during winterization. Most of our compressors are tow behind or skid mount and the backflows seem to hold up rather quite well after countless winterizations. Obviously there is the occassional one that falls fault to damage, but its been after a homeowner turned the system on and failed to close the ballvalves to prevent water flow back into an already winterized system. Watts and Febco backflows are what we have been using as well.

@omid6009 3 года назад

Nice job, and Go Broncos

@BexterSports 9 лет назад

There are 2 ports on the system. You connected your air compressor line to the top one. Q1: Why is the lower port not used? Q2: Do I leave those ports open or closed after the air is removed? Informative video. Thanks, Mike

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+Mike Scerbo You don't need the other valve for the blow out. Keep the valves 3/4 open to allow any air or water to escape over the winter.

@normanmack2368 2 года назад

Well done.

@cris020572 11 лет назад

Thanks for the info. Go Broncos!!!

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

You can use either as long as the one you hook up to is open and the other is closed.

@foxgdsmck 7 лет назад

Great video. As another CO resident, i was struggling to get air pressure into the line but the backflow valve just kept girggling. Not making its way into the lines. What should i do?

@gregleonard6414 11 месяцев назад

If I have or hear air coming from the ball valve and it looks like it’s broken. Does that mean I won’t be able to get air into the system? And is that valve and easy repair? Thank you.

@fazalabbas 11 лет назад

I think 100psi pressure is too much. I talk to the sprinkler shop and he said that our sprinkler are designed for 80psi. He said start with 50psi and then adjust accordingly. Thanks for sharing.

@jesusavalos5548 6 лет назад

Broncos fan💪💪💪

@mrlaney62 10 лет назад

Nice video, I watched it last year before winterizing and am watching it again to prep for this winter. I don't think you mentioned it but I think you should close the hand valve between the compressor fitting and house to keep pressure from going into the supply line, right? Thanks

@DamonDAmico 10 лет назад

Thanks for the comment and please share the video!

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

If there are two valves on the backflow, you need to make sure the other is closed. Try tapping on the top of the backflow with the side of your screwdriver while air is going through.

@suewalker7823 11 лет назад

Very helpful and well-done video but I think something must be wrong with my backflow preventer as it makes a loud flapping noise and air is coming back out instead of going into the system. Any ideas?

@spelunkerd 11 лет назад

I have backflow preventers just proximal to each solenoid, I believe in the design of "atmospheric vacuum breakers", with no test ports. Of course they are the highest point of each sprinkler zone, about a foot above ground level. If I can't blow through those, how do I clear the system of water? Is there any way to test those devices?

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

You can use either as long as the one you hook up to is open and the other is closed.

@chadmartin2372 9 лет назад

You can install ball valves at the end of each station and open them at blow out time and get 100% of the water out.

@MarkKrisburg 3 года назад

This is true only if the sprinkler heads have been tapped into a single line without long side branches. Unfortunately, most design systems have long side branches going to 1 or more sprinkler heads. Not only is this undesirable because you cannot blow out the entire line by opening a single ball valve at the end, it is also undesirable because any breaks in the line that are repaired often get some dirt into the system, which will plug up the sprinkler heads. Being able to wash out this dirt by opening a single ball valve instead of having to unscrew the spray heads on all heads to get all the dirt out, is another advantage against using long side branches to spray heads.

@robertkolinski2365 3 года назад

I watched 3 different videos, and got 3 different PSI recommendations. 60, 80 and 100.

@DamonDAmico 12 лет назад

Thanks for comment. I've blown out several systems. You can push 100 psi without any damage, no problem. The way I'm doing it is correct and the lines are clear of water. The drain at the bottom was opened and water was released completely.

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

Try tapping on the top of the metal housing with a screw driver or something. It just need to seal before the air will travel through the lines.

@R2Stewardship 7 лет назад

nice video...thanks

@burnowt79 12 лет назад

What if you have air coming from the round thing at the top of that valve?

@interstateceo303 5 лет назад

Cool Broncos sticker

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

Try CPS for old parts for your irrigation.

@jimhawes9414 9 лет назад

I think you mentioned a pressure of 100 psi, a lot of irrigation pipe is rated for 60 psi. Normal house water pressure is approx 50 psi or less

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+Jim Hawes Hi Jim! Most irrigation line will hold up with up to 200 psi. I would NEVER recommend this though. 80-100 psi works great! I've blown out several systems with the same results! All good!

@PeriodPuddle Год назад

yeah dudes a hack, blowing nozzles off left and right i promise you

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

Depends on what your irrigation is set up with. I always use and recommend 80 - 100 psi no damage.

@MrOldtimefan 11 лет назад

Question my system wasn't used this year should I still blow it out?

@nathanstewart8137 9 лет назад

From DGO, CO-GO BRONCOS!

@ibefilmin 8 лет назад

1:33 Denver Broncos! Hell Yeah!

@XPLSV357 11 лет назад

I was getting the whooshing sound through the vacuum breaker and a couple taps with the screwdriver sealed it up and I proceeded through the stations with success. I later tried to do a second round and could not get the vacuum breaker to seal no matter where or how many times I tapped. Do you think I might need to replace it? Also...I have one drip station...it does not twist nor look like the other watering station tops. Do these drip stations blow out differently? Thanks for a great video!

@Pancake_is_silly 8 лет назад

I had the same problem, which was that the component of the back-flow valve was not sealing not matter how much pressure I applied. I found the solution. Remove the nut keeping the brass cover on, and then remove the brass cover and set it aside. I then used a screwdriver to gently pull up on the sliding plastic part which creates a seal when water or air is passed through the system. I found that helping it up a bit and then applying the air pressure it would seal itself, and voula, air and water started properly draining through my zones.

@brucejsg 7 лет назад

Thank you for this video. I am assuming we should leave those 3 black sprinkler valves closed during the winter ? Also you said to leave the 2 knobs on the outside pipe 1/4 way closed and you do it, but in the end of the video they are completely closed.

@MikeD-qx1kr 11 лет назад

Would this also work to blow out water out of a baseboard heating system? I have 3 zones in a house and want to empty 2 of them to I dont have to heat the building., Thank you!

@Tay-ky3fi 11 месяцев назад

A few questions: I have literally the exact same exterior set up. The only exception is i don't have the male 0.25" NPT air compressor connector. What are the sizes of those fittings? also, @4:45 you say "open up these valves" but, didn't they start off in the open position? I thought that the perpendicular to the pipe position = closed, and vertical (parallel with the pipe) is open?

@Tay-ky3fi 11 месяцев назад

Actually I found the official manual to drain the system: media.wattswater.com/fp765.pdf

@TheDylan6908 2 года назад

Is that device that you connected " your air compressor up to a backflow preventer??

@christopheraynes4869 9 лет назад

What is the lower fitting for? The one just under where you hooked up the Air hose? Thanks

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+Christopher Aynes You can just keep the other one closed. You don't need it in the blow out.

@funkybluegrass 11 лет назад

I haven't done a thing to my sprinkler system...it's currently midnight and about 30 degrees outside. If I get to the system tomorrow, will it already be too late? The low is supposed to be 29 degrees. Thanks. You probably won't see this until tomorrow anyway :)

@DanColwell 7 лет назад

Connecting to the PVB Test Cocks and using 100psi. Those are the TOP 2 things everyone tells you not to do.

@stevenoliver2208 11 лет назад

My vacuum breaker looks like yours. When I connect the compressor to the top relief port, I get a steady wooshing sound. Didn't hear that with yours.

@TREAL406 11 лет назад

Ok thanks! Does procedure always require a person to have and use a flat head screwdriver?

@richspak374 9 лет назад

Thanks for the video regarding winterization of a lawn sprinkler system. I am trying to determine what the specifications would be for the compressor. Any adice you may give me would be greatly appreciated. My system is also a six zone system. Thanks, Rich

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+Rich Spak Rich. I use a small compressor with 80-120 psi. It dose not take much presure to blow the water out. Each zone may need about 20-30 seconds of constant air presure to remove most of the remaining water. Hope that helps!

@CameronsCandorOriginal 6 лет назад

My pancake compressor does the trick. 60 psi is all you really need. Any higher and you risk damaging the system.

@ynnad54 11 лет назад

Thank you!

@DamonDAmico 11 лет назад

#1This is how we do it all the time. #2 You do not have to pressure seal. Once the air pushes the remaining water through the lines, just keep supply off and insulate the exposed irrigation above the ground.

@bygonebob Год назад

Or better yet, just disconnect the PVB from the system (since it's already been sharkbited) and store it indoors and cover up the exposed piping. Fast and simple. God bless.

@DavidYork_aka_Dr-Yo 11 лет назад

Thanks for the video, Damon! I have a shop compressor that I use for nailers and such. Is the CFM super important to get the water out? I'm not confident I got enough out of the lines using my compressor. It's a Porter Cable C3101 150 PSI 4.3 Gallon compressor. It says I have 7.1 SCFM Air Delivery.

@kevinerickson84 11 лет назад

i agree.. what about the feed line going into the house? isn't that still full of water? lol

@alincosma1 Год назад

I have a question, I connected to the water spigot below, run through the first zone and then paused to give compressor time to recharge. When I switched to zone 2, nothing happens now, except the back prevention valve makes a noise like air is letting air escape. What am I missing? I used 40-50 PSI for the first zone and worked fine.

@DaleSteadman 11 лет назад

Hey Damon, thanks for sharing your video. Question: I have all the values set like in your video but when I go to blow out the water in the system the air is going out the bell housing any ideas why this is happening?

@samhoffmanASU1 4 года назад

Hey dale, sounds like I had the exact same issue as you. I have been searching everywhere for answers so I know how to do this next time and haven’t found anything. Let me know if you found an answer!

@hassanm786 4 года назад

@@samhoffmanASU1 you need to momentarily set you psi to 80 so that the backflow prey kicks in. Then turn it back to around 50.

@severoanaya4192 4 года назад

Can you show us the compressor you used?

@briank9315 6 лет назад

Its a BAD idea to connect to the Vacuum Breaker. You can blow the Bonnet Poppet right of the unit with 100PSI. (60psi recommended, 80psi MAX for second runs after initial water has been blown out).

@maeu59 3 года назад

When I hook up the air with the zones closed the air comes out the top of the pressure valve, why isn’t the valve holding pressure?

@mattcotter5665 11 лет назад

what if there are more than one compressor type fittings on the blow out preventer

@snowdiann 12 лет назад

You do know that there is a check valve in the bottom of the backflow. The way you're doing it you will never be able to purge the line back to the main shutoff bleed. Also never go over 60 pounds line pressure.

@Migkiller1971 9 лет назад

Follow your instruction and got most of the water out. Now there is air leaking from the bell of the Febco not allow me to continue. any ideas? I used around 80 psi. cheers

@Migkiller1971 9 лет назад

+KoolKatJazz Nevermind. Figured out my plastic housing cracked.

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+KoolKatJazz Glad you were able to get it figured out!

@haioiii 6 лет назад

i'm having the same issue with air leaking from the bell. How did you replace the plastic housing?

@ragaeiwashington1607 4 года назад

There were two valves where you connected compressor. Does it matter which one you used (top or bottom)? Also, what is that plastic ring hanging from one of the valves?

@CODadHackz 12 лет назад

THanks for posting this. I had a question. I live in Castle Rock and was wondering what level of air pressure you'd recommend. I've heard anywhere from 50psi to your 100 psi. I guess I can start at 50 and move up. Thanks

@jonathancook1232 11 лет назад

My system has the blow out port after the backflow preventer and a ball valve after that. Is there any reason to not reverse the blowout port and ball valve?

@Rockhounding-with-Bigfoot 6 лет назад

Saw the Broncos sticker lol =)

@franciscomendoza7047 9 лет назад

Great illustrative video, one question I have is: how much PSI in the compress is needed to blow the air in the pipes? Thanks!

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+Francisco Mendoza 50 to 80 PSI is good although some may require a bit more pressure. Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe to our channel!

@nathanstewart8137 9 лет назад

Why do you only leave your ball valves qtr turned and not completely closed? Everything else was very clear.

@DamonDAmico 9 лет назад

+Nathan Stewart If you leave the valves partially opened, this will allow for any expansion for ice to be released. If they are kept closed and there is any water left over or built up, you will have freeze damage to the back flow or copper.