Do not blow the system out through a backflow or pump. First blow out the system, then drain the backflow or pump. Do not leave the manual drain valves open after the blow out.
Can you blow out sprinklers through backflow preventer?
Do not blow the system out through a backflow or pump. First blow out the system, then drain the backflow or pump. Do not leave the manual drain valves open after the blow out.
How do you blow out a backflow preventer?
- Shut off water to the irrigation system and drain or prepare to blow out the system.
- With the air compressor attached to a proper point of connection, use the controller or a remote to cycle through all the valves to evacuate water.
- Drain the backflow preventer and leave ball valves at a quarter turn.
How do you winterize a sprinkler system with a backflow preventer?
- STEP 1: Turn off the main water supply and if present, the backflow preventer. …
- STEP 2: Drain any water remaining in the irrigation system. …
- STEP 3: Open all drain valves. …
- STEP 4: Consider hiring a pro (optional, but recommended).
How do I blow out my sprinklers without a compressor?
You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.
How does a backflow preventer work?
A backflow preventer valve is designed to prevent the water in your main water supply lines from flowing in a reverse direction. The valve will distribute the sanitary water from the main supply pipes to the water lines beneath your foundation.
Can I blow out my own sprinkler system?
High pressure and low volume won’t get the job done. You want high volume and low pressure to eliminate damage and completely blow out your sprinklers. Additionally, don’t mistake air pressure and water pressure. … As you can see, blowing out your own sprinkler system isn’t as simple as pushing air through it.
What position should sprinkler valves be in?
Locate your sprinkler valve boxes in or above the ground level. Most professionals install the valves in a box at ground level in the lawn or above ground level in a flowerbed so they are not obstacles when mowing the lawn.When should I blowout my sprinklers?
A good rule of thumb is to have your sprinkler system winterized in early fall, but we recommend keeping an eye on the weather, and ensure that your watering system is drained and blown out at least one week prior to the seasons first freeze.
How do I find my sprinkler master valve?Start at that sprinkler and try to find the valve nearby. The cheapest and easiest way to find buried irrigation valves is often to probe the soil with a thin rod, such as a long screwdriver. Often you can estimate the rough location of the irrigation valve, then find a buried valve box by probing the ground.
Article first time published onHow many gallons does it take to blow out a sprinkler system?
You need a compressor that has either enough volume or large enough motor to fill your system with pressurized air. A compressor size of 4-6 gallons should be enough.
