Is Old Man Winter knocking at your door? Before the temperatures plummet and your sprinkler system turns into a frozen disaster, it's time to winterize! One crucial step is blowing out the water lines with compressed air. But hold on! Too much pressure can damage your system, leading to costly repairs. Let's find the Goldilocks zone of air pressure to safely protect your sprinklers.

## Understanding Sprinkler System Winterization

Why bother blowing out your sprinklers? Simple: water expands when it freezes. If water remains in your pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads during freezing temperatures, it can crack or burst them. Blowing out the system removes most of the water, preventing this freeze damage.

## The Air Pressure Sweet Spot: Finding the Right PSI

The key to a successful blow-out is using the right amount of air pressure. Too little, and you won't clear the lines effectively. Too much, and you risk damaging your delicate sprinkler components.

*   **General Rule of Thumb:** Aim for a pressure between **30 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch)**. This range is generally safe for most residential sprinkler systems.

*   **Important Factors:** The ideal pressure depends on several factors:
    *   **Pipe Material:** PVC pipes are generally more robust than older polyethylene (poly) pipes. Poly pipes may require lower pressures.
    *   **System Age:** Older systems may have weakened joints or corroded components, making them more susceptible to damage.
    *   **Sprinkler Head Type:** Some sprinkler heads are more sensitive to pressure than others.

### Determining Your System's Ideal Pressure

Here's how to figure out the best pressure for your specific setup:

1.  **Consult the Manufacturer's Specifications:** If you have the manual for your sprinkler system, it should specify the recommended pressure range for winterization. This is the best source of information.
2.  **Check the Sprinkler Heads:** Some sprinkler heads have a pressure rating printed on them. Use this as a guide.
3.  **Start Low and Increase Gradually:** If you're unsure, begin with a lower pressure (around 30 PSI) and slowly increase it until you see water being expelled from the sprinkler heads. Never exceed 80 PSI unless you are certain your system can handle it.
4.  **Err on the Side of Caution:** It's better to under-pressurize than over-pressurize. You can always repeat the process with slightly higher pressure if needed. Replacing a burst pipe is much more expensive than running your compressor a little longer.

## Equipment You'll Need

To safely blow out your sprinkler system, you'll need:

*   **Air Compressor:** Choose a compressor with a sufficient tank size and CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating to handle your system. A compressor with at least 20 CFM is generally recommended.
*   **Adaptor:** An adaptor to connect the air compressor hose to your sprinkler system's connection point (usually a backflow preventer or mainline valve).
*   **Safety Glasses:** Protect your eyes from debris.
*   **Wrench:** To tighten connections.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Blowing Out Your Sprinklers

1.  **Shut Off the Water Supply:** Turn off the main water valve to your sprinkler system.
2.  **Connect the Compressor:** Attach the air compressor hose to the system using the appropriate adaptor.
3.  **Set the Pressure:** Set the air compressor regulator to the desired PSI (start low!).
4.  **Open Zones Sequentially:** Open one sprinkler zone at a time. Allow the air to run until no more water comes out, typically for 2-3 minutes per zone.
5.  **Repeat for All Zones:** Repeat the process for each zone in your system.
6.  **Disconnect the Compressor:** Once all zones are cleared, disconnect the air compressor.

## Important Safety Tips

*   **Never exceed the recommended pressure.**
*   **Wear safety glasses.**
*   **Keep children and pets away from the area during the blow-out process.**
*   **If you're unsure about any step, consult a professional irrigation specialist.**

By following these guidelines, you can confidently winterize your sprinkler system and avoid costly freeze damage. Happy winterizing!

Learn the safe air pressure range for blowing out your sprinkler system to prevent damage and ensure a worry-free winter. Protect your investment!

Sprinkler Systems — posts & guides

Don't Burst Your Pipes! The Right Air Pressure for Winterizing Sprinklers