How To Blow Out A Rainbird Sprinkler System?
Protect your Rainbird sprinkler system from winter freeze damage! This guide teaches you how to blow out a Rainbird sprinkler system properly using compressed air, preventing costly repairs.
Why You Need to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on irrigation systems. Water trapped inside pipes expands when it freezes, potentially causing pipes to burst, sprinkler heads to crack, and backflow preventers to fail. Winterizing, specifically blowing out your sprinkler system, removes this standing water, safeguarding it from damage. For a Rainbird system, which often includes sophisticated components, proper winterization is crucial to ensure its longevity and reliable performance.
Benefits of Blowing Out Your Sprinkler System
Properly blowing out your Rainbird sprinkler system provides several key benefits:
- Prevents Freeze Damage: Eliminates standing water to avoid burst pipes and cracked components.
- Extends System Lifespan: Protecting components reduces wear and tear.
- Saves Money on Repairs: Avoids costly repairs due to freeze damage.
- Ensures System Readiness for Spring: Guarantees a functioning system when warmer weather returns.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary equipment:
- Air Compressor: Select a compressor with sufficient CFM (cubic feet per minute) for your system size. A minimum of 50 CFM is recommended for residential systems.
- Adaptor Fittings: You’ll likely need an adaptor to connect the air compressor hose to your sprinkler system’s blow-out connection. Typically a male hose fitting to a pipe thread fitting.
- Safety Glasses: Eye protection is essential when working with compressed air.
- Wrench: To tighten or loosen connections as needed.
- Screwdriver (if needed): For opening and closing valves.
- Timer/Watch: To monitor blowing times for each zone.
The Blow-Out Process: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for effective winterization. Remember to always prioritize safety and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Turn off the Water Supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve for your sprinkler system and turn it off completely.
- Locate the Blow-Out Connection: This is usually a threaded fitting specifically designed for connecting an air compressor. It may be located near the backflow preventer or on the main supply line.
- Attach the Air Compressor: Connect the air compressor hose to the blow-out connection using the appropriate adaptor.
- Set the Compressor Pressure: Important: Do not exceed 80 PSI. For most residential Rainbird systems, 40-60 PSI is sufficient. Over-pressurizing can damage sprinkler heads and pipes.
- Open One Zone at a Time: Manually open the valve for the first zone. If you have an automatic controller, you can manually activate each zone from the control panel.
- Blow Out the Zone: Gradually introduce compressed air into the system. Allow the air to run until only a fine mist emerges from the sprinkler heads. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per zone.
- Repeat for All Zones: Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each zone in your sprinkler system, ensuring that all water is removed.
- Disconnect the Air Compressor: Once all zones are blown out, carefully disconnect the air compressor.
- Close All Valves: Manually close all zone valves.
- Insulate the Backflow Preventer: Protect the backflow preventer from freezing by wrapping it with insulation material.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-Pressurizing the System: Exceeding the recommended pressure can damage pipes and sprinkler heads.
- Blowing Out All Zones Simultaneously: Doing so can overwhelm the compressor and reduce the effectiveness of the blow-out.
- Neglecting the Backflow Preventer: This component is particularly vulnerable to freeze damage and needs proper insulation.
- Not Draining the Pump (If Applicable): If your system uses a pump, drain it completely to prevent freezing.
- Skipping the Main Shut-Off: If water keeps appearing at the sprinkler heads even after blowing out the zone, you may need to inspect and ensure the main water supply is completely off.
Pressure Recommendations Table
| Component | Recommended Pressure (PSI) |
|---|---|
| Main Lines | 40-60 |
| Rotor Heads | 40-50 |
| Spray Heads | 30-40 |
| Note: Always consult your Rainbird system’s manual for specific pressure recommendations. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I blow out my Rainbird sprinkler system?
You should blow out your Rainbird sprinkler system every year before the first hard freeze. This ensures that all water is removed before temperatures drop below freezing, preventing potential damage.
Can I use a shop vacuum instead of an air compressor?
While some people have experimented with using shop vacuums, it’s not recommended. They typically don’t provide sufficient CFM to effectively remove all the water, and they are not designed to handle the pressure required. Using an air compressor is the safest and most reliable method.
What if water keeps coming out of the sprinkler heads after I blow them out?
If water continues to emerge, double-check that the main water supply valve is completely shut off. There may be a slight leak in the valve. You can also try blowing out that zone again for a longer period. If the problem persists, there might be a low spot in the piping where water is collecting.
What if I don’t have a blow-out connection on my sprinkler system?
If your system lacks a dedicated blow-out connection, you can often adapt a hose bib or other fitting. Consult with a plumbing professional or irrigation specialist for assistance in safely creating a connection point.
What do I do if my sprinkler heads are damaged during the blow-out process?
Damaged sprinkler heads should be replaced immediately. Failure to do so can lead to leaks and inefficient watering when you restart the system in the spring.
How long should I blow out each zone of my Rainbird sprinkler system?
Generally, blowing out each zone for 2-3 minutes is sufficient. The goal is to remove all visible water and leave only a fine mist. However, larger zones or zones with longer pipe runs may require a longer blow-out time.
Is it safe to blow out my sprinkler system myself, or should I hire a professional?
Blowing out your sprinkler system yourself is possible with the right equipment and knowledge. However, if you are uncomfortable working with compressed air or unsure about any of the steps, it’s best to hire a qualified irrigation professional.
How do I protect my backflow preventer from freezing if I can’t insulate it?
If you can’t insulate the backflow preventer, consider draining it completely. Most backflow preventers have drain plugs that can be opened to release any remaining water. Refer to your backflow preventer’s manual for specific instructions.
What is CFM and why is it important when choosing an air compressor?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, and it measures the volume of air that an air compressor can deliver. A higher CFM means the compressor can supply more air, which is essential for effectively blowing out your sprinkler system. Insufficient CFM can result in an incomplete blow-out.
Can I blow out my sprinkler system in the fall and then again in the spring?
Blowing out your system in the fall is essential to prevent freeze damage. Doing it again in the spring is generally not necessary unless you suspect water has re-entered the system.
What if I accidentally over-pressurized my sprinkler system during the blow-out process?
If you suspect you over-pressurized the system, carefully inspect all pipes and sprinkler heads for any signs of damage. If you notice cracks or leaks, replace the affected components immediately.
What other maintenance should I perform on my Rainbird sprinkler system before winter?
In addition to blowing out the system, consider inspecting and cleaning sprinkler heads, adjusting spray patterns, and checking for leaks. This ensures your system is in optimal condition for the next watering season.