How do you hook up an air compressor to a sprinkler system?

How many psi does it take to run a sprinkler?

Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch – also called psi. The average water pressure for most homes and businesses is between 30 psi and 50 psi; most sprinkler systems are designed to use pressures of around 30 psi.

Do I need a pressure regulator for my sprinkler system?

Who needs a pressure regulator? Most if not all, pressurized irrigation systems will require a pressure regulator. An exception to this would be if you are using a gravity system with very low pressure, or very low flow.

What size air compressor do I need to winterize 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.

How do I winterize my sprinkler system without an air 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 to Connect a Compressor to a Sprinkler System

Can you run compressed air in PVC?

PVC Pipe

The use of PVC pipe is common but NOT RECOMMENDED for use with compressed air. It is often used because it is readily available, inexpensive, and easy to install. However, as with many plastics, PVC gets brittle over time and can crack, break, or even shatter.

What kind of pipe should I use for compressed air?

Ideal plastic pipes for piping compressed air are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Polyethylene (PE) piping and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping are also good choices for compressed air applications. PVC is not recommended and is an OSHA violation if used.

What is acceptable water pressure?

Normal water pressure is generally between 40 and 60 PSI. Most homeowners prefer something right in the middle around 50 PSI.

What is the function of a pressure regulator installed on a sprinkler?

Most sprinklers perform best at a specific pressure range, often lower than your in-line pressure. Pressure regulators assure operating pressures do not exceed a manufacturer's recommended operating pressure range. They also help prevent fittings and emitters from blowing out of the tubing because of pressure surges.

How much air pressure can a PVC pipe hold?

Age And Temperature

Of course, PVC doesn't just shatter or explode out of nowhere. Most consumer air compressors only compress to around 125-175 psi. This doesn't seem like a whole lot, especially when even the smallest size PVC pipe can generally handle anywhere between 300-600 psi.

What size pipe do I need for compressed air lines?

A shear will require anywhere from 8 to 16 cfm at 90 psi through a half-inch pipe. If the pipe exceeds 100 feet in length, you will need a 3/4-inch pipe to accommodate the pressure and velocity of applications that exceed 15 cfm.

Can you use compressed air to clear drain?

In most cases, running the air for three to five minutes provides enough pressure to clear the clog. After several minutes, turn off the compressor and remove the rags and wand from the drain. Run the water to see if the drain is clear. If the clog is still present, repeat the process until it is successfully removed.

Should I drain my pipes to keep them from freezing?

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

What is a fire sprinkler air compressor?

If you have a dry pipe or pre-action fire sprinkler system, you most likely have an air compressor that keeps the air or nitrogen pressurized inside the pipe until a sprinkler head activates, filling the system with water. The air compressor is an integral component to the fire protection system.

How many CFM do I need to winterize my irrigation system?

The minimum volume an air compressor must be able to provide to properly blowout an irrigation system is 20 cubic feet per meter (CFM). Still, many professionals recommend up to 50 CFM at under 50 PSI for optimal performance, assuming the water lines are less than an inch in diameter.

What temperature will sprinkler pipes freeze?

While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures at and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.