You need the best air compressor for blowing out the sprinkler system to achieve the best in the process. If you would like to save on cost and carry out the sprinkler system blow out by yourself, then you need the right tools.
I used to hire air compressors for the job, but I realized it is a bit expensive. The step which I took and I will never regret was to buy an air compressor which I can use any time to blow out the sprinkler system.
Some of the factors I had to check out before purchasing the air compressors include the durability and the maximum pressure it can achieve. It can be time-consuming when trying to locate the right unit.
You can easily buy the best air compressor if you can follow our recommendations below because we have done all the research on your behalf.
Top 5 best air compressors for blowing out sprinkler system reviews (For 2021)
[table id=”26″]1. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor 6 Gallon
It is a compressor I have been using in my blowing out a sprinkler system, and it works very well. The air compressor comes with a large capacity air tank to deliver enough pressurized air for the blowing out jobs. The oil-free design makes it stand out. It comes with 13 pieces of accessory, which make it a highly reliable air compressor in my collection. The pump used is highly durable. I had to check on the type of air pump used before buying. The fact that it comes with an oil-free pump makes it stand out.
The air compressor reaches a maximum of 90 PSI at 2.6 SCF. It recovers very fast, making it allow for continuous sprinkler blow out the operation. It is built to start very fast in cold weather. With high-quality construction couplers, it is an air compressor I highly recommend. It comes with a blowout gun and plugs to allow for quick operation. The fact that it adheres to OSHA safety nozzle, it works very well.
Features & Pros:
- Highly portable
- Oil-free pump
- 13 piece accessory
- Quick start in cold weather
Cons:
- Maximum of 150 PSI
2. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Pancake Compressor
It does not matter the sprinkler system blowout job I have to undertake. The air compressor is powerful enough to deliver enough pressure.
In my mind, I was searching for a unit which I can easily use. The Porter air compressor stands out as the best air compressor for blowing out the sprinkler system. It is highly durable and comes with all features in need to achieve the best possible operation.
Six-gallon tank is big enough to hold enough pressurized air for the sprinkler blowout process.
It operates at 2.6 SCF at 90 PSI making it among the most powerful compressors you can have for your sprinkler system blow out. Quick compressor recovery time make it a reliable unit that can undertake any demanding job.
Low amp motor starts with great ease. Even in cold water, I do not have to worry about how I can start it. The durable oil-free pump makes it highly durable.
Features & Pros:
- 150 psi max tank
- Quick compressor recovery time
- Low amp motor
- Oil-free pump
Cons:
- It is a bit expensive
3. DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor
The air compressor comes with a tank capacity of 6 gallons which can develop up to 165 PSI. If you have been faced with a sprinkler system block out which requires a lot of pressure, then you need to try the unit.
It will work very well in forcing out the obstruction in the air sprinkler system. A High-efficiency motor makes it a great compressor you can have for the job. Noise production is moderate at just 75.5 decibels making it ideal for standard residential uses.
A high flow regulator maximizes the performance of the air compressor. It is an easy to use air compressor which anybody can use.
Features & Pros:
- 165 max PSI
- High efficiency
- Easy start in cold weather
- High flow regulator
Cons:
- It is a bit costly
4. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
The pancake air compressor has been serving me very well. It comes with an oil-free pump which makes it very reliable. I use it regularly in my sprinkler blowout operation, and it has never let me down. With up to 150 maximum PSI, it delivers constant pressure from its 6.0-gallon tank. I had to check on features such as the 2.6 SCFM and the high-efficiency pump before buying the air compressor. It has never let me down. It is a highly reliable air compressor I have been using.
The use of high-efficiency motor makes it easy to start up. With its ability to start fast in cold weather, it is among my few air compressors I have been applying, and it works very well. Low noise production at 78.5decibels makes it a manageable air compressor in my collection. High flow regulator and the couplers maximize the performance of the air tool. A long-life oil-free pump makes the air compressor very durable. I can’t regret buying the air compressor.
Features & Pros:
- 150 max PSI
- High-efficiency motor
- Low noise
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Gun kit and hose not included
5. Camco Blow out Plug
I need a connector to allow my air compressor to carry out the blow out jobs. There are some units which used to disturb me a lot. As a way of making it easy for me to achieve the perfect connection, I had to try the connector. It is highly reliable. It offers me the best connection, which speeds up the sprinkler blow out jobs. The connector is highly effective in removing water from water lines. Quick connect makes it easy to attach to air compressors.
It takes me the shortest time to connect the unit to my air compressor and start the bow out jobs. Plug screws are easy to attach. It easily fits into the air compressor connection unit. It works very well in cleaning the water lines. There are no cases of lost pressure due to leaks. The connector comes with a patented technology, which makes it stand out from the rest.
Features & Pros:
- Perfect connection
- Quick connection
- Easy to use
- Patented technology
Cons:
- Not for all air compressors
Air compressor for blowing out sprinkler system buying guide
There are several factors to consider before purchasing an air compressor for your sprinkler blowout exercise. For instance, you need to look for a unit that has been specifically designed to blow out sprinklers. Some of the factors to consider include the following:
Maximum PSI
You need to check on the maximum pressure which the unit can develop. Consider one that can power the sprinkler blow out process.
Durability
You need an air compressor which can serve you for long. Check on the longevity of the air compressor before you proceed to buy the unit.
Easy to use
The air compressor should have inbuilt safety mechanisms that allow you to use it efficiently.
You can also check some video instructions to understand it better:
How to Winterize a Sprinkler System – Blow Out Method
Blow Out / Winterize Simple Sprinkler System
Air compressor for blowing out sprinkler system FAQs
What size air compressor do I need for blowing out sprinklers?
For you to properly and safely blow out your sprinkler system without causing any damages to the plumbing, you need an air compressor that provides at least 20 cfm (cubic feet per minute.) However, most irrigation experts and professionals do recommend you use at least 50cfm. And you know what, most air compressors do list the ideal cfm rating on the tank side.
If you’re using an air compressor rated 50 cfm to 100 cfm, you have the right-sized air compressor. However, you need to maintain an averagely 50 cfm for blowing out your sprinklers. But that depends on the number sprinklers you have and the size of your irrigation plumbing.
How many PSI do I need to run my sprinklers?
Getting the right air volume requires an air compressor that provides over 20 cfm and air pressure around 50 PSI. A rigid PVC-pipe system needs a maximum of 80 PSI, and a flexible black polyethylene pipe system needs a maximum of 50 PSI. That is why you need to use an ideal air pressure regulator to control it.
When should you blowout your sprinklers?
Blowing out your sprinklers requires the right timing. If you do it too early, your irrigation area might lose precious water needed for winter preparation. If you do it too late, your sprinkler system might damage, and you be forced into expensive repairs. It will help a lot if you do it when the temperatures start to fall. The best time is when the outdoor air temperature dips below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
What happens if you don’t winterize your sprinkler system?
During winter, any water resting outdoors freezes. If you forgot or decided not to winterize the sprinkler system, any remaining water in it freezes, from irrigation valves and pipes to the sprinkler heads. The freezing water expands, causing these parts to break or even burst, destroying your sprinkler system. That leaves you with expensive repairs, or even you may be forced to change the whole irrigation system.
How do you hook up an air compressor to a sprinkler system?
Hooking up an air compressor to a sprinkler system is a simple DIY process that requires you to follow some straightforward steps.
The first thing you want to do is charge up your air compressor; fill it with air.
- Close the compressor airflow valve and put on eye protection.
- Connect the fitting on the blowout adapter on your sprinkler line and connect the air compressor house there with the right fitting.
- Check the sprinkler control panel and manually open the furthest sprinkler zone.
How do you drain sprinkler lines?
Close your sprinkler system backflow valve and go back to the air compressor. Open the air compressor valve slowly and monitor the gauge to ensure it doesn’t exceed 80 PSI. Now you can open the additional zones and work slowly out. Blow them out until no water is running out of the sprinklers but air.
When should you drain your sprinkler system?
The best time is when the temperatures start to fall. It would be best if you did it before the first hard freeze. The best timing is when the outdoor temperatures go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degree celsius).
Related Reviews:
Typo in this article says “The best timing is when the outdoor temperatures go below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.” — probably want to do it before temps go below 32 deg. F
Thanks. It is now fixed.
Thanks for writing this detailed article. I’m interested in blowing out my own sprinkler system instead of paying a professional to do it every year. I’m a bit confused by the requirements for the compressor. You say that professional recommend at least 50 cfm (the manufacturer of my sprinkler system, Hunter, says to use a 80 – 100 cfm compressor and to never exceed 80 psi), but the recommended compressors are all much smaller (around 2.6 scfm). So will such a small compressor actually work to blow out my sprinkler system?
The airflow (cubic feet per minute-cfm) isn’t of much concern, so long as you have enough pressure, not exceeding the rated maximum. The reason professionals prefer the 50 cfm air compressor is that it can deliver enough airflow to force any water inside the sprinkler system quite well, without causing any damage. In the case of hunker sprinkler systems, what they are providing you with here is an air compressor ideal for most of their systems. You must understand that the sizing can be from 50 cfm up to 100 cfm. So, in general, their rating does fall under this coverage. Remember to not go over the 90 PSI for 50 cfm unit and not above 80 PSI if you decide to use an 80+ cfm model.
I bought the 6 gallon pancake Dewalt air compressor for a small sprinkler system. (Its just 2 zones.) If I run my air compressor several times for each zone, would that be enough? I read that even doing it several times still won’t solve the problem because of the small amount of air from the compressor? I’m not sure who to believe. Does every ounce of water need to be out of the sprinkler?
50cfm to 100cfm??? Did you mean psi???