Ingersoll Rand 2340L5-V air compressor
If you are looking for a high CFM air compressor, the Ingersoll Rand 2340L5-V is the right model for you. With a powerful motor and working pressure of about 175 PSI, it delivers around 14 CFM. As such, it is perfect for sprinkler systems. Also, it comes with a massive 60-gallon tank with an ASME rating.
Apart from using it on your farm or yard, it is perfect equipment for automotive service, woodworking shops, repair shops, and body shops. Besides, the crankshaft provides the right balance between smooth and quiet operation.
Features:
- 5.0 Horsepower
- 60-gallon tank capacity
- Electric powered
- Single-phase 230 Volt
- Weighs 430 pounds
- 14CFM at 175 PSI and 14.3 CFM at 90 PSI
- Industrial-grade motor
- Cast iron construction
WEN 2289 150 PSI air compressor
The WEN 2289 is a great model because of its portability and that makes it one of the best compressors for a small sprinkler system. Equipped with a 1.5-HP motor that generates about 150 PSI pressure, it can deliver 5 CFM at 40 PSI and 4 CFM at 90 PSI.
Because it has wheels, you can carry this 71.5-pound machine with ease. In short, it is great for transportation and storage. When the machine reaches maximum pressure, it shuts down automatically. Moreover, it is oil-free and you don’t have to worry about daily maintenance.
Features:
- Maximum pressure of 150 PSI
- 1.5 Horsepower
- 10-gallon tank capacity
- 1/4″ NPT Quick Coupler
- 5 CFM at 40 PSI
- 4 CFM at 90 PSI
- Wheel for portability
- Auto shutdown capability
Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 horizontal tank air compressor
Because it has a working pressure of about 135 PSI and is equipped with a 3.7-Horsepower motor, the Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 is another great choice for blowing out sprinklers. Moreover, the machine delivers around 10.2 CFM at 90 PSI.
When it comes to weight, it is a bit heavy. However, the VT6271 comes with semi-pneumatic wheels and that makes it easy for you to take the equipment from one place to another. Also, you can store it anywhere. With a tank capacity of 30 gallons, it can power certain tools. Besides, it can handle spraying, stapling, sanding, nailing, inflation, and many more.
Features:
- 135 PSI maximum pressure
- 30-gallon tank
- 10.2 CFM at 90 PSI
- Electric powered
- 3.7 Horsepower
- Wheel for portability
- High CFM
- Impressive tank size
California 10020C Air Tools
If you need a larger plot to maintain, the California 10020C should be an excellent choice. This remarkable air compressor gives large farms what they need. And, without the need to spend much on extras. With a 10-gallon air tank, you don’t have to worry about refilling the same when doing heavy work.
Besides, the wheels allow you to carry the unit from one end of the farm to another with the least effort. At 70 decibels, this compressor can be the best option if you are looking for a quiet machine. That way, it is the perfect machine for residential areas.
Features:
- Best for large farms
- 70-decibel noise level
- Energy-efficient
- Runs on gasoline
- 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.4 CFM at 40 PSI
- Wheels for easy transportation
DeWALT Pancake DWFP55126 air compressor
If you want a powerful yet small in size, fast, and sensible airflow that manages your blow-out needs, the DeWALT Pancake DWFP55126 is what you should buy. It is a 6-gallon model that has a maximum pressure of 165 PSI. The compressor houses an electric motor so that it can start without gas or fuel.
It’s an oil-free pump that provides you with ultimate performance. Also, the 78.5-decibel noise level makes it perfect for working in residential areas. The machine works with pneumatic and air tools. This incredible oil-free pump delivers 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, which is quite impressive.
Features:
- Easy to start
- Universal couplers
- Weighs 30 pounds
- 6-gallon tank
- 165 maximum PSI
- Maintenance-free operation
- 78.5 Decibel noise level
- Convenient cord wrap
Why do you need an air compressor to blow out sprinkler systems?
Most people don’t consider winterizing a sprinkler system as a part of their home maintenance. The importance of winterizing a lawn irrigation system can’t be ignored. During the winter months, water tends to freeze. As a result, the water pipeline begins to burst or crack. And, this is the main reason why you need an air compressor to blow out sprinkler systems effectively.
It is always good to inspect your sprinkler system during the winter season. And, use the time to replace or repair the entire system. However, installing a new sprinkler system is not a cost-effective solution. Rather, you can buy a new air compressor. Also, you can work with the equipment by yourself and don’t need a professional to handle the same.
How to choose the right air compressor?
With lots of options available on the market, it is challenging to find out the right air compressor for your sprinkler system. However, you should buy a heavy-duty and portable model. And, that will fulfill your needs. Here are some factors that you should consider when buying an air compressor.
- Tank size
It is unwise to choose a large tank that comes along with smaller pipes. Hence, make sure that the tank size is prominent and it has a long pipe. Smaller compressors might perform a great job if the equipment has big lines. Therefore, before narrowing down your choice for a model, take enough time to research the tank and its features.
- Kinds of motor
Air compressors come with lots of motor types and each of them has its benefits. However, the most commonly used is the single-phase induction motor system. It is effective and works wonders for many tasks. But if you are looking for that extra power, a dual-motor system should be your choice.
- Horsepower
PSI is the unit of measurement used to denote the horsepower of air compressors. Hence, the more PSI, the more it gets easier to blow out sprinklers during the winter season. While PSI mostly depends on the size of the pipes, 60 to 90 PSI should be enough for an air compressor.
- Portability
It is wise to look out for an air compressor that is easy to transport from one place to another. That way, you aren’t stuck with using the equipment within a certain area of your farm or home. So, try to look out for lightweight models that are easy to move around. In short, a model with transportation wheels is what you need to find out.
- Accessibility
You should look out for an air compressor that has a large outlet and inlet. That way, you can attach tools and accessories with ease. Also, you want a device where you can easily use the air pressure gauges to know how much air is left in the tank. Besides, it should have indicator lights. As a result, you can know when to refill the tank.
- Decibel rating
Avoid buying an air compressor that produces a loud noise. And, this becomes important if you are living in residential areas. A low decibel rating means that the equipment won’t be producing a lot of noise. Furthermore, quiet units are a better option for extended periods. And, it saves your ears from damage as well.
Useful tips on how to blow out a sprinkler system with an air compressor:
Knowing about the compressor specs is critical before you perform a sprinkler blowout. However, implementing the project effectively is equally important. Here are some useful tips that you can follow for a successful sprinkler blowout using an air compressor.
- Getting started
Before you get started with the process, prepare the whole sprinkler system for the blowout. Shut down the main water supply that runs through the sprinkler system. Moreover, close the additional valves that you can find on the backflow preventer. As such, the compressed air won’t flow through the backflow.
- Make the connection
After you are done preparing the system, it’s time to connect the compressor to the blowout port located on the sprinkler line. However, you may need an additional adaptor if the water line doesn’t have an air compressor fitting. While some models come with this piece, they are hard to find at local hardware stores. Moreover, the adaptors include couplings that secure the connection. And, they are readily available as well.
- Engage the compressor
After charging the air compressor, apply air to the sprinklers slowly. Make sure that it doesn’t exceed the recommended PSI for the sprinkler piping. Also, you can disengage the blowout port valve slowly. Wear suitable eye gear when engaging the compressor. When you are performing a complete blowout, the compressor is likely to target different zones of the sprinkler system.
- Before disconnecting the compressor
When you are blowing out sprinklers in a certain zone, ensure that you are engaging the compressor for a specific amount of time. As such, it will clear the water out of the section. And, you can tell that by watching the sprinkler heads. Once you notice air escaping through the sprinkler heads, the line has no water. In general, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes per zone.
