Jacob Scherer | Blowing out my Irrigation System @JacobScherer | Uploaded 8 years ago | Updated 9 minutes ago
Just a quick video of my method for blowing out my irrigation system this year. Most people are under the impression that you need to pay a guy with a huge tow behind compressor to blow out your lines, but you really don't. I have 20 zones, with 95 3.2GPM heads, and with all 3 of these compressors I was able to run continuously keeping a pre-regulator pressure of 90PSI. I tested without Unit 1 connected and I was able to hold 60PSI. I'm sure I would have been able to do it with only the 10 gallon Harbor Freight compressor, with occasional breaks to let the pre-regulator pressure build up.
The 3 compressors are all on different electrical circuits so no breakers tripped. They are plumbed to a common manifold. From there, I have a ball valve for emergency isolation if needed. Then I have a regulator set to 55-60PSI which is about what my water well provides.
Unit 1 - My dad's Frankenpressor. Compressor is from a unit that cracked the tank. Tank is a 30 gallon Craftsmen unit that blew the compressor.
Unit 2 - Farm built unit; gift from my step dad. Compressor is of unknown origin and the tank is an old propane tank.
Unit 3 - 10 gallon 2.5HP Harbor Freight oiled compressor. This thing is by far the highest CFM rated 120V compressor under $150 I could find. It has similar numbers to $300+ 30 gallon units. Advertised at 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI and 6.2 CFM @ 40 PSI, I actually get that kind of performance out of it. It is LOUD though, especially compared to the other two.
Just a quick video of my method for blowing out my irrigation system this year. Most people are under the impression that you need to pay a guy with a huge tow behind compressor to blow out your lines, but you really don't. I have 20 zones, with 95 3.2GPM heads, and with all 3 of these compressors I was able to run continuously keeping a pre-regulator pressure of 90PSI. I tested without Unit 1 connected and I was able to hold 60PSI. I'm sure I would have been able to do it with only the 10 gallon Harbor Freight compressor, with occasional breaks to let the pre-regulator pressure build up.
The 3 compressors are all on different electrical circuits so no breakers tripped. They are plumbed to a common manifold. From there, I have a ball valve for emergency isolation if needed. Then I have a regulator set to 55-60PSI which is about what my water well provides.
Unit 1 - My dad's Frankenpressor. Compressor is from a unit that cracked the tank. Tank is a 30 gallon Craftsmen unit that blew the compressor.
Unit 2 - Farm built unit; gift from my step dad. Compressor is of unknown origin and the tank is an old propane tank.
Unit 3 - 10 gallon 2.5HP Harbor Freight oiled compressor. This thing is by far the highest CFM rated 120V compressor under $150 I could find. It has similar numbers to $300+ 30 gallon units. Advertised at 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI and 6.2 CFM @ 40 PSI, I actually get that kind of performance out of it. It is LOUD though, especially compared to the other two.
