[Shop-talk] Winterizing Sprinkler System

[Jim Stone]

I need to drain and winterize my new sprinkler system and can’t imagine I need to pay someone to do that job.  While I understand the ‘proper’ way to do it is to manually open each valve, I was told a few years ago that it is easier to just pressurize the system at the drain valve and then use the manual function on the controller to run through each zone until no more water comes out.  (FWIW, my system is not that large and has 6 zones.). I was thinking about rigging something up that would allow me to attach my compressor and walk away, but found this on Amazon, which seems like a good investment that would pay for itself on the first use: https://www.amazon.com/Winterize-Sprinkler-Systems-Outdoor-Faucets/dp/B0055QAAIQ/ref=asc_df_B0055QAAIQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309735714375&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11131050794144962178&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004590&hvtargid=pla-570302725618&psc=1 <https://www.amazon.com/Winterize-Sprinkler-Systems-Outdoor-Faucets/dp/B0055QAAIQ/ref=asc_df_B0055QAAIQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309735714375&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11131050794144962178&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004590&hvtargid=pla-570302725618&psc=1>. I could save around $10 and just buy a hose to quick disconnect fitting, but the shut off valve seems like a good addition.

I have fairly large compressor, but think it will be more trouble than it is worth to get air to the master drain valve.  Instead, I was planning on just using my Harbor Freight 8 gal portable compressor.  (https://www.harborfreight.com/8-gal-2-hp-125-psi-oil-lube-air-compressor-68740.html <https://www.harborfreight.com/8-gal-2-hp-125-psi-oil-lube-air-compressor-68740.html>).   My water pressure is regulated to 60 lbs, so I figured something around this should be sufficient.

Am I missing anything?  Is there any good reason to pay a professional to do this job?  It seems like a no-brainer to me, but I’ve been called a no-brainer before.

Thanks,
Jim
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