A Step-by-Step Guide to Blowing Out Water Pipes

Blowing out water pipes is a crucial step in winterizing your home's plumbing system.

Before you start, you'll need to drain the water from the pipes. According to our article, you should open the lowest drain valve on the system to allow air to enter the pipes.

This process is called "bleeding" the system, and it's essential to remove any remaining water to prevent it from freezing and expanding, which can cause pipes to burst.

To begin, locate the lowest drain valve on your water heater, which is usually near the floor.

Next, turn the valve counterclockwise to open it, allowing air to enter the pipes and water to drain out.

Recommended read: Water Drain Pipes

Before you start blowing out water pipes, it's essential to prepare the lines properly. Turn off the irrigation lines and ensure no more water is able to flow into the lines. This is crucial to prevent any damage to the system.

Make sure the pressure sensors on an irrigation system are disconnected and protected. Close the backflow preventer isolation valves to prevent air from entering. This will help prevent damage to the closing components.

For another approach, see: How to Prevent Water Pipes from Bursting

Before you start working on your irrigation system, plumbing, or RV water lines, it's essential to prepare the lines properly. This step can make a huge difference in preventing damage and ensuring a smooth process.

First, turn off the irrigation lines by closing the backflow preventer isolation valves to prevent air from entering. This will ensure that no more water flows into the lines.

To prepare your plumbing for draining, locate the water meter and valve outside your house or in your basement. Shut down the mains water pipe by turning off the water supply shutoff valve as far as you can.

When working on your RV's water lines, safety comes first. Turn off your water heater and allow the water within the tank to cool to avoid burns.

Here's a quick checklist to help you prepare the lines for the next steps:

The minimum volume an air compressor needs to properly blow out an irrigation system is 20 cubic feet per meter (CFM).

For optimal performance, 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.

The larger the pipe, the higher CFM (volume) it will take to do the job as well.

A compressor with a reserve tank of at least 10 gallons is recommended for RV water lines.

For businesses and professionals, it's recommended to use an air compressor that can provide 20+ CFM at 50 PSI and consistently hold those values for at least 5 minutes at a time during use.

Homeowners can get away with less air power for their homes, but it's still important to choose a compressor that meets the minimum CFM requirements.

You might like: Air in Pipes Hot Water

Removing air from your water pipes can be a real nuisance, causing problems like spluttering faucets and reduced water pressure. These issues can be especially frustrating in showers.

Trapped air can also lead to excessive noise coming from your walls and even rusting and corrosion in extreme cases. It's not something you want to live with, but the good news is that it's relatively easy to fix.

You can remove air from your pipes in just a few minutes, and it's something any homeowner can do. Here are the five easy steps to follow:

Removing air from your water pipes can be a bit of a nuisance, but it's actually quite easy to do yourself. Trapped air can cause spluttering faucets and inconsistent output.

You might notice reduced water pressure, which results in a weaker flow, especially in showers. This can be frustrating, especially if you're used to a strong water pressure.

Excessive noise coming from your walls is another issue that can be caused by trapped air. In extreme cases, it can even lead to rusting and corrosion.

Fortunately, removing air from your pipes is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. Here are the steps to follow:

These steps will help you get rid of trapped air in your home's water pipes.

Selecting the right air compressor is crucial for blowing out RV water lines. It's all about the volume of air, not pressure.

A reserve tank of at least 10 gallons is recommended for most RVers. This ensures a steady supply of air while you're blowing out water lines.

Discover more: Is Air in Water Pipes Bad

Gasoline-powered air compressors are a good option for their portability and lack of electrical reliance. This can be a safer choice for blowing out water lines.

For businesses and professionals, look for air compressors that can provide 20+ CFM at 50 PSI. They should also be able to hold these values for at least 5 minutes at a time.

Homeowners can get away with less air power, but the Rolair VT25BIG air compressor is a good option for those with 115-volt electrical access. It's a reliable choice for smaller jobs.

The minimum volume an air compressor needs to properly blow out an irrigation system is 20 CFM. However, many professionals recommend up to 50 CFM at under 50 PSI for optimal performance.

You'll need a few key pieces of equipment to safely blow out water pipes. A blowout plug is a must-have, as it allows you to isolate the section of pipe you're working on and prevent water from flowing back in.

Drain valves are also essential, as they give you control over the flow of water. You can find them at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.

A blowout tank is another crucial tool, as it provides a safe place for the water to flow out of the pipe. This is especially important when working with high-pressure systems.

It's also a good idea to have a pressure gauge on hand, as it will help you monitor the pressure in the pipe. This is important for preventing damage to the pipe or surrounding equipment.

A drain pan or catch basin is also necessary to catch any water that spills out of the pipe. This will help keep your workspace clean and prevent any damage to your floors or equipment.

A different take: Flow of Water in Pipes

Drain the water from the pipes before freezing temperatures set in to prevent damage.

Drain the water from the pipes by opening the valves and letting it flow out.

It's essential to drain the water from the pipes every 2-3 months to prevent mineral buildup.

Drain the water from the pipes by opening the valves and letting it flow out.

You might like: Valves for Water Pipes