Best Air Compressor For Sprinkler Blowout
In this article, we will discuss and compare Top 10 Air Compressor for Sprinkler Blowout. But before jumping to our actual topic, let’s first discuss why we need to blowout our sprinkler system.
Every time, when a sprinkler system runs, even if the water supply is stopped, there is some amount of water that remains in the sprinkler system. In winters, as the temperatures begin to drop, your outdoor sprinklers starts to freeze.
Therefore, before you turn off your sprinkler system before the start of colder months, it is very important to blow out your sprinkler system with air compressor to prevent it from any damage during winter days.
10 Best Air Compressors For Sprinkler Blowout
We’ve researched and selected the most useful information about the best air compressor for sprinkler blowout. Not all air compressors are created equal, so we gathered all specs, details and pros & cons of each air compressor. Below, we will discuss different types of air compressors and how they work, and will also discuss some factors to consider when purchasing one.
1. NorthStar GX390 Air Compressor – The Most Powerful
Overview
NorthStar GX390 20 Gallon is a heavy-duty horizontal air compressor. It is powered by a quality Honda gasoline engine with 3 Amp charging system.
NorthStar GX390 is a full cast belt-driven iron two-stage air compressor. Its V-type pump features cylinder design for Low Vibration Technology (LVT), superior cooling for smooth operation and floating-type Swedish steel valves for long valve life. Its crankshaft has bearings on both ends for excellent support and smooth running.
NorthStar GX390 has a liquid-filled pressure gauge for better accuracy and protection against pressure spikes. It also has a durable steel belt guard which makes it standalone from other same range compressors.
Its biggest benefit is high CFM PSI. It operates with a maximum 175 PSI pressure; it boasts an output of 18.7 CFM at 175 PSI, as well as 24.4 CFM at 90 PSI.
Why We Picked It
We included NorthStar GX390 air compressor in Top 10 because of its heavy-duty performance & powerful engine. Although price is a bit on the higher side, but its specs, features and durability makes this unit standalone from other NorthStar air compressor models.
Who It’s For
If you have budget, then NorthStar GX390 air compressor is a must have for blowing out your sprinkler system, and will also be useful for all of your other heavy-duty requirements.
2. Stealth 20 Gallon SAQ-12018 Air Compressor – The Best All-Around
Overview
Stealth SAQ-12018 is a heavy-duty 20 Gallon vertical air compressor, powered by a 120v – 1.8 hp, weighing 130 lbs oil free electric motor, which means less mess and maintenance.
Stealth SAQ-12018 20 Gallon’s vertical footprint means it takes up less space for storage. It also has two quick couplers that make changing between your most-used pneumatic tools quickly and easily. It is a full cast stand up air compressor, which is powerful enough for the toughest grease gun and drills-hammer projects.
Even with the large air capacity, its 6 foot cord, 8” rubber wheels, and rubber-reinforced grip makes it easy to move this unit around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Why We Picked It
We included Stealth SAQ-12018 air compressor in Top 10 because of its low noise, big capacity and powerful engine. It is very durable with vertical tank, and its 8” rubber wheels makes it easy to move this unit around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a powerful and quiet air compressor with big capacity, then Stealth SAQ-12018 is the right choice for you.
3. Makita AC310H 2.5HP High Pressure – Safe & Convenient
Overview
Makita AC310H has a high pressure 1.6 gallon tank that provides the same capacity as a conventional 5-gallon tank at 120 PSI.
Makita AC310H has innovative technology with the capacity of 400PSI for blowing out sprinklers, and for running high pressure air tools.
Makita AC310H 2.5HP air compressor has a four-pole induction motor for increased efficiency and added durability. These motor makes Makita air compressors durable and easy to clean after use.
Makita AC310H is powerful enough to operate at 3.6 CFM @ 90 PSI for conventional air tools and 2.7 CFM at 300 PSI for high pressure air tools.
Makita AC310H is an efficient unit which has low amp which helps reducing incidents of voltage drops during start-ups and tripped breakers.
Why We Picked It
We’ve picked Makita AC310H air compressor for Top 10 list because of its efficiency and durability. It is a light-weight and portable air compressor which makes it easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a durable, efficient and light-weight air compressor within your budget, then Makita AC310H is the right choice for you.
4. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet – Most Durable Option
Overview
California 10020C Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Air Compressor is one of the quietest 2 HP air compressors in the industry. Its powerful motor operates at only 1680 RPM that allows unit to run for longer continuous run times. It also creates less noise and less wear, having only 70 decibels of sound.
California Air Tools 10020C has a large 10 gallon tank with wheel kit, which makes it very easy to move around your garden, landscape, garage, backyard or worksite.
California Air Tools 10020C has an oil-free dual piston pump, which allows it for use in a variety of temperatures like cold starts.
It has an easy start valve feature that allows easier start up using less starting amps. Its no-load start up requires fewer amps for an easier start up in cold temperatures and also in uneven terrains like when there is no oil in the pump.
Why We Picked It
We’ve picked California 10020C air compressor in our top 10 list because of its powerful motor, which operates at only 1680 RPM, allowing unit to run for longer continuous run times so you can blow out your sprinkler system with ease.
Who It’s For
California 10020C air compressor is best suitable for those who want to run the unit for longer continuous run times, such as for blowing out their sprinkler system.
5. Campbell Hausfeld (VT6271) Horizontal Compressor – Most Portable Option
Overview
Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 is a heavy duty 30-Gallon Air Compressor, and is very impressive with its output. It has cast iron oil lubricated twin cylinder pump which delivers 10.2 CFM at 90 PSI and a max PSI of 135.
Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 has fully enclosed metal belt guard for safe operation. It is quite heavier in weight which is around 163lbs. But its horizontal design and wheeled frame makes it convenient to move from one place to another.
Why We Picked It
Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 heavy duty 30-Gallon air compressor is in our top 10 list because of its impressive and continuous air flow. Moreover, its wheeled frame makes it easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Who It’s For
If you have good budget and looking to buy a portable heavy-duty and powerful air compressor for blowing out your sprinkler system, then Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 is the right choice for you.
6. Eagle (EA-6500) 20 Gallon Air Compressor – The Quietest Option
Overview
Eagle EA-6500 oil-free air compressor is one of the quietest air compressor with a 2-HP running & 2.5-HP (Peak) motor, that draws only 14 amps and works on most of the household 115V outlets. It creates less noise and wear, having only 53 decibels of sound from 25 feet away.
Eagle EA-6500 has a large 20 gallon vertical tank with roll cage design and anti-vibration feet. It also has never-flat big wheels which makes it very easy to move around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout. You can also take this unit on stairs & rugged terrain with ease.
The Eagle EA-6500 has an oil-free double piston pump system, which is designed to have a life expectancy more than 4 times longer than most oil-free air compressors. This oil-free system requires no pump maintenance.
The oil-free pump of Eagle EA-6500 air compressor produces 6 CFM at 90 PSI; 7.9 CFM at 40 PSI with a 50% duty cycle to power small air tools. The Eagle EA-6500 provides 125 PSI maximum pressure.
Why We Picked It
We’ve included Eagle EA-6500 oil-free air compressor in our top 10 list because of its low noise and portability, which will make it easy for you to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Who It’s For
Eagle EA-6500 quietest air compressor is one of the best overall solution for blowing out any sprinkler system because of its portability, efficiency and performance.
7. Campbell Hausfeld 8 Gallon DC080500 – Oil-Free & Silent
Overview
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 is one of the quietest air compressor with a 1-HP motor, that draws only 7.5 amps. It creates very less noise and wear, having only 68 decibels of sound, which allows the user to run compressor in home environments.
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 has an 8 gallon horizontal tank with never-flat big wheels, which makes it easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
The oil-free & maintenance-free pump of Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 air compressor have a life expectancy more than four times longer than most oil-free air compressors, and produces 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI and 125 PSI maximum pressure.
It has conveniently placed gauges and regulator, which allows for easy monitoring of tank and line pressure.
Why We Picked It
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 heavy duty 30-Gallon air compressor is in our top 10 list because of its impressive and continuous air flow. Moreover, its wheeled frame makes it easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Who It’s For
The Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 air compressor is specially designed for the person looking for a convenient air compressor for blowing out sprinkler system with high air flow, but with less noise, less service and maintenance.
8. Makita MAC2400 Air Compressor – Silent & Convenient
Overview
Makita MAC2400 has innovative technology and is powerful enough to operate at 4.2 CFM @ 90 PSI for conventional air tools and 4.8 CFM @ 40 PSI for high pressure air tools.
It has a four-pole induction motor for increased efficiency and added durability. These motor makes Makita air compressors durable and easy to clean after use.
Makita MAC2400 is an efficient unit which has low amp which helps reducing incidents of voltage drops during start-ups and tripped breakers.
It has a high pressure 6 gallon tank and is engineered to run high pressure and conventional air tools, with less noise and has a more compact size for easier transport.
Makita MAC2400 is engineered with High Pressure Technology that increases air pressure created in the compressor and delivered to pneumatic tools, that’s why the result is more efficient than conventional air compressors.
Why We Picked It
We’ve picked Makita MAC2400 air compressor for Top 10 list because of its efficiency and durability. It is a light-weight and portable air compressor which makes it easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a durable, efficient and light-weight air compressor within your budget, then MAC2400 is the right choice for you.
9. Porter Cable C2002 – Portable & Durable
Overview
Porter Cable C2002 is one of the quietest oil-free air compressors which create very less noise, and allows the user to run compressor in home environments.
The Porter Cable C2002 has 1-HP motor and low Amp 120V motor, which starts easily in cold weather or with extension cord.
The 6-gallon Porter Cable C2002 air compressor has a pancake style tank for stability, also includes water drain valve and rubber feet, which makes it very easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout. You can also take this unit on stairs or rugged terrain easily.
Transporting this light-weight 30 lbs unit is easy with the integrated cord wrap.
Why We Picked It
Porter Cable C2002 air compressor is included in Top 10 list because of its low price and efficiency. Although this unit is not suitable for blowing out larger sprinkler systems, but for smaller sprinkler systems, this is an ideal air compressor.
Who It’s For
If you are looking for a budget-friendly, quieter and light-weight air compressor within your budget for blowing out smaller sprinkler system, then Porter Cable C2002 is the right choice for you.
10. Dewalt 20 Gallon DXCMPA1982054 – Overall Perfect
Overview
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 1.9HP Portable Air Compressor has a dual voltage induction motor for maximum performance, increased efficiency and added durability. These motor makes Dewalt air compressors durable and easy to clean after use. It is wired for 120 Volt outlet, and can be converted to 240 Volt operation.
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 air compressor has innovative technology and is powerful enough to operate at 7 CFM at 40 PSI for conventional air tools and 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI for high pressure air tools. It is an efficient unit which draws only 7.5 amp, which helps reducing incidents of voltage drops during start-ups and tripped breakers.
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 has a high pressure 20 gallon tank and is engineered to run high pressure and conventional air tools, with less noise only 76 dBA. It takes approximately 6 minutes to completely fill the tank from empty.
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 has a large 20 gallon horizontal tank and anti-vibration feet. It also has never-flat big wheels which makes it very easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 air compressor has convenient controls. Such as On/Off switch saves wear & tear on your power cord. Also there is an easy to see quick-set regulator for tank & output gauges.
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 Air Compressor is engineered with High Pressure Technology that increases air pressure created in the compressor and delivered to pneumatic tools, that’s why the result is more efficient than conventional air compressors.
Why We Picked It
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 20-Gallon air compressor is in our top 10 list because of its impressive and continuous air flow. Moreover, its big wheels make it easy to move it around your garden or landscape for sprinkler blowout.
Who It’s For
Dewalt DXCMPA1982054 air compressor is specially suitable for the person looking for a convenient air compressor for blowing out sprinkler system with continuous high air flow.
Our Pick
Which Air Compressor for Sprinkler Blowout?
It is very important to choose the right air compressor for blowing out your sprinkler system. In this article, we will cover all the aspects and will help you choose the one that’s right for your sprinkler system. We will also compare Top 10 Air Compressors for Sprinkler Blowout. So let’s get started!
When it comes to choosing an air compressor for sprinkler blowout, mainly we have to consider CFM, the volume of air, and psi, the pressure of that air.
Here are some points to keep in mind before buying an air compressor for sprinkler blowout:
1- Constant Air Flow
2- Horsepower (HP)
3- CFM
4- PSI
5- Portability
6- Noise Level
7- Durability
Constant Air Flow:
Blowing out a sprinkler system requires a minimum of 2 minutes continuous air flow at 20CFM. Before buying an air compressor for sprinkler blowout, check out whether it can supply 20 CFM air for at least 2 minutes.
Horsepower (HP):
Horsepower (HP) is mainly the power that comes out of an air compressor motor. We all know that an engine is the heart of an air compressor. So, for blowing out sprinkler system, you have to choose at least a 4 HP air compressor.
CFM:
For blowing out sprinkler system, a minimum of 6 CFM is required to carry out operation smoothly. It can allow you to go for a large to small pipeline diameter for the zone by zone blowout.
The ideal air compressor for sprinkler blowout typically produces between 20 to 50 CFM at 50 psi.
CFM Calculation Formula
You can calculate a rough estimate of the required CFM for your sprinkler blowout using this simple formula:
GPM per Zone / 7.5 = CFM Requirement
In other words, take the GPM of each sprinkler zone and divide it by 7.5 to get a quick estimate of the required CFM. For example, a 150 GPM system divided by 7.5 would require 20 CFM of compressed air. If you plan to blow out multiple zones at a time, your CFM requirements will increase accordingly.
Lower CFM ranges are ideal for smaller pipes under 1”, while larger CFM ranges may be required for pipes larger than 1”.
PSI:
Regardless of the required CFM, the psi should always remain balanced for blowing out your sprinkler system. If an air compressor doesn’t produce enough air, water drops will remain in the pipes. On the other hand, if the PSI is too high, the compressed air can crack your sprinkler pipes and break sprinkler heads, causing permanent damage to the irrigation system.
Polyethylene pipe is more likely to break above 50 psi, while rigid PVC pipe can handle slightly higher pressures of up to 80 psi.
Portability:
For blowing out sprinkler system with an air compressor, you must have to pick a portable one. Because you may have to move your air compressor from one pipe to the other, so it is very important that you are using a portable air compressor to make your task convenient.
Noise Level:
We always recommend going for a quieter air compressor, specially for blowing out your sprinkler system. You can get some air compressors for lesser price from the market, but their louder noise will create much trouble. And, the high noise level is one of those troubles that can make your task hectic.
Durability:
Last but not the least; also make sure you buy the air compressor from a renowned brand, which is known for its durability, because you have to blow out your sprinkler system every year. If your air compressor is not durable, it will not be able to carry out the task next year. So always consider this point when picking up an air compressor for sprinkler blowout.