5 Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Sprinkler System [August 2022 Updated]

Air compressors are necessary for Sprinkler Systems because in winter the pipes can cause problems if the water remains in the pipelines. It can break the pipes if water freezes inside the pipe.

Using an Air compressor is the best method for Blowing our water from the sprinkler system. This method minimizes the risk of freezing damage and saves the system.

Here is a quick list of air compressors which we recommend if you are in a hurry!!

Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Sprinkler System 2022

Preview Product Rating
Ingersoll-Rand 2340L5-V 5hp 60 gal Two-Stage... Ingersoll-Rand 2340L5-V 5hp 60 gal Two-Stage... Buy on Amazon
Air Compressor, 30-Gallon Horizontal Tank,... Air Compressor, 30-Gallon Horizontal Tank,... Buy on Amazon
NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor -... NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor -... Buy on Amazon
Eagle EA-6500 Silent Series Portable Air... Eagle EA-6500 Silent Series Portable Air... Buy on Amazon
WEN 2289 10-Gallon Oil-Free Vertical Air... WEN 2289 10-Gallon Oil-Free Vertical Air... Buy on Amazon

Why we chose these air compressors for sprinkler systems, here is a detailed review and specifications of these products so you can easily understand which air compressor suits your need.

1. Ingersoll Rand Two-Stage 60 Gallon Air Compressor:

Ingersoll-Rand 2340L5-V 5hp 60 gal Two-Stage...
Ingersoll-Rand 2340L5-V 5hp 60 gal Two-Stage...
  • Long-Life: Durable cast iron construction,...
  • Maximum Power and Flexibilty: 100% continuous...
  • Easy to Service: Individually cast cylinders,...
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The Ingersoll Rand is one of the top high CFM air compressors.
This unit is quite powerful as it features a horsepower motor of 5.0 hp with a maximum working pressure of 175 PSI and it delivers 14 CFM at 175 PSI and 14.3 CFM at 90 PSI making it great for sprinkler systems.

The downside is the weight of this unit which is 430 Pounds making it quite heavy so moving it around during the sprinkling system is difficult (get something for moving it around).

The model comes with an ASME-rated tank which has a big capacity of 60 gallons.

This compressor is also great for machine shops, automotive services, body shops, woodworking shops, farms, general maintenance, repair shops, and also for demanding applications in your shops.

The Ingersoll Rand overhung crankshaft provides precision balanced for quiet and smooth operation. This unit performs more efficiently in the most demanding conditions because of its radial fins which deliver 360-degree cooling eliminating hot spots.

Also, its high-efficiency copper inter-cooler along with integral flywheel makes the compressor run cooler which greatly increases its efficiency. 

Features list:

  • Dimensions: 24 x 33 x 69 Inches
  • Weight: 430 Pounds
  • Maximum Pressure: 175 PSI
  • Horsepower: 5.0 Hp
  • Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
  • Size: 230 Volt, Single Phase
  • Material: Metal
  • Power Source: Electric Powered
  • Voltage: 230 volts
  • Measurement System: Metric
  • 14.3 CFM @ 90 PSI
  • 14 CFM @ 175 PSI

Pros:

  • Durable Cast Iron Construction
  • Industrial Grade ODP Motor
  • High CFM
  • Powerful 5.0 Hp
  • ASME Rated Tank (60 Gallons)

Cons:

  • Heavy

2. Campbell Hausfeld (VT6271) 30 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor

The next air compressor on our list is Campbell Hausfeld (VT6271).

This compressor is also a great choice for a sprinkler system as it features maximum working pressure of 135 PSI with a horsepower motor of 3.7 hp and it delivers 10.2 CFM At 90 PSI which is quite good.

5 Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Sprinkler System [August 2022 Updated] 1
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As for the weight, it is 163 pounds which makes it heavy but worry not as it comes with large semi-pneumatic wheels so taking it from one place to another is not an issue and it can be easily stored in your garage or in a shop.

It has a great tank capacity of 30 gallons so it can power high-power tools and can handle spraying, inflation, nailing, bolting, sanding, grinding, stapling, etc. 

Feature List:

  • Dimensions: 46 x 21 x 31 Inches
  • Weight: 163 Pounds
  • Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI
  • Horsepower: 3.7 HP
  • Tank Capacity: 30 Gallons
  • Power Source: Electric-powered
  • Voltage: 240 Volts
  • Measurement System: Metric
  • 10.2 CFM At 90 PSI

Pros:

  • High CFM
  • Wheel For Portability
  • Great Tank Size (30 Gallons)

Cons:

  • Users Reports Of Getting A Damaged Product

3. NorthStar Portable Gas Powered 30 Gallon Air Compressor:

If you want a very powerful and very high CFM air compressor for your sprinkler system then NorthStar is a great choice for you.

This gas-powered compressor comes with a powerful 12 horsepower (honda GX390 Ohv) motor with a maximum working pressure of 175 PSI and It delivers 18.7 CFM at 175 PSI and 24.4 CFM at 90 PSI and 26.8 CFM at 40 PSI making it great for your sprinkling system.

5 Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Sprinkler System [August 2022 Updated] 2
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The downside of this unit is that it is very heavy so you will need to get something to move it around.

This unit is very durable because of the cast iron construction and it has a v-style cylinder design for consistent cooling.

It has a large tank size of 30 gallons and for less wear and tear the bearings are placed on the ends of the pump’s crankshaft.

The low vibration technology of this compressor ensures that this unit has a longer life and to perform smoothly.

Additionally, it also includes other features such as Swedish steel valves, steel belt guard, a big flywheel for cooler operation, sight glass to view oil level, liquid-filled pressure gauge, etc. 

Feature list:

  • Dimensions:  41L x 19W x 40H
  • Maximum Pressure: 175 PSI
  • Horsepower: 12 HP
  • Tank Capacity: 30 Gallons
  • Engine: Honda GX390 (OHV)
  • Fuel Capacity (Gal): 1.6
  • Drain System: Manual
  • RPM: 1,300
  • Pump: Cast Iron
  • 18.7 CFM @ 175 PSI
  • 21.4 CFM @ 135 PSI
  • 24.4 CFM @ 90 PSI
  • 26.8 CFM @ 40 PSI

Pros:

  • After Cooler
  • Low Oil Protection
  • Has Very High CFM 
  • Cast Iron Construction
  • Low Vibration Technology

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

4. Eagle (EA-6500) 20 Gallon Air Compressor: 

The Eagle (EA-6500) compressor comes with a maximum working pressure of 125 PSI and it delivers 7.9 CFM at 40 PSI and 6 CFM at 90 PSI.

You don’t have to worry about its weight (132 pounds) as it is very portable due to its eight-inch tires so taking it from one place to another is easy.

5 Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Sprinkler System [August 2022 Updated] 3
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It has a 2.5 horsepower motor with a big tank size of 20 gallons for providing continuous air.

To reduce noise, and heat it has a slow RPM motor and dual air intake allowing twice the air to increase its efficiency.

Also, the low amp draw increases its life span.

The manufacturer of this unit claims that it is a very quiet air compressor and you can easily talk with anyone without any disturbance.

The integrated control panel has an adjustable pressure regulator and dual (push to lock) quick couplers so you can run multiple tools at once.

Furthermore, it also includes other features such as stainless steel braided discharge tubing, a maintenance-free oil-less compressor head, and a lever-type drain valve.

Feature list:

  • Dimensions: 21.64 x 18.66 x 45.96 Inches
  • Weight: 132 Pounds
  • Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI
  • Horsepower: 2.5 HP
  • Tank Capacity: 20 Gallons
  • Measurement System: Metric
  • 7.9 CFM @ 40 PSI
  • 6 CFM @ 90 PSI

Pros:

  • Is Quiet
  • Great CFM
  • Oil Free Double Piston Pump
  • Big Tank Capacity Of 20 Gallons
  • Has Wheel For Portability

Cons:

  • None

5. WEN (2289) Oil-Free 10 Gallon Vertical Air Compressor:

The WEN (2289) is also a great air compressor due to its portability and it is one of the best air compressors for a small sprinkler system.

This compressor comes with a 1.5 horsepower motor with a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI and it delivers 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI.

5 Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Sprinkler System [August 2022 Updated] 4
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The weight of this unit is 71.5 pounds which seems heavy but worry not as it comes with wheels which makes it easy to store and transporting it from one job to another is no issue.

It features an automatic shutdown so the unit will automatically shut off when it reaches the maximum pressure and this model is oil-free so no daily maintenance is required by you.

Additionally, it includes other features such as easy to reach quick drain valve, two pressure gauges, and a 1/4-inch NPT quick coupler.

Feature list:

  • Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 33.5 Inches
  • Weight: 71.5 Pounds
  • Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
  • Horsepower: 1.5 HP
  • Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
  • 1/4-Inch NPT Quick Coupler
  • Material: Metal
  • Measurement System: Metric
  • 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI
  • 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI

Pros:

  • Auto Shutdown Function
  • Has Wheel For Portability
  • Oil-Free
  • Great Tank Capacity Of Large 10 Gallons Tank

Cons:

  • Is Loud
  • Users Reports Of Getting Defective Unit

Important Tips:

  • Use safety precautions before doing this process.
  • Eye Protection must be used to avoid serious eye injuries.
  • Choose the best-suited Air Compressor for your Sprinkler system.
  • Don’t let air pressure go beyond 80 PSI for sprinkler systems using PVC pipes and 50 PSI for sprinkler systems using polyethylene pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What size air compressor for blowing out sprinklers?

For blowing out the sprinklers system the size of the air tank of the compressor is very important. You will need an air compressor that has a tank capacity of at least 5 – 6 gallons but it usually depends upon your needs.

How many CFM do I need to winterize my irrigation system?

If your pipe system has a larger diameter than a high CFM air compressor you will need. But if you only clean the sprinkler system one zone at a time then a normal CFM compressor will be enough.

What PSI Do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?

To blow out a sprinkler system an air compressor needs to have 50-80 PSI. It also depends upon which type of pipe you own.

How big of an air compressor do I need to blow out sprinklers?

If you are doing zone-by-zone blowout then an air compressor with 5-6 CFM will be enough but if you are planning on winterizing an entire sprinkler system then you will need a high CFM air compressor that has at least 20 CFM.

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