r/Irrigation • u/davemill123 • 3d ago

Seeking Pro Advice Winterize irrigation pump sprinkler system???

I have a sprinkler system that the water is supplied by an underground well via an irrigation pump. The pump has a faucet (manual calls a “primer opener”) on the discharge pipe. Freezing weather is coming. Can I connect an air compressor hose to that faucet to blow out (winterize) the sprinkler system? This is my first post on Reddit. Thank you for any advise/help.

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u/Fine_Blackberry2085 3d ago

Is there a backflow prevention system, like a PVB?

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u/davemill123 3d ago

No. In my area back flow preventer is not required if water is supplied by an underground well. I use the irrigation pump only for my sprinkler system. City water for my home.

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u/Sparky3200 Licensed 3d ago

If it's a standard submersible pump, then most likely yes. If it's a jet pump that draws water, it's a few more steps to do it right.

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u/davemill123 3d ago

Thanks for replying Sparky. Guess it could be considered a jet pump but more like an irrigation pump that suctions up the water from an underground well. There is no other place to connect an air compressor hose but the spigot on the pump's discharge pipe. Nothing but valves under the valve cover. Only possible connection is to the Spigot (Primer opening). My concern is that there may not be enough pressure to force the air towards the sprinkler without air going in the opposite direction towards the well (No valve on the suction side). But according to the neighbors there has been a sprinkler system at this place for about 15 years. My last place, I would just connect the hose to the back flow Preventer. This place doesn't have one since the pump is strictly used only for the Sprinkler System. Instead of renting a compressor, I have decided to call a professional this year who can blow out the system next week, maybe I will find out then....