Winterizing with air compressor

[DC8Captain]

In another thread about winterizing hddecker wrote "X2 on using air to blow the lines. If you don't have a 12V compressor you will want to get one."

So how much pressure do you need for this method and what 12v air-compressors have that kind of output? Also what is the max pressure so you don't blow the plumbing up.

[wahoonc]

I don't have a 12v compressor, but 25psi is more than enough to blow the lines. First time I did it I used 40 or so, way too much.

Aaron

[DC8Captain]

I'm thinking you need a certain CFM at 25psi too.

[donzinger]

^^^ x2 - I use compressor every year - only way to go IMHO

[macman83]

I use the 3gallon pancake compressor that I keep in the front compartment. I regulate it down to around 20 psi. Before I start blowing the air through it, I open all the valves under the trailer, and pull the plug on the water heater. Then I also lower it nose down, blow the lines, then raise it nose up and do it again. Then I wash it, and repeat the air. Then I disconnect the line at the back of the toilet(lots of people have that valve back there freeze). Last thing is to put antifreeze in all the drains. It takes 3 hours to do everything.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Fdhealy4

I'm thinking you need a certain CFM at 25psi too.

As long as you can pressurize it and release I don't think the CFM really matters, just so air is moving through the system and taking water with it. I know my big compressor is rated to 80 cfm at 180 psi no clue what it puts out at 25 psi... whole bunch?

Aaron

[DC8Captain]

How does the line from the water pump to the main plumbing system get drained. Does the air push the water back through the water pump into the main water tank or do you manually drain it somehow?

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Fdhealy4

How does the line from the water pump to the main plumbing system get drained. Does the air push the water back through the water pump into the main water tank or do you manually drain it somehow?

I run the pump dry, then disconnect that line and drain it. I also remove and drain inside and outside shower fittings. Not sure about the valve behind the toilet, might have to check into that one. Never have had an issue with it in the past.

Aaron