Draining Pipes with Air Compressor

atonkennedy

Im a looking to winterize my house and blow the pipes out with an air compressor. The house is small. 800 square feet, with one bathroom & a washing machine. Im not looking to spend a great deal of money on a big compressor that isnt necessary. What is the smallest size air compressor would I need?
Thanks

Alan

The smallest one they make.

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Journeyman Plumber

COLDIRON

I'd rather see you buy a small pump and pump non-toxic RV antifreeze through your pipes and put some in the toilets(tank and bowl) and traps. Blowing sometimes leaves water in low spots with the antifreeze you can open each spigot until it runs pink. Isolate the water heater and drain it. Don't forget the washing machine. I'm sure there's something I am forgetting.

biggles

simple and cheap... http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt...sor-96068.html

merle

I totally agree with ColdIron, I tried with a 20 gal compressor once, after I replaced a lot of split pipes I went back to the RV antifreeze and no problems since. It is not worth the risk. or trouble to go the air compressor route unless you have a huge compressor like the people use to blow out sprinkler systems.

atonkennedy

Thanks for the responses and advice.
What do you use to pump the antifreeze into the pipes?

COLDIRON

First shut off the main water valve and drain everything in the house that has water in it, shut off the water heater and drain it, disconnect the washer hoses(maybe), hook up a pump to the spigot out side fill a 5 gallon bucket with RV antifreeze, stick a hose in it and have some out there to help you that can plug and unplug the pump, go in the house open one spigot at a time and tell the person to start the pump , once you see pink tell him/her to stop the pump, go to each fixture and do this then pour it in the toilet tanks and toilets by hand after you get all the water out. Not positive about the washer you might have to start the fill cycle and start the pump to keep the washer water pump from freezing. It sounds complicated and a lot of work but it's not really just take your time and make sure you think of everything where water would freeze. OH, don't forget all the traps in the house dump at least a cup in each one. You might need more than 5 gallons I'd buy 10 for the first year then each year after that you'll know the amount better. So for probably around $100 that's not bad to protect your investment. I'm sure I am missing something. Just think like water. Maybe someone else has an easier way and they will throw in their 2 cents.