Water can cause a lot of damage, especially if it’s left to sit in your pipes. A simple way to prevent any water-related emergencies is to blow out your water lines before the cold weather hits.
If you’ve ever had to clean out your water lines, you know how important it is to have the right air compressor for blowing out water lines.
Air compressor helps to reduce the pressure on the water system or prevent water from entering the street.
But which one is best for blowing out water lines?
In this blog post, we’ll review the best air compressor for blowing out water lines and help you choose the one that’s right for you.
We’ll also talk about some of the features you should look for when making your purchase. Let’s get started!
Points to consider before buying air compressor for blowing out water lines:
Before buying the air compressor it’s important to know about the points that you must consider. This will help you to get the best air compressor as per your requirements.
- Size
The size of the air compressor will depend on the diameter of the water line. If the diameter of your water line is 1”, then you will need an air compressor of 1.2 – 3 HP with a tank size of 6 gallons or more.
If the diameter of your water line is 2”, then you will need an air compressor of 2 – 4 HP with a tank size of 10 gallons or more. Mostly the recommended tank size is at least 6 – 20 gallons.
- Comfort
For blowing out a water line, you want something that is compact and lightweight.
If you want a compact air compressor that is light and easy to carry around, you should go for the best portable compressor for blowing out water lines.
Because a small air compressor is more comfortable to use, it will make the job easier and quicker. If you want a high-powered air compressor, you should buy one that is tall, flat, and has good lifting capacity.
California Air Tools 10020C – Top Pick
Specifications:
- Capacity: 10 Gallons
- AirFlow Capacity: 6.4 CFM
- Weight: 82.8 pounds
- Maximum pressure: 125 psi
- Dimensions: 16″ L x 15.1″ W x 35.9″ H
- Cooling: Yes, low air flow cooling
- Warranty: One year
Why do We Love It?
Pros
Cons
Comparison With Other Air Compressors:
If we compare it with other air compressors, this one is definitely a better option because it is more powerful, has a higher airflow capacity, and is very quiet.
The construction of this air compressor is very robust and sturdy. It is made with a cast-iron cylinder which makes it durable.
It comes with a powerful 2 hp motor that can generate 5.30 CFM of airflow at 90 PSI. This amount of power and airflow is enough to blow out any water line without any problem.
You just have to hook this unit up to your water line and it will efficiently blow out any water or debris that’s inside.
It also has 2 silencing air filters that make this unit very quiet. The only thing that we didn’t like about this unit is its weight. At 82.8 pounds, it is a bit on the heavier side but its performance makes up for it.
In-Depth Details:
In terms of energy efficiency, this air compressor comes with an energy management system that optimizes the power consumption which also gives more power for blowing out water lines.
For best performance, this air compressor has Dual PSI Gauges that give better accuracy and measurement. The oil-free pump of this unit is maintenance-free and it has a life cycle of more than 3,000 hours.
It also has a pre-set pressure switch that automatically shuts off the air compressor when it reaches the desired pounds per square inch. This feature not only saves your energy but also prolongs the life of the unit.
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CRAFTSMAN – Pancake Air Compressor with Accessory kit
Specifications:
- Tank: 6 Gallon size
- Output: 150 PSI
- Power: Corded Electric
- Warranty: 1 year
Why do We Love It?
Pros
Cons
Comparison With Other Air Compressors:
Build and design of this air compressor demonstrate its outstanding quality. It is a perfect little machine for those who love to work with tools and need an air compressor that can handle multiple tasks.
We have seen many air compressors in this price range don’t come with an extra accessory kit, this is one of the reasons why this unit is so popular.
There is a 13-piece accessory set that contains everything you need to start. Among the items included in the kit are a 6-gallon air compressor, a 25-foot hose, an air chuck, an air gauge, and other accessories.
You can easily carry this compact unit anywhere. It is small and fits anywhere.
The only thing that we didn’t like about this unit is the airflow. At 2.6 SCFM, it’s a bit on the lower side but it’s still enough for winterizing sprinkler systems and blowing out water lines.
In-Depth Details:
The motor of this air compressor is powerful which offers great performance for blowing out water lines. The air cylinder features a fully enclosed O-ring, good for sealing against the environment. The internal weight of this air compressor makes it heavy duty and efficient.
Pancake design allows for a tight seal to reduce hot air transfer to the vehicle. Runs at a maximum 1,750 RPM to provide the fast, intense burst that you need. It is the best budget fit air compressor for blowing out water lines especially in homes.
Four tip clearances allow easy access to your water line for a fast hot air changeover. The heavier cylinders are usually a bit less durable but these cylinders in this air compressor are light.
California Air Tools 8010 – Ultra Quiet Air Compressor for Blowing out Water Pipes
Specifications:
- Capacity: 8 Gallons
- Instruction: Manual included
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Maximum pressure: 120 psi
- Noise: 60 dB
- HP: 2 horsepower
Why It’s Great:
Pros
Cons
Comparison With Other Air Compressors:
The California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor beats out the competition because of its quiet operation and powerful internal pressure for crushing/blowing out water pipes/lines.
Additionally, it’s portable and easy to use when traveling. This compressor is designed for professional use. It’s perfect for roofing nailer, blowing out water lines. But the drawback is it doesn’t support more capacity.
In-Depth Details:
The California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor is the only compressor we’ve reviewed to have adjustable pressure controls.
You can set it for maximum pressure or for internal air pressure for blowing out water lines. A pretty handy feature to have for blowing out water lines.
You can also connect your air tools, and have them ready to go when you need them. This cool and very clever air compressor has an integrated air filter so you can run it clean, clear or dirty. Plus, it has a 50-page user’s manual that covers all of your air compressor needs.
Water pressure, being that it is a pressurized air unit, has to be monitored regularly.
To ensure you are getting proper air pressure, the compressor’s pressure control gives you the ability to take the air pressure up or down by 25 psi. This is a very useful feature of this best ultra-quiet air compressor to blow out the dirt and debris in water lines.
DEWALT – Portable Air Compressor For Sprinkle System
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Pressure: 165 pounds pe square inch
- Voice: 75 Db
- Weight (lbs.) Tested: 30 pounds
Why do We Love It?
Pros
Cons
Comparison With Other Air Compressors:
20% smaller and 10% lighter than the DEWALT FF112, this best air compressor for drain water line is the smallest on the list at 5.2-inches high. And of all the options on the list, this is the best in terms of motor weights and price.
Its just like the DWFP5612, it has a 6-gallon capacity, although it doesn’t have the ability to control the power (5.5-HP). But that also gives you more flexibility, especially in tight spaces.
The only drawback is the price is pretty high, but this thing is still great.
In-Depth Details:
We also love that the handle is just that; a handle. It’s simple and straightforward, unlike some of the more complicated air compressor handles.
Plus, since this is a 2-axis air compressor, it can be used to change speed and direction in just a matter of minutes which gives it efficient way of blowing out water lines. The manufacturer even included a mini flashlight so you can see in the dark.
The bulk of DEWALT’s compressors have motor weights around 3.5-times as high as the average air compressor.
It doesn’t have the 2-pole crankshaft, but this one still works great, and it’s still a pretty nice unit. The DWFP55126 comes with a 5-year warranty, which is pretty generous.
We also love the fact that it’s so affordable, and has a 6-gallon capacity. At that size, it’s easily portable, and while not built for heavy-duty long-term use (it maxes out at 165 PSI), it’s good enough for changing a few line filters in your RV, and the price is still pretty awesome.
It is best air compressor for winterizing home under $300 than heavy charges of different companies services for blowing out water lines.
BOSTITCH (BTFP02012) – Pancake Oil-free Air Compressor
Specifications:
- Oil capacity: 6 gallons
- Tank capacity: 6 Gallons
- Pressure: 150 psi
- Maximum weight: 30.8 pounds
Why do We Love It?
Pros
Cons
Comparison With Other Air Compressors:
Let’s see some of the features of this compressor compared to other air compressors. The requirements for new homes are different than typical gas or electric air compressors.
The advantage is it uses compression and pressure, like a typical air compressor. The price is slightly lower than other low horsepower air compressors with a warranty of 1 year. Like other air compressors the initial purchase price is higher than other home appliances.
In-Depth Details:
The 5th Generation Pancake Air Compressor from BOSTITCH uses a 3/8-inch pressurized oil-free piston with a rare earth bearing for easy blow out of water line system.
The oil-free piston features a lower risk of contamination. It is still cheap in price under $150 air compressor.
Plus, the lubrication of the pressurized piston doesn’t contaminate the gas in your line. This oil-free technology cuts down on maintenance and prevents spills. The cold start feature allows you to save time when gas lines are freezing or having trouble starting.
Air is separated by a 5/8” gap, which allows for maximum compression for large jobs. With a pressure gauge, you can adjust the maximum air pressure to your specifications.
The air is separated and is then blended together to achieve the greatest possible pressure for blowing out water lines.
Metabo HPT “THE TANK” Pancake Air Compressor (EC914S)
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Dimensions: 15 x 8.5 x 8.75”
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Pressure: 200 PSI
- Design: Pancake
Why do We Love It?
Pros
Cons
Comparison With Other Air Compressors:
There are a number of air compressors out there. However, there is only one that stands out above the rest. This is our choice for best air compressor for blowing out sprinklers.
This air compressor for sprinkler blowout is both powerful and easy to use. It can be controlled by remote and programed to operate on a timed schedule. The only disadvantage is that this compressor runs somewhat loud and will be noisy.
In-Depth Details:
The Metabo HPT pancake air compressor takes air compressors to a new level of versatility. This powerful air compressor from Metabo is small and lightweight, making it easy to bring along wherever you’re working.
With a pancake-style design, it can handle 200 PSI at a rate of 600 CFM. You don’t need to buy a separate air compressor for your blower air compressor, since the 2200-Watt HPT Pancake Air Compressor connects to most home and commercial blower air compressors.
Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
Specifications:
- Measurement: 20 x 18 x 18.75 inches
- Weight: 80.8 lbs
- Power: 2.5 horsepower
- Type: Oil lubricated
Why do We Love It?
Pros
Cons
Comparison With Other Air Compressors:
The Makita Mac2400 is perhaps the most inexpensive of the three big bore air compressor models featured on this page.
It is much more affordable than the Makita TMA2400 (a slightly less powerful version) and even less expensive than the price of the slightly more powerful Makita TMX (a slightly less powerful version).
The only real difference between these three Makita models is size, this unit is 20 lbs heavier than the other two. However, this weight is negated by the much bigger compressor surface area.
In-Depth Details:
The Makita MAC2400 Big Bore Air Compressor can be a very important part of your next DIY fix. It features an incredibly strong casing which makes it able to stand up to blowing out large amounts of water.
A large bore air compressor is ideal for fitting high-pressure air into a tight space. This also makes the Makita MAC2400 a great tool to use to help tighten light fittings that are high up on walls or ceiling.
Not included with this compressor is the compressor pipe. It only comes with an allen wrench to attach the filter. It is a very good idea to install your own one though. The throttle is very smooth, allowing it to operate quietly in the background.
Buying Guide for air compressor for blowing out water lines
Blowing out water lines can happen with even the slightest of stress on your property, especially if the old water main isn’t installed correctly.
You can lose a lot of your hard-earned money if you don’t use the right product to fix this problem quickly and efficiently.
If your home is built on a slab of concrete, then you cannot use electricity to help you blow out a water line. But this does not mean that you cannot use air to get rid of a water line leak.
If you live in an area that gets cold weather, it’s important to winterize your home before the temperatures drop. Of course, this is why you need to buy the right air compressor for you. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
Compressed air is one of the most powerful ways to blow out water lines. It can reach places that other methods cannot and will quickly get rid of the water.
But, before you buy an air compressor for blowing out water lines, you need to make sure that you know what features to look for. This way, you will get the most powerful unit for your needs.
Read this section below to see how to buy the right size air compressor for your work.
Pressure Pumping
It is very important to use a pressure pumping system when you are trying to blow out water lines. As the water seeps out through the old pipes, it causes air pressure to build in the lines.
To get the lines back in good shape, you need to use an air compressor that can handle the pressure. Not using the right air compressor will lead to air explosions in the line, and those explosions could seriously damage your house, pipes and family members.
If you have a small line, then you do not need as much power. But, if you have a larger line or multiple lines, then you need an air compressor that can handle the pressure.
Portable Air Compressor
Portable air compressors are very helpful when you need to quickly get a large amount of air into a line. They are not as useful for extended time periods as your tried-and-true air compressor, however.
This type of air compressor needs to be plugged in to a special power source. They are not suitable for line blasting because they have a smaller flow rate and are less powerful.
However, they are excellent for blasting smaller pipes that you can put inside your garage or a shed and not cause too much damage to your home. These compressors are ideal for cleaning out sewer lines. If you are interested in that type of work, you might want to consider one of these portable air compressors.
Revolving Air Compressor
Air compressors with a revolving cylinder are great for getting air into small pipe lines. There are also some geared compressors that will send the air through the cylinders continuously to get the air going to the correct cylinder, even if you are not holding the handle in place.
If you do plan on using a revolving air compressor, you need to make sure it is not just sitting in one place, because this type of air compressor can’t get air going around corners and around doorways, because it has no moving parts.
This type of compressor will need to be stationary. You also need to make sure it is not too heavy for your air compressor handle to lift. You also need to make sure the cylinder is not too small or you won’t have enough air to blow your lines properly.
Conclusion
If you want to blow out a water line without risking the house, the problem has to be in the line. Or so they say. These awesome air compressors for blowing out water lines make it super easy to blow out any water line.
Just press the button, push the handle, and go nuts. None of the models on this list are remotely expensive, you can grab your favorite option without any hesitation according to what suits you best.
The best air compressors for dry lines are generally more expensive than other options, so check our guide to find the best air compressor for your needs.
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