Plug-In Electric vs. 80 CFM Tow-Behind for Sprinkler Blowouts
In winterizing sprinklers, many homeowners start with their household plug-in compressors—but quickly hit limits. Here’s exactly why a 60–80 CFM tow-behind rig is the faster, safer—and smarter—way to get it done right.
Why Plug-In Electric Compressors Fall Short
Most household plug-ins deliver 2–6 CFM at 90 PSI. That’s just enough to pop a couple heads—but not sustain enough airflow to flush long laterals or multiple heads. You’re left playing “tank rush”—pump → dump → wait.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
According to DIY irrigation pros, a residential system usually takes a compressor capable of 30+ CFM to complete safely and efficiently.
“Yes. Volume is more important than pressure… it would take all day at 5 CFM.”:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why 60–80 CFM Tow-Behind Compressors Work*
- They produce continuous high airflow with no reliance on tank recharge time—clearing hundreds of feet of pipe in minutes not hours.
- You can drop PSI to safer levels (50–60 PSI) while still maintaining strong flow—this protects pop-ups, valves, and risers.
- Contractor-grade towing rigs work fast and allow multi-zone completion in well under 30 minutes on average service drops.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
* Higher-CFM models are overkill for a ⅛-acre lawn, but they dramatically lower risk, time, and wear on irrigation components.
Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Typical CFM | How It Performs | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in, small tank |
2–6 CFM | Quick pop-ups, then long recharge. Multiple passes → chattering heads. | ~20–60 min / zone |
| 15–30 gal jobsite | 8–15 CFM | Better, but struggles on long runs or heads with check valves. | ~10–20 min / zone |
| Tow-behind Rigs | 60–80 CFM+ | Consistent mist, unseats valves quickly, large systems cleared fast | ~3–7 min / zone |
DIY Tip
If you’re stuck with a plug-in, use this mantra: “tank-charge, zone blow, pause cool.” Set your PSI to 50–60, hit max tank pressure, purge until mist, then stop and let the compressor recharge before next round.
Want Faster, Safer Results?
If you’re short on time—or can’t tolerate DIY tank rechages—call us. Our high-CFM rig will snap your system to mist in minutes, not hours.