anyone ever use an air compressor to blow out the water lines

[gmberkley]

wondering if anyone ever used compressed air to blow out the water in the system in lieu of using anti freeze?

[dkirsop]

I used to use an air compressor, which worked well, but then I found I could simply use my diaphragm pump. First I pump my wanter tank dry. Then I close all the valves and use my hot water tank as an accumulator. I run the pump for 5 to 10 minutes which pressurizes the hot water tank then open the drain valve which blows the water out of the tank. Then I close the drain valve and repeat the process for each of the faucets I need to clear. I keep this up until all faucets blow clear. Then once more blow the hot water tank clear.

[loganmj]

That is a clever idea! It doesn't impact the water pump diaphragm? I've always been nervous about the pump running dry and overheating but maybe I am just applying impeller pump rules to diaphragm pumps?

[gmberkley]

I was wondering about that also, any chance anyone else can chime in on this subject, winterizing the entire water system, and then flushing it out in the Spring is time consuming.

[catalina_mike]

You can use compressed air like rv's do. However make sure the pressure does not exceed 30#

[dkirsop]

I have a West Marine diaphragm pump and it is unaffected running dry as no water is used for lubrication of the moving parts. Much like a diaphragm air compressor - which it becomes.