Compressor size needed for winterizing?

razntwn

looking to self winterize and need to buy compressor; what sizes have people used?  

Is 3 gallon, 1HP, at 3 CFM @ 40psi enough so you don't need to cycle tank over and over and waste time?

what have people used to do efficiently?

R&B

I use a bicycle tire pump with pressure gage. Pump to about 45lbs. 

DurangoTaB

I have a 1.5 gal portable compressor (I do a lot cabinet/wood work) and it works fine...cycles a few times, but there isn't that much volume to purge.  One thing I learned is to tilt the T@B to the left (port) for drainage/purging, since the FW tank and Alde/HW/CW drains are on that side.  Coupled with pink stuff in the traps (and black/gray gate valves), we did fine through a pretty long & cold winter.

razntwn

Thanks for the info; looks like small portable is fine which makes it more affordable for me; thanks for the hint to lean port side too.

Cyclonic

R&B said:

I use a bicycle tire pump with pressure gage. Pump to about 45lbs. 

Even though it is a small system, that would still take an awful lot of pumping.

A small compressor will do the job, you only want about 25 PSI.

Verna

Cyclonic said:

R&B said:

I use a bicycle tire pump with pressure gage. Pump to about 45lbs. 

Even though it is a small system, that would still take an awful lot of pumping.

A small compressor will do the job, you only want about 25 PSI.

I used a manual bicycle pump at midnight a few days after I got back from AZ. I put it off until the last minute and didn't want to disturb the neighbor's. It really wasn't that hard. I'd pump then go dry the sink, pump more, dry the sink, until no more water came out of the sink faucet. It took me less than 30 minutes for everything. 

jkjenn

Verna said:

Cyclonic said:

R&B said:

I use a bicycle tire pump with pressure gage. Pump to about 45lbs. 

Even though it is a small system, that would still take an awful lot of pumping.

A small compressor will do the job, you only want about 25 PSI.

I used a manual bicycle pump at midnight a few days after I got back from AZ. I put it off until the last minute and didn't want to disturb the neighbor's. It really wasn't that hard. I'd pump then go dry the sink, pump more, dry the sink, until no more water came out of the sink faucet. It took me less than 30 minutes for everything. 

I have also used a bike pump. Not too bad.

R&B

Pretty simple actually. A few pumps to pressurize the system.  Do this a few cycles and you're done. Cheap and simple. 

razntwn

I'll give it a try before buying a compressor but that means no new tool 

thanks all.
rey

ericnliz

razntwn, Aw, go buy a compressor anyway, it will make 'ya feel better!

Ratkity

I use a modified garden sprayer. There's a post on it somewhere where it shows the mod to the hose to fit the city water intake. I think if I full-timed it, I'd just carry a small compressor. However, if I full-timed it, I'd travel a-la PXL-style and just head to warmer campsites!