Why does my sprinkler system thump?
Andrew Ramirez
Published May 25, 2026
Why does my sprinkler system thump?
Like indoor plumbing, air trapped in the system can cause a hammering sound along the pipes and especially near the sprinkler valve. This knocking sound is called water hammer and is cured by passing the air through the piping system.
How do I stop water hammer in my sprinkler system?
If only one of the irrigation valves is causing water hammer the easiest solution is to reduce the amount of water that valve is using. That will reduce the velocity and the water hammer will stop. To do that you need to reduce the number of sprinkler heads the valve operates.
Does air in pipes cause water hammer?
Air chambers are vertical pipes that regulate pressure and prevent water from forming waves in the supply pipes. The most common cause of a water hammer is an air chamber with too much water in it.
Can trapped air cause water hammer?
* Air Hammer. This happens when air gets trapped in your pipes, and it’s usually tied to operating valves or faucets. * Water Hammer. Air hammer is a relatively straightforward issue caused by trapped air pockets introduced into your plumbing system by the normal operation of valves and faucets.
Can a backflow preventer stop water hammer?
If the system has a backflow preventer installed, it is considered a closed system and the pres- sure wave can bounce back and forth in the piping like a ping-pong ball. Water hammer can normally be controlled by an air chamber installed within the piping system.
What to do if your irrigation system blows out?
Following a few key steps will ensure your lines are blown out safely. Shut off the main valve that supplies water to your sprinklers. The valve is usually near where the pipe exits the house to the sprinkler valves. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water.
How to blow out a sprinkler system at home?
How to Blow Out Sprinkler Systems. 1 Step 1 – Prepare the Lines. The first step is to turn off the irrigation lines and ensure no more water is able to flow into the lines. During this 2 Step 2 – Connect the Air Compressor to the Blow Out Port. 3 Step 3 – Blow Out Sprinklers. 4 Step 4 – Drain the Backflow Preventer.
How big of an air compressor do I need to blow out an irrigation system?
The minimum volume an air compressor must be able to provide to properly blowout an irrigation system is 20 cubic feet per meter (CFM). Still, many professionals recommend up to 50 CFM at under 50 PSI for optimal performance, assuming the water lines are less than an inch in diameter.
Is it necessary to install a lawn irrigation system?
This type of lawn irrigation system can be a complicated installation project, but with the right preparation and materials, it can be within your reach. Living landscapes need water to survive and flourish, but relying completely on natural rainfall isn’t always a reliable way to supply water.