10 Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Water Lines in 2024

Water lines need to be blown with an air compressor for a number of reasons.

You might be trying to unclog them or just remove all water to prevent it from freezing during winter to avoid damaging the water lines.

The thing is, it’s not that easy to find an air compressor that’s powerful, portable and convenient enough to do this, which is why I decided to make this article where I’ll show your best alternatives.

Let’s get right into it.

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The Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Water Lines

So, let’s get over the following air compressors I found to be the best for blowing out water lines:

1. DEWALT DXCM271 Portable Air Compressor
2. Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor
3. California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor
4. Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
5. CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS CAT-4620AC Air Compressor
6. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* Air Compressor
7. California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
8. California Air Tools 10020CHAD Air Compressor
9. California Air Tools 20020 Air Compressor
10. Craftsman 10 Gallon Air Compressor

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1. DEWALT DXCM271 Portable Air Compressor

If you need an air compressor to blow out water lines, you might fall in love with this DEWALT DXCM271 air compressor like I did.

Its powerful, oil-free motor delivers 5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI with a maximum pressure of 200 PSI, allowing users to run multiple pneumatic tools at the same time.

Furthermore, when fully operational, it produces only 78 decibels of noise, which is unusual for an air compressor of this size.

Finally, it has a large handle and a set of wheels that make moving this air compressor very easy.

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2. Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor

This Makita MAC5200 air compressor is an excellent choice for blowing out water lines due to features such as its powerful 3HP motor that produces 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI.

Its cast iron pump with BigBore cylinder and piston is also critical for the air compressor’s reliability and performance.

The 5.2 gallon air tank allows for a longer runtime, and the folding handle and set of wheels make for easy portability.

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3. California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor

There are few air compressors on the market with as many powerful and convenient features as the CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 10020C air compressor.

I mean, its 2HP 4-pole motor delivers 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI, allowing users to run their pneumatic tools with maximum air pressure.

Furthermore, its 10 gallon air tank can be refilled in 120 seconds, allowing users to use their air tools for longer periods of time.

Although it is somewhat noisy, it compensates with very convenient features such as an oil-free pump and overheating protection that guarantee efficiency and durability.

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4. Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

This Stealth 20 gallon air compressor is surprisingly powerful for its size and price.

It has a 1.8HP motor that produces 5CFM at 90 PSI, allowing it to power a wide range of pneumatic tools (e.g. framing nailers).

Furthermore, features such as its large 20 gallon tank, which provides a longer runtime, make this air compressor an excellent choice for those who need to run their air tools for an extended period of time.

Another feature I valued about this Stealth air compressor was its low noise level of 68 decibels, which is uncommon in competing air compressors.

Finally, the air compressor has two 8-inch rubber-reinforced wheels and a large handle that make moving it around a breeze.

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5. CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS CAT-4620AC Air Compressor

This CAT-4620 air compressor from CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS is powerful enough to blow out any water lines, no matter how large or long they are.

Because of its 2HP motor, I can see why some people think it’s ideal for powering most air tools, as it outputs 5.30 CFM at 90PSI of air pressure.

I must admit that it is a bit heavy, but features such as its 4.6 gallon aluminum tank, which provides a longer runtime, more than make up for it.

Last but not least, I liked how it only makes 70 decibels of noise, which is very quiet when compared to other similar air compressors.

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6. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* Air Compressor

If you want to find an air compressor that is both powerful and portable, this could be your best option.

This DEWALT Flexvolt air compressor has incredible features, such as a battery-powered brushless motor that provides 1.2 SCFM at 90 PSI without the use of cords.

Its portable design is another worthy feature to mention as it only weighs 21.5 pounds and has a big handle that makes it very easy to carry it around.

Finally, aside from being made in America, it has a roll cage construction that is both lightweight and sturdy, which are both important factors when looking for a portable air compressor.

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7. California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

This California Air Tools CAT-60040 air compressor has two 2-horsepower motors (4HP total) and produces 10.60 CFM at 90 PSI total air pressure, making it one of the best air compressors for blowing out water lines on the market.

Furthermore, the 60 gallon air tank is large enough to provide enough air pressure to run multiple pneumatic tools for an extended period of time.

It has an oil-free pump that does not require maintenance, which is essential for those who want to avoid frequent oil changes.

Last but not least, it only makes 75 decibels when operating, which is hard to find in other air compressors of similar characteristics.

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8. California Air Tools 10020CHAD Air Compressor

Aside from its oil-free pump, the California Air Tools 10020CHAD air compressor has a 2HP motor that delivers 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI, which is useful for blowing out water lines.

Furthermore, it includes a 10 gallon steel tank that allows users to enjoy high air pressure for longer periods of time, which is especially useful if you plan to blow out long water lines.

I know it can be a little loud, but its oil-free pump, which saves you from having to change your oil on a regular basis, is an amazing feature that exists to compensate.

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9. California Air Tools 20020 Air Compressor

This CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 20020 air compressor is well worth the money because it has a 2HP motor that delivers 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI.

Its 20 gallon steel tank is known to be amazing because it allows users to use the air compressor for longer periods of time without having to refill it.

Furthermore, it is built with an oil-free dual piston pump system that is not only efficient but also does not require frequent oil changes.

Last but not least, the air compressor produces only 70 decibels of noise, which is ideal if you want a powerful but quiet air compressor.

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10. Craftsman 10 Gallon Air Compressor

This Craftsman 10 gallon air compressor has a 1.8 HP motor that delivers 4 CFM at 90 PSI and all the powerful and convenient features you could want in an air compressor.

Its large air pressure regulator also makes it easier to set the required air pressure from the air compressor, which is a feature I look for in most air compressors.

It may be loud, but I appreciate its built-in safety valve, which ensures that everything goes as planned and that no unintended accidents occur.

Finally, it has an upright handle and wheels to make transportation easier.

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Comparison Table

Name	Airflow rates	Tank size	Wheels
1. DEWALT DXCM271 Portable Air Compressor Review	5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI	27 gallon tank	Yes
2. Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor Review	6.5 CFM at 90 PSI	5.2 gallon tank	Yes
3. California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor Review	5.30 CFM at 90 PSI	10 gallon tank	Yes
4. Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Review	5 CFM at 90 PSI	20 gallon tank	Yes
5. CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS CAT-4620AC Air Compressor Review	5.30 CFM at 90 PSI	4.6 gallon	Yes
6. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* Air Compressor Review	1.2 SCFM at 90 PSI	2.5 gallon tank	None
7. California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Review	10.60 CFM at 90 PSI	60 gallon air tank	Yes
8. California Air Tools 10020CHAD Air Compressor Review	5.30 CFM at 90 PSI	10 gallon steel tank	Yes
9. California Air Tools 20020 Air Compressor Review	5.30 CFM at 90 PSI	20 gallon tank	Yes
10. Craftsman 10 Gallon Air Compressor Review	4 CFM at 90psi	10 gallon tank	Yes

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The Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Water Lines Overall

California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor

If you want to skip reading and learn about the best air compressor of them all for blowing out water lines, then I’d suggest you take a look at this 10020C air compressor from CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS.

I mean, it comes with features that make it a very nice choice of an air compressor, such as:

• 2HP motor that outputs 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI with 125 maximum PSI, which is sufficient to efficiently blowing most water lines
• Oil free pump that requires no oil changes
• It only takes 120 seconds to refill the air tank

Anyways, if you’d like to read the full review, you can do so by clicking the button down below.

Review

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Must Have Features of The Best Air Compressors for Blowing Out Water Lines

Here are some of the features I believe are essential to find in an air compressor if you want to use it to blow out water lines.

You might find this list useful if you want to go find your next air compressor by yourself.

Strong PSI & CMF

Your next air compressor should have strong metrics when it comes to its PSI (Pounds per square inch of air pressure) and CMF (cubic feet per minute of air pressure) if you want it to be efficient for blowing out water lines in sprinkler systems.

In my opinion, an air compressor for blowing out water lines should come with a motor that outputs at least 5 CMF at 90 PSI.

That, in my experience, is sufficient air pressure to unclog most water lines.

Air Tank

Yes, I believe a large air tank is necessary for air compressors, especially when using them to blow out water lines.

Allow me to explain.

Air tanks are important not only for storing the air pressure that determines the air compressor’s runtime, but also for regulating it, which is necessary because different water lines require different air pressure levels to be efficiently blown. 

Knowing this, I’d say that the best air compressor for blowing out water lines should have an air tank that’s no smaller than 5 gallons.

This will give you confidence that it will allow the air compressor to run for an extended period of time, which is critical when blowing long water lines.

Drain Valve

As we’ve discussed in previous articles, a drain valve is an essential feature of an air compressor because it allows you to get rid of water and moisture inside the air tank, which can corrode it and pose a variety of risks.

This is why I believe a drain valve is essential for an air compressor, as it could not only save you from replacing it, but it could also prevent the air compressor from exploding.

Noise Levels

Have you ever spent an entire day working alongside a loud air compressor? It’s the absolute worst.

This is why, here at cleverhandymen.com, we believe that air compressors should be as quiet as possible.

Getting an air compressor that produces less than 80 decibels of noise could be a good goal because it will allow you to do your daily tasks without the loud and annoying noise that most air compressors produce.

Portability

The final feature is portability.

You will almost certainly need to move your air compressor, which is why I believe portability is essential when it comes to air compressors.

This is why a large handle and a set of wheels are essential features for air compressors because they allow you to easily move the air compressor around.

Otherwise, you’ll have to use unnatural force to move the air compressor around.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are always questions that come up when talking about the best air compressors. Here’s is my attempt at answering all of them.

Why Do You Need to Blow Out Water Lines With an Air Compressor?

There are several reasons why using an air compressor to blow out water lines is a good idea.

First and foremost, there is the issue of winter. If there is any water inside a water line that hasn’t been pushed out, it has a good chance of freezing and expanding, damaging expensive water lines.

You must also consider the bacteria that water contains. If you plan on not using your water lines for an extended period of time and there is water inside the lines, bacteria will grow and cause damage to the water lines.

Finally, debris and dirt clogging the water lines is a common problem. This can only be resolved by blowing out the water lines with a powerful air compressor capable of producing enough air pressure to unclog the water lines.

How Big Should an Air Compressor Be to Blow Out Water Lines?

As previously stated, I believe an air compressor should not be smaller than 5 gallons.

Air compressor tanks are critical for not only storing but also regulating air pressure, which is required for blowing out water lines because different water lines require different levels of air pressure to be successfully blown.

This is why, in my experience, an air compressor larger than 5 gallons will suffice for blowing out water lines.

What’s the Difference Between SCFM and CFM?

There’s a lot of confusion regarding air compressors’ metrics. A big one is the difference between SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute of air pressure) and CFM (cubic feet per minute of air pressure).

I’ll do my best to clear this up.

SCFM measures how much air flows through a system under ideal or standard conditions. CFM, on the other hand, indicates how much air pressure is produced under actual conditions.

The main distinction between the two is that SCFM considers temperature and pressure, whereas CFM does not.