How to drain an Air compressor?

Table of Contents

Introduction

An Air compressor is a device that helps to reduce the volume of gas, thereby increasing its pressure. But, they can also be used for other jobs, including odd jobs around the house or as a source of income. Whichever choice you decide, an air compressor will do the job, but you have to make sure you maintain them properly. Lack of maintenance of air compressors can cause damages that might affect its ability to function correctly or cause permanent damage. Also, you are risking your life and that of the people around you if you fail to maintain your air compressor. We have made up a list of ways you can drain your air compressor and why you need to drain it. Below in this article, you will find useful ways to drain your air compressors and maintain it properly.

Why you need to drain your air compressor

Maintaining your air compressor is very important, and part of the necessary steps needed to be taken includes draining the water out regularly. There is water in the air compressor because every time it works, it generates water which is then pilled up and needs to be drained periodically. The air compressors tank needs to be emptied regularly because if the water gets into vial parts, it could damage electrical wiring or cause a much bigger problem. When you don’t drain the water out of the air compressor, it can end up blowing out air and water at the same time.

Steps to drain an Air compressor

Below you will find the steps needed to be taken to drain your air compressor. It is essential to know that this has to be done regularly, at least once a week.

The first thing you need to do is check the pressure gauge

You need to make sure there is pressure in the tank before you decide to start draining

Then, you need to put off the compressor and open the drain tap.

You might be wondering what or where the drain tap is, but all you need to do is look at the manual. In the manual attached to the air compressor, you will find all the necessary details to locate the drain tap

Once you open the drain tap, you will feel the water blowing out and condensation

You will have to wait until the draining is complete and the tank is empty

Once the tank is empty, you will need to close the tap by pushing it back to its original position

Now, your air compressor is completely drained, and this needs to be done at least once a week.

Is there a need to drain regularly

Yes, it would be best if you drained your air compressor regularly. If you don’t drain it regularly, the water in the tank will keep piling up, and that won’t be good for your air compressor. Excess water in your air compressor will affect how it operates and that will, in turn, affect how your tools will work when attached. If you use your air compressor daily, then it is best you drain it every couple of days or daily if possible.

Can you prevent water from getting into your air compressor?

The simple answer is NO, but there are ways to reduce the water level without draining. Most people might find the task or regularly draining the water in your air compressor tiring, and might be looking for a way out or a way to ease their burden. Before we go on, we would like to clearly state that there is no way to stop water from being in your air compressor. To reduce the water in your air compressor, you will need a dryer. You will use the dryer to remove water droplets that have been formed inside the tank. Using a dryer won’t be able to remove the water vapour that is generated when the air compressor is in use. There are different types of dryers available on purchase fro this purpose. Some examples include; refrigerated type of air dryer which is similar to an air conditioner, a desiccant air dryer can also be used. A desiccant air dryer works by purifying the absorbed air, before absorbing the moisture from it. Another type of air drier is the piping system which works by going into your airline to remove the moisture.

Why so much water

As a first time user or a curious person, you might be wondering why the air compressor produces so much water. But, not to worry, in this section of the article, we would be helping you understand better. Air compressors are known to withstand a lot of pressure, which is why they are built from certain types of materials. For this reason, the inner layer of the air compressor has a moisture resistance coating which prevents water from forming on the steel inside of the tanks. What this means is that the moisture or water which was meant to form on the inside of the steel tanks will start developing at the bottom. If you don’t drain it regularly, the excess water could damage things in the air compressor. For example, it can cause rusting in the tank, which is something you should try to avoid.

Conclusion

Everybody finds using air compressors great because it helps to make work easier and need to be adequately maintained. If you don’t maintain your air compressor properly, it could cause you a lot of damage that might not be repairable. One critical way to maintain your air compressor is to drain any excess water that will occur when it is being used because it can cause damages like rusting. In the article above, we have played out steps you could take to make sure that you properly drain your air compressor. If you follow the steps mentioned above, you should have no problem with draining your air compressor. We hope you have found this article very helpful.