How often do you REALLY empty/clean your Air Compressor?

ehoez

How often do you REALLY empty/clean your Air Compressor?


The book says every day....

but who really does it?

47_47

I have an older version of yours. I usually only use my compressor on the weekends. I'll drain it on Sunday and leave it empty until the next use. The biggest neglect is the air filter inspection. Check it quarterly, more frequently if used in a dusty area. Be careful when wrapping pipe connections with the teflon tape. Do not allow any tape into the air flow, or over time the tape will be carried by the air and could lodge into a tool.
Could you describe your manifold set up? Is this factory?

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What we've got here is... failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach. So you get what we had here last week, which is the way he wants it... well, he gets it.

RippySkippy

I drain mine when I think about it. I try to do it around the first of the month.

The red piping to the right of the compressor, is that PEX type tubing for air under slab?

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when it comes to breakfast, the chicken is dedicated, the pig is committed.
LMASD

angus242

I drain my portable compressor after every day of use. It may get used daily for weeks on end and then sit for a few more weeks before getting used again.

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Angus

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jogr

Who cares about draining compressor tanks. We want to know what the underslab PEX is for? Radiant heat in floor? Looks like you have it set up to hook to the compressor - tell us about it.

mannop125

It depends how often you use it and the humity in the air when you use it. I found when the humity is low, I don't get a lot of water in the system. You do want to get the water out as it will rust from the inside out.

Termite

The drain valve on that compressor stinks. I have one. I took it out and installed a short brass nipple and a gate valve. It lets all the water out, and gets it done in a hurry!

I drain mine after most uses. Not all, but most.

RippySkippy

Gate or Ball? I drained mine last week...and the little twisty valve got plugged from a very small piece of rust a couple of times. Looks like I'll be adding a valve soon.

__________________
when it comes to breakfast, the chicken is dedicated, the pig is committed.
LMASD

leroyme

I haven't thought about trading that crappy valve for a ball valve, but it makes good sense! I am building an air ride suspension setup for my truck, and bought a ball valve for the bottom of it. A 1/4" valve (it's SO CUTE!... lol) was only like $4 at Ace hardware!

barnyard05

I was thinking about trying one of these automatic drainers. I get tired of crawling on the floor and reaching my hand under the compressor to drain it. This looks like it might work. The only problem I see is the 145psi tubing that comes with it. I have a 165 psi compressor. Maybe I could find better tubing for it. I haven't decided whether to try it or not, but for about $10 it might be worth a shot. Has anyone tried this?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46960

bjennings79

I went with the ball valve replacement as well. My original valve rusted out from a couple of years worth of not draining the tank on a regular basis. I still don't drain it regularly like I should, but it's a whole lot easier when I do.

leroyme

Wow, that auto drain looks cool, but how does it work?

RippySkippy

Not sure it will answer all your questions...but the manual may help....

__________________
when it comes to breakfast, the chicken is dedicated, the pig is committed.
LMASD

Termite

Sorry, BALL! It is a ball valve with a 90 degree throw.

buletbob

Well I just learned something to night. I'll hard pipe mine out the side of the trailer!!!! These knee's are not going to hold up much longer!!. one thing I hated doing was bending down at the end of the day to drain the tank after a longs day of framing. @ 52yrs Thanks for the tip KC.