Air Compressor-Dumb Question
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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Air Compressor-Dumb Question
I use my compressor most weekends and once maybe twice during the week. I turn it on each time i want to use it and drain it when finished for the day. Would i be better leaving it on all the time?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,491
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From: SE Iowa
There is really no point to leaving it on. If a leak develops, you could be gone and the compressor could end up running non-stop. I drain the condensation and shut the power off everytime I'm done using it for the day. If your talking about emptying the tank completely of compressed air, its not necessary. It wont hurt a thing. Plus, the air will be there when you need it in a hurry and dont have time to waste letting the pressure build back up.
Stryder
Stryder
Stryder
Stryder
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
We never turn our compressor off, however it is hard piped from the basement to the garage and completely sealed up.
It would be a good idea to turn the compressor off and open the drain for a bit to remove the water in the tank, but its fine to leave the tank pressurized.
It would be a good idea to turn the compressor off and open the drain for a bit to remove the water in the tank, but its fine to leave the tank pressurized.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
Food for thought about leaving the air compressor on in a hobby shop when you are not around 24-7. A buddy has a wood shop with air tools. About 15 years ago his air compressor which was 2-phase lost a supply leg of the 2-phase from the power pole supply. Because there was not e-nuf power to spin the compressor motor, the motor over heated and almost caught on fire. Because he was in the shop, he could smell the motor winding cooking and cut the power.
I don't see any reason to lose all the pressure in the tank every time you use it. How often does the service manual say to drain the tank? I would be very supprised if it said every time you use it. Once a week?
I don't see any reason to lose all the pressure in the tank every time you use it. How often does the service manual say to drain the tank? I would be very supprised if it said every time you use it. Once a week?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Ontario, canada
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Laughing Gas
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Originally Posted by Fordzlla
I just switch the compressor off and leave it pressured up.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
On the trucks, I drain the tanks every chance I get, usually about every other day, the shop compressor gets shut off and drained daily, the service truck gets drained at the end of the job.
Most manufacturers want you to shut off the compressor and drain it daily, and it makes sense. The inside of the tank isn't painted, so it rusts, more water makes more rust. This will compromise the strength of the tank to the point you have a bomb sitting in the shop. Not fun when those things go off.
Most manufacturers want you to shut off the compressor and drain it daily, and it makes sense. The inside of the tank isn't painted, so it rusts, more water makes more rust. This will compromise the strength of the tank to the point you have a bomb sitting in the shop. Not fun when those things go off.