Shop Air Compressor Maintenance Question

[Panik]

Not sure if this is the right place or not but here goes:

How do you store your air compressor when not in use if you don't have an automatic drain valve?

Until very recently I've always made due with the small portable contractor pancake compressors and when done utilizing them drained/de-pressurized the tank and stored them with the drain valve closed. Very recently I upgraded to a 29 gallon Fortress from Harbor Freight. In talking with my boss about the purchase he relayed that when he's not using his similarly sized compressor he stores it with the drain valve open with the idea that any condensation forming from ambient temperature changes can drain out the open valve.

I do see the logic. However, at the same time it seems like his method presents the perfect opportunity for wasps or other insects to clog up the drain valve. Thoughts?

 

[Roadworthy]

If I don't remember to close it my drain valve stays open. When I run the compressor it will remind me to close the valve. If a wasp or something blocks the hole it will leave along with its debris when the compressor starts or certainly when the valve is opened again. Since most condensation forms when running the compressor I've not thought much about it either way when the compressor is not running though I do drain it after use.

 

[dodge man]

I leave mine full all the time and drain it a couple of times a year. Mines a 60 gallon and it takes forever to pump up when empty. The direction says to empty it though.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have a stationary 40 gallon shop compressor inplace for 15 years. I drain it 2x a year. I leave it with full air, however that slowly drains out over a period of several weeks. Then i air it back up. I have a refrigerated air dryer inline. I drain that more often. I dont use automatic drains. In 15 years….never an issue. And dont get much water out anyways when i do drain it.

 

[ponytug]

Not sure if this is the right place or not but here goes:

How do you store your air compressor when not in use if you don't have an automatic drain valve?

Until very recently I've always made due with the small portable contractor pancake compressors and when done utilizing them drained/de-pressurized the tank and stored them with the drain valve closed. Very recently I upgraded to a 29 gallon Fortress from Harbor Freight. In talking with my boss about the purchase he relayed that when he's not using his similarly sized compressor he stores it with the drain valve open with the idea that any condensation forming from ambient temperature changes can drain out the open valve.

I do see the logic. However, at the same time it seems like his method presents the perfect opportunity for wasps or other insects to clog up the drain valve. Thoughts?

I store smaller compressors with the screw in type drain valves open. If I forget to close it before starting, the air leak will always remind me. The holes are too small for wasps or insects. For compressors with 1/8NPT drains and larger, I install air mufflers / silencers downstream of a 1/4 turn valve on the drain port.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

I tend to leave the larger tanks full of air, and drain them periodically, typically a day after heavy use. I do have a 1/4 turn valve on the main air out of the tank, so that the air does not drain down over time.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Panik]

I have a stationary 40 gallon shop compressor inplace for 15 years. I drain it 2x a year. I leave it with full air, however that slowly drains out over a period of several weeks. Then i air it back up. I have a refrigerated air dryer inline. I drain that more often. I dont use automatic drains. In 15 years….never an issue. And dont get much water out anyways when i do drain it.

I store smaller compressors with the screw in type drain valves open. If I forget to close it before starting, the air leak will always remind me. The holes are too small for wasps or insects. For compressors with 1/8NPT drains and larger, I install air mufflers / silencers downstream of a 1/4 turn valve on the drain port.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

I tend to leave the larger tanks full of air, and drain them periodically, typically a day after heavy use. I do have a 1/4 turn valve on the main air out of the tank, so that the air does not drain down over time.

All the best,

Peter

Lol, with differing approaches, I thin both managed to answer my question. I suspect, with exception to extreme cases, leaving the drain valve likely only matters in terms of eeking a little more longevity at the extreme end of life span for compressors.

Given that it can be months in between compressor uses I will probably continue down the same path I have in the past... drain and close the valve after use.

I wouldn't mind adding a 1/4 turn valve and a muffler on the drain... unfortunately I don't have the ability to get the compressor up off the ground far enough to accommodate that modification.

In any case, I appreciate y'alls input!

 

[grsthegreat]

I also have a valve right out of the compressor, but i lose air anyways. Has since new.never found out why, although i have looked at all fittings.

 

[rangerfredbob]

It's a cheapish compressor, my brother has the older black Chicago Pnuematic compressor that's been drained like 3 times in the last decade and been on for most of that and somehow it still works fine? For myself I have a 30 gallon Ingersoll I think and I drain it once or more a year but it's on all the time, I think it leaks enough to cycle once a week if left to it's own without use so not bad, the compressor in my garage I haven't drained in a couple years (20 gallon Kobalt) and it's been on for 10 years too and it cycles maybe once a week... that reminds me I should drain that guy...

 

[bigtiller]

Panik​

I have a similar size air compressor. I removed the drain valve and plumbed in an elbow with a hose-barb. I clamped a 10 ft. long ¼ inch air hose onto the hose-barb and a Milton blowgun on the other end of the hose.

I coil the 10ft. long hose under the tank and elevate the end with the blowgun a few inches off the ground.

The condescend drips out of the tank and into the air-hose and remains there until I blow the line out.

 

[KennyG]

Panik​

I have a similar size air compressor. I removed the drain valve and plumbed in an elbow with a hose-barb. I clamped a 10 ft. long ¼ inch air hose onto the hose-barb and a Milton blowgun on the other end of the hose.

I coil the 10ft. long hose under the tank and elevate the end with the blowgun a few inches off the ground.

The condescend drips out of the tank and into the air-hose and remains there until I blow the line out.

This seems like a good idea for a stationary compressor, especially if it is mounted high enough to put a drain in. Industrial systems often have a tank separate from the compressor, mounted above it with drain legs at the system low point so water never collects in the tanks.