Air compressor plumbing
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Air compressor plumbing
I know this had been discussed before I just can't find any good info so I'll ask again. Looking to take my compressor out of the garage and just plumb in the lines to the garage. It will only be carrying max 90 psi and will only have to be about 20 feet of pipe. I am probably going to put in 2 ports one in the front and one at the back of my garage so nothing to fancy. What type of pipe should I use?
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
TP Tools and equipment is a good source for the stuff you are looking for, they also have some really good detailed information about plumbing for compressed air.
check out this link, Compressed Air Plumbing Information
Good luck!
check out this link, Compressed Air Plumbing Information
Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
I don't know how recommended this is, but the previous owner of my house had regular PVC pipe run through out the garage. Not sure what pressure it would withstand.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
It can get fragile with age and when subjected to extreme temperatures and with 90 lbs you could end up with a plastic shard grenade.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
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From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
LOL good to know. That wouldn't be good. i have already removed most of it. I wasn't planning on re-using it. It does break up real nice with a hammer too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
They make special PVC for compressed air use. It is green I think. It is a bit pricey, especially the fittings. I have seen schedule 80 PVC used in many places, but it is not recommended. Pressure is not the problem, but it can splinter like DB said. I would suggest black iron pipe. It is fairly easy to work with.
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Race Director
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From: West Chester OH
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St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
You can also use copper pipe.
Easier to sweat the fittings together than having to thread a bunch of pipe.
Easier to sweat the fittings together than having to thread a bunch of pipe.
That all they used at my work. they are using much more PSI than your 90. And it won't rust
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 29
From: vancouver washington
Use copper pipe and fittings. 3/4 main with 1/2 inch outlets. Be sure to put a tee at the end of the line looking down with a valve to blow the water out. Type M copper is more than enough for air line. Rated at 220psi. Burst preasure over 500psi. I am a journeyman plumber 30 yrs in the biz. If you need help soldering I'll walk you through it. It's really very simple. PVC big no no. Mark
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
First choice would be black pipe with a dryer at the compressor outlet and low point drains. My Dad used copper pipe with no problems for 15 years, but then had a plumber buddy tell him that it wasn't a good idea..? If Spikebot says 500 psi burst pressure, 90 psi should be OK. 4X safety rating... Ask at Home Depot or Lowes, they may be able to give you other options.
Last edited by rexx78; Dec 6, 2007 at 02:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I guess I'll try copper pipe for ease of installation. I only need about 25 feet total so it is no big plumbing job. I am going to put in a braided flex line from the compressor to the pipe so the vibration does not fatigue the copper. I'll have a water drain at the compressor and at the end of the line. Thanks for the help. 
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Florida
I used 1" Sch 80 PVC with the good grey glue.
Supporterd every 4ft with clamps and all the water drains and drops etc. Have 6 drops and a 1" flex hose from the compressor to the hard lines.
Been up for 12 years with daily use and @ 125 psi. Never so much as a leak.
The connection from the compressor to the hard line should be flexable to rid vibration, like hose used on a big air jack hammer. Then I would use copper to get into the garage because it can stand a lot of physical abuse and doesn't rust and then inside.... whatever you feel comfortable with.
Supporterd every 4ft with clamps and all the water drains and drops etc. Have 6 drops and a 1" flex hose from the compressor to the hard lines.
Been up for 12 years with daily use and @ 125 psi. Never so much as a leak.
The connection from the compressor to the hard line should be flexable to rid vibration, like hose used on a big air jack hammer. Then I would use copper to get into the garage because it can stand a lot of physical abuse and doesn't rust and then inside.... whatever you feel comfortable with.
