How often do you drain your compressor?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
How often do you drain your compressor?
Maybe I should make it a poll, but how often should I drain my 25 gallon 2-stage 120V 175psi compressor?
After each use?
When I feel like it?
After x number of charge cycles?
Once a year?
Letm me know your thoughts. GM
After each use?
When I feel like it?
After x number of charge cycles?
Once a year?
Letm me know your thoughts. GM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (mayberg)
Depends how humid your air is, how hard you use your compressor. I usually drain mine the day after I have run it hard. The longer you wait, the less capacity your compressor will have and the more rust that will form in the tank.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,202
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From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (mayberg)
My manual says daily :rolleyes: but realisticly I agree with it depends on how hard it's been used, weather etc...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (mayberg)
Uh. . . If I tell, do you promise not to turn me in to the "Compressor Protective Services Agency" for neglect? :( :D
I have a Black Max 5 hp, twin cylinder w/60 gallon tank. I've had it for about 7 years. I used to drain it on a regular basis but I must admit, it has been over a year since I last drained it. I need to replace the drain valve on the bottom because the little ears used to turn it with have sheared off.
I certainly think that it is best to drain it on a fairly regular interval dependant on use but consider this question. . . Will the tank rust any faster with a puddle of water in the bottom than it will with a constant layer of moisture covering the tank internals? Are there ever ANY dry spots on the inside of an air compressor tank? :confused:
[Modified by MIKER, 1:31 PM 6/21/2002]
I have a Black Max 5 hp, twin cylinder w/60 gallon tank. I've had it for about 7 years. I used to drain it on a regular basis but I must admit, it has been over a year since I last drained it. I need to replace the drain valve on the bottom because the little ears used to turn it with have sheared off.
I certainly think that it is best to drain it on a fairly regular interval dependant on use but consider this question. . . Will the tank rust any faster with a puddle of water in the bottom than it will with a constant layer of moisture covering the tank internals? Are there ever ANY dry spots on the inside of an air compressor tank? :confused:
[Modified by MIKER, 1:31 PM 6/21/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 8
From: San Jose California
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (mayberg)
A fair amount of water builds up in there pretty quickly. Whether it is a few ounces or a quart, the rusting will damage the lowest part of the tank just the same and ruin it. I installed a 90 degree elbow at the bottom of my tank and attached a short length of clear high pressure tubing to it with a simple twist valve at the end. I can see the water that collects in this line and know that it is time to open the valve and drain it out.
The first several times I drained it the water was rusty. Now when I do it, it is clear. The water collects first in the plastic tube, not in the tank.
Chuck
The first several times I drained it the water was rusty. Now when I do it, it is clear. The water collects first in the plastic tube, not in the tank.
Chuck
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (MIKER)
Uh Not often enough. Probably a couple times a year. Mine does not get regular hard use but it still should be drained. Think I'll go drain it now
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 594
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From: Tucson AZ
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (Chuck Harmon)
Good idea Chuck!!
I'm just afraid mine would dry out and crack off before I ever saw any water in it! :D
I have had my 60gal vertical for about 6 months and have never found water in it. Could have something to do with where I live. Check out my sig for current time/temp. In the heat of summer, it might cool down to 95 at night. I don't even want to think about how hot the garage gets.
Now there are some areas of the country where you guys probably have to drain after each use.
[Modified by VetteNut72, 8:48 PM 6/21/2002]
I'm just afraid mine would dry out and crack off before I ever saw any water in it! :D
I have had my 60gal vertical for about 6 months and have never found water in it. Could have something to do with where I live. Check out my sig for current time/temp. In the heat of summer, it might cool down to 95 at night. I don't even want to think about how hot the garage gets.
Now there are some areas of the country where you guys probably have to drain after each use.
[Modified by VetteNut72, 8:48 PM 6/21/2002]
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,809
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Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (mayberg)
Every time there always a water build up in mine, I just consider it's part of putting it away. Usually open it and then roll up the hoses, when the hoses are done the tank is drained.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,037
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From: central FL, near the beach.
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (Chuck Harmon)
chuck
Great idea! where can i buy clear high pressure tubing?
Anyway, 12 years ago i installed an automatic drain plug, cost $10. When the pressure drops below 10psi it pops open by itself. Whenever i forget to turn off the main valve, overnight it drains itself!... and resets when i turn it back on :cool:
Great idea! where can i buy clear high pressure tubing?
Anyway, 12 years ago i installed an automatic drain plug, cost $10. When the pressure drops below 10psi it pops open by itself. Whenever i forget to turn off the main valve, overnight it drains itself!... and resets when i turn it back on :cool:
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (drives61)
I guess I don't do mine often enough. I'm off to do it right now!
Team Owner
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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Re: How often do you drain your compressor? (VetteNut72)
I'm just afraid mine would dry out and crack off before I ever saw any water in it! :D
I have had my 60gal vertical for about 6 months and have never found water in it. Could have something to do with where I live. Check out my sig for current time/temp. In the heat of summer, it might cool down to 95 at night. I don't even want to think about how hot the garage gets.
Now there are some areas of the country where you guys probably have to drain after each use.
I have had my 60gal vertical for about 6 months and have never found water in it. Could have something to do with where I live. Check out my sig for current time/temp. In the heat of summer, it might cool down to 95 at night. I don't even want to think about how hot the garage gets.
Now there are some areas of the country where you guys probably have to drain after each use.
How the hell does that happen ?? I have never heard of air being "wet"
Chandler Arizona resident ----
