Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my air receiver (tank) good for?
There is no fixed answer for this question. There are local statutes as well as rules defined by your insurance company. A rule of thumb is 25 years, although this can vary greatly depending on the environment. A good method of extending the life of your receiver is to drain it daily of water or install an auto-drain.
Why doesn’t my air compressor produce as much air as it used to?
The most common cause is bad valves. It is also important to check your entire system for higher air consumption or leaks.
Why does the safety valve on my compressor pump make a “popping” sound?
This is most commonly an indication of bad valves. Depending on the model valves could be rebuilt or replaced.
Why does my compressor leak air when the compressor shuts off?
Most air compressors have a one way check valve between the compressor pump and the air receiver. When the compressor shuts off the check valve prevents the high pressure air from traveling back from the receiver to the pump. This allows for an unloader valve to release the pressure on the pump to atmosphere to allow for easier startup. The unloader system can be of several different designs. Two of the more common types are pressure switch mounted or centrifugal mounted on the end of the crankshaft.
Why is there water in my airlines?
Water is present in the air. When the air is compressed all that water comes with it. Temperature and humidity determine how much water there is in the air. Click here to get a fuller explanation of water and other contaminants in the air lines.
However, if water in your air lines in something new, then there is a failure somewhere in your air systems. A filter drain may be plugged or an auto-drain is malfunctioning. Another common problem is that when running a compressor hot (meaning above 50% duty cycle) the water in the air lines is vapour and doesn’t condense in the tank (the 1st water separator in any air system). This hot vapour is carried through the air lines and condenses on any cool surface. This water then collects all through the air lines and builds up. When some process demands large amounts of air that built up water gets carried through and seems like it is a sudden problem, when all along it has been building up. The solution is better water separation at the source (the compressor) with a refrigerated air dryer and separator/filters with auto-drains.
Why does the safety valve on my tank blow off?
This is caused by a pressure switch improperly installed, set too high or malfunctioning. Safety valves do not normally fail on their own.
