April 19, 2023

Air Compressor: Why won't my air compressor tank hold air?

The air compressor's air tank will rust and eventually leak air if you don't drain condensate water from the tank through the tank drain valve regularly. Replace the air tank if you see rust on the bottom of the air tank.

Loose air tube fittings let air to leak out of the tank, so tighten all air tube fittings to prevent air tank leaks.

A failed check valve lets tank air to escape through the unloader when the pump stops running. Replace the air compressor check valve if air leaks out the unloader when the pump motor stops.

A leaky safety valve or leaky drain valve can also allow tank air to escape. Replace the leaky safety valve or drain valve.

air compressor

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM

JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-check-valve

Replace the air compressor check valve

The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A failed check valve will apply high air pressure to the head of the pump preventing the motor from restarting once the tank has filled. If the motor starts when the tank is empty of air but won't restart when the tank is full, replace the check valve.

Air compressor check valve

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-ACOM-Replace-Air-Compressor-Check-Valve-Intro-Image
May 01, 2015

How to replace an air compressor check valve

If your air compressor won't restart after the tank fills, the check valve might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor check valve in less than 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-ACOM-Tighten-air-compressor-air-tube-fittings

Tighten air compressor air tube fittings

Inspect air tube fittings regularly. Firmly tighten any leaking air tube fittings.

Tighten air compressor air tube fittings

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-ACOM-Rebuild-Air-Compressor-Pump-Intro-Image
May 01, 2015

How to rebuild an air compressor pump

If your air compressor's gauges show that the tank isn't building pressure, the pump might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video shows step-by-step instructions for rebuilding an air compressor pump.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-safety-valve

Replace the air compressor safety valve

The safety valve pops open to relieve excessive air pressure if the pressure switch fails to shut off the air compressor at the cut-out pressure setting. Replace the safety valve if it leaks or pops open at normal operating pressure.

Air compressor safety valve

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-tank

Replace the air compressor tank

Don't try to fix a leaking air compressor tank. Replace the tank if it leaks air.

Air compressor tank

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your air compressors

Choose a symptom to see related air compressor repairs.

Main cause: bad air tank pressure gauge…

Main cause: faulty output air pressure regulator…

Main causes: loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, faulty safety valve, damaged or corroded air tank, bad…

Main causes: bad safety valve, pressure switch failure…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, check valve failure, bad pressure switch…

Main causes: rusted air tank, loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, leaky safety valve, bad tank drain va…

Main causes: tank drain valve open or leaking air, leaky air tank, bad safety valve, worn pump seals, bad pump valve pla…

Most common repair guides to help fix your air compressors

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your air compressor.

How to rebuild an air compressor pump

How to rebuild an air compressor pump

If the air compressor won't fill the tank with compressed air, rebuild the pump using these steps in about 45 minutes. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace an air compressor check valve

How to replace an air compressor check valve

You can replace a defective air compressor check valve in about 10 minutes.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace an air compressor pressure switch

How to replace an air compressor pressure switch

You can replace a broken air compressor pressure switch in about 45 minutes. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your air compressors

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your air compressor.

How to tell if a fuse is blown

How to tell if a fuse is blown

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How to reduce air compressor noise

How to reduce air compressor noise

Find out how to reduce air compressor noise.…

How to maintain an oil-lubricated air compressor

How to maintain an oil-lubricated air compressor

See how to perform routine maintenance on your oil-lubricated air compressor.…