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.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM
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
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.
Tighten air compressor air tube fittings
Inspect air tube fittings regularly. Firmly tighten any leaking air tube fittings.
Tighten air compressor air tube fittings
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.
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
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
Most common symptoms to help you fix your air compressors
Choose a symptom to see related air compressor repairs.
Main causes: loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, faulty safety valve, damaged or corroded air tank, bad…
Main cause: bad check valve…
Main causes: tank drain valve open or leaking air, leaky air tank, bad safety valve, worn pump seals, bad pump valve pla…
Main causes: rusted air tank, loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, leaky safety valve, bad tank drain va…
Main causes: bad safety valve, pressure switch failure…
Main cause: faulty output air pressure regulator…
Main cause: bad air tank pressure gauge…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, check valve failure, bad pressure switch…
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 replace an air compressor pressure switch
You can replace a broken air compressor pressure switch in about 45 minutes. …
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. …
How to replace an air compressor check valve
You can replace a defective air compressor check valve in about 10 minutes.…
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.
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