April 19, 2023

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

If your air compressor tank won't build pressure, shut the drain valve at the bottom of the tank if it's open. Then c heck for air tank leaks and replace the tank if it's leaking. Tighten loose air tube fittings to prevent air leaks.

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 air constantly. Worn pump seals prevent the pump from compressing air. If the pump won't compress air, rebuild the pump. The valve plate regulates airflow into and out of the pump cylinder to compress air, so replace the valve plate if damaged.

air compressor

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM

JC-ACOM-Rebuild-the-air-compressor-pump

Rebuild the air compressor pump

Worn pump parts and seals prevent the pump from compressing air. If the pump won't compress air, rebuild the pump with new parts and seals.

Rebuild the air compressor pump

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-valve-plate

Replace the air compressor valve plate

The valve plate regulates airflow into and out of the pump cylinder to compress air. Replace the valve plate if damaged.

Air compressor valve plate

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-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.

JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-air-tubes

Replace the air compressor air tubes

Air tubes carry compressed air from the pump to the tank and from the tank to the outlet supply fitting. Replace air tubes if damaged or leaking.

Air compressor air tubes

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

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

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
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

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

Learn how to tell whether a fuse is blown…

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.…