Compressor Drain Question

[danieldd]

I just bought a new Husky 30 gallon twin cylinder oiled compressor.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30...table-Electric-Air-Compressor-C302H/206695048

For years I've been dealing with a little Porter Cable pancake compressor and I needed something more substantial to run my air tools….

Anyway, how often should you drain the compressor? I don't use it every day and I don't know if I should leave it pressurized or drain it.

AND if I drain it, should I leave the drain open until the next time I start it back up?

I know simple questions, but since this is my 1st large compressor, I want to be smart about the proper procedures..

 

[fourjeepin]

I leave mine pressurized and just drain it every month or so. More frequently now that I finally installed the pull cord drain to replace the petcock. Since it is super quick and easy, I do it more often.

 

[neilc]

I just reworked a 70 year old Ingersoll Rand 5hp compressor and installed one of these automatic drains on it. Really happy with how it works. Never have to worry about it holding water again.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S89W2KQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[holdover]

I use mine every day so I drain it at least once a week. I have 2 husky 60 gallon compressors and a few years ago installed piping and ball valves with drops that make it a minute deal. Also I drain before I do any painting, even with all the water separators I have.

 

[redmondjp]

How often you use it and what your humidity level is will determine how often you need to drain it. I installed an electric solenoid valve on the bottom of the tank on my 60-gallon upright compressor, with a momentary pushbutton switch up near the top. I push the button for a few seconds every time I go into that corner to turn on/off the compressor or to open and close its output valve. I strongly recommend keeping the unit charged - install a ball valve shutoff on the main air outlet so it doesn't leak down.

 

[jrollf]

Humidity will play a big role in how often the tank should be drained. Here in Houston, TX I drain mine before and after each day, amazes me how much water is in the tank, especially in the morning after it cooled off, eventhough I drained it the night before.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

[Duster346]

I also installed piping and a ball valve so I can just walk by and open the valve with my foot to drain mine.
I drain my daily, also.

 

[countryroad82]

I run a paint and body shop. My compressor gets drained every day.

 

[lazer50]

Drain routinely.your compressor will last longer and perform better.

 

[MP&C]

Mine gets drained every 20 minutes for 10 seconds

 

[danieldd]

Thanks for all the information, guys. We have high humidity here, especially right now in the deep south. I don't keep the tank filled when I'm not using it and usually drain it afterwards and then I leave the drain open.

I find when I start it back up again, with the drain open, I get more water out of it and then I close the drain and allow the compressor to run until cutoff and use it for whatever task I have at hand. Once finished with the task for the day, I drain it like before leaving the drain open until the next time I need the compressor.

Sound okay?

 

[Kaizen]

yea more then fine. its gonna get rusty mucky water coming out at some point so don't worry too much about it. what kind of piping you have will also determine how much water you have in your tank. If you have none and just run a hose off of it then most of it is coming out the tool. when I first got my 60gal that's what I did and up here in winter my tools would freeze up from the water coming out of them in the cold weather.

 

[coljar]

I keep both of mine pressured at all times. In my new garage, that compressor is in a back room with an timed automatic drain. The on/off switch for the drain is located in the shop area with a pilot light.

 

[czervika]

I drain after each use. I've installed a street elbow with ****** and ball valve for the drain to make the job a one toe affair.

 

[sberry]

I drain it after reading threads about auto drains going south,,, hahaha

 

[snapsimo]

This is what I setup for my compressor. Works really well and was easy to do.

ACQ Eastside Massive!!! Proud former ACV member[emoji3]

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[BearsFan315]

I drain mine about once a week, especially in the humid hot summers...

here is how i plumbed mine up, simple and easy access Kobalt 60gal Compressor Drain

 

[Streetbu]

I usually drain mine every time that I use it. I may use it every day, might go a week in between use. I also keep it pressurized all the time. I do turn off the power to it when I'm done though. That way I can notice if there are any leaks. Personally I wouldn't drain the pressure and leave the tank and lines open especially in a high humidity area. By draining the tank and keep it pressurized, you've taken a vast majority of the moisture out of the air. Why allow it all back in to sit there while you're not using it?

 

[Finky198]

I drain after each use. I've installed a street elbow with ****** and ball valve for the drain to make the job a one toe affair.

^^^
This we drain it daily... I shut it off and at the same time kick the valve for 5 seconds and its done... I will blow it down completely if were gone for a more than few days

On days that we paint/plasma cut. I will start it up with the valve open to purge any left over water from the tank sitting overnight... and then get to it...