Question on draining compressor

[HPMan]

Hi,

I've been lurking a while and just bought my first "real" compressor (i.e. CH 5hp, 80 gal, 16 cfm). I've read that the tank should be drained daily. Does this mean that all the air should be released from the tank daily (i.e. completely depressurized), or just that the water drain should be opened to release any condensed water vapor?

Is it safe to do the latter and leave the tank otherwise pressurized? I don't use my compressor daily and would prefer to leave the tank pressurized so that I have immediate access to air instead of having to wait the 5 minutes or so for the tank to fill, but I want to make sure it is safe.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kams1973]

If you won't be using the compressor daily, simply drain the water on a weekly basis leaving the tank pressured up.

 

[stonesfan68]

You can drain the tank by opening the drain valve until water stops being discharged. It shouldn't take but a few seconds. You can leave the pressurized air in the tank.

 

[A_Pmech]

You only need to drain the tank of accumulated condensed water, no need to depressurize it.

To make the job easier, I suggest installing a street elbow and a length of galvanized pipe from the drain plug in the bottom of the receiver out to a more convenient but well guarded location. Install a ball valve here with a hose ****** and a length of hose. Now you don't get nasty water on your floor and it's MUCH easier than reaching under the receiver to fiddle with that stupid drain **** they come from the factory with.

 

[kc-steve]

He-he, I was asking a mechanic friend about this and he said he hadn't drained his in a long time. So we opened up the drain and it must have taken 30 minutes to finally drain. Talk about an inefficient compressor! I suspect it also shortens the life of the compressor to hold water like that.

Steve

 

[Chadwilliam1]

thirty minutes to drain water! wow, I drain the water out of Mine a few times a week and if I wont be using it for a few weeks I drain the tank entirely.

 

[HPMan]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. I drained the tank after start-up and it puked about a litre of rusty / oily water out, but has subsequently only spewed a few drops each time.

 

[taumac]

I use a elbow, ball value and a quick connect to a hose to drain mine. I dont use mine but few times a weeks so maybe once a week but if working it hard i usually drain after I get done with it.

 

[Catalyze]

Living in New Mexico has advantages with only 5%-15% humidity. I can grind steel and leave it outside for a month with no rust, old vehicles are still easy to find in good metal condition, and I only have to drain my compressor once a week.
Craig

 

[Chadwilliam1]

CH makes a drain kit. I bought mine from tractor.supply.