Underground air line?

[Captain Spaulding]

I’m in the process of running power to a new building where we store our 5th wheel. While planning the trench, I asked myself what else I might want to send to the building via the trench. Fiber is already happening as it’s handy for keeping TV firmware updated and there is an outdoor hookup for visitors in the plans.

Air is one thing that would be nice. Filling trailer tires prior to travel is a regular chore. I have a Rapid-Air line in my shop close to where the trench will begin. But I can’t get either End lower than the other, so the path will be U-shaped. My thought is it will be more trouble than it’s worth since it will be a moisture trap, especially running through cool soil. Any thoughts?

 

[CV428]

Moisture ingress has to occur at the compressor level - a cheap moisture separator would do the trick. Make it one continuous run with no fittings.

 

[rd65]

Sounds like a great idea. I would add a shut off before it leaves the source building.

 

[larry_g]

Add a small receiver tank in the remote shop. It will collect the moisture. Blow it down before each use if it sets for extended time.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wssix99]

You won't get rid of 100% of the moisture. No matter what you do, I would run metal lines downhill to a sump that you can replace/repair in the future or use plastic lines underground.

 

[larry4406]

RapidAir has a product meant for direct burial.

Duratec Inert and Underground Air Piping | RapidAir Products

Discover Duratec's innovative air management solutions designed for efficiency and performance. Explore our range of products to enhance your operations today!

www.rapidairproducts.com

 

[karoc]

Drip legs with valves to drain would also help

 

[jkuro]

Something like this should work.

Streamline 3/4-in x 60-ft Soft Copper Type L Coil LS06060PSE at Lowes.com https://share.google/PNKyjEkyailc0RfuW

 

[Firebrick43]

Put a conduit in and use pex.

If it freezes it’s unlikely to rupture like metal piping is.

 

[pvanderlugt]

I ended up doing just that. Burried a 4 inch corrugated pipe between barns and pulled a standard Rapid Aire ( actually Amazon Chinese Knock off) 3/4 inch thru… worked great, have had no moisture issues…. If there are any issues down the road with the line, will just pull another one thru.. simple easy an cheap… if worried about moisture, just put a ball valve on the very end… and let her rip every so often… that will blow out any moisture. ( like blowing out the irrigation)… love having air in the other barn for $200 investment..

 

[larry_g]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137182&highlight=underground

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110385&highlight=underground

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252321&highlight=underground

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=206723&highlight=underground

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150994&highlight=underground


Above are a few of the threads that have been discussed on this subject.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have a buried steel pipe air line between the shop and my storage barn and just let the line vent to outside for about 10 seconds before use. It is used to air tires or blow off a mower.

 

[GrayFlattop]

Nylon air brake tubing works well, is inexpensive and durable. .You can always put it within a run of pvc for protection / future-proofing. It’s available in a variety of sizes.

 

[scooby074]

problem is water will collect in any dips in the line. I worked in a shop where the compressor was in an external building and water was a huge issue.

Best i can suggest is to oversize the line, use rigid pipe and make sure its angled down to a pit so you can drain it regularly.

 

[bad_idea]

I bought one of those DeWalt 20v inflators. It has been great for airing up tires. You set it to a pressure and push play, it automatically shuts off when it hits pressure.

I wouldn't bother routing an airline out to another building, more trouble than it's worth to me. Battery technology has come so far, that air tools really aren't needed for most tasks. I did route an air drop in my house though, that is handy for nail guns and filling balloons. There was a gas fireplace in the house, we got rid of that. I put an air fitting on each end, the male fitting is on the back of the house by the garage. When I want to use the line I hook a hose from a drop in the garage to the male fitting. SO nice to be able to use nail guns in the house without stringing a hose through a window. Balloons for birthdays are also amusing.