What To Do When Your Compressor Loses Air Pressure

Posted on: 7 October 2016

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Having access to an air compressor can make it easier to complete basic tasks around your warehouse. An air compressor can be used to refill flat tires or clean debris from the warehouse floor, but only if the compressor has the ability to maintain a constant air pressure.

If you notice that your compressor is losing pressure, here are three simple things you can try to repair the problem.

1. Clean the intake valve.

Air compressors feature a storage tank that houses the air that will eventually become pressurized during use. If there isn't adequate air in the storage tank, the compressor will exhibit signs of lost pressure. Air is drawn into the storage tank through an intake valve. If the intake valve becomes clogged, air can't flow freely into the tank.

Try cleaning out the intake valve on your air compressor's storage tank if you are experiencing sudden drops in air pressure while using the compressor.

2. Invest in a larger tank.

Sometimes a loss in air pressure can be attributed to a storage tank that is too small. If your air compressor is being called upon to produce large volumes of compressed air quickly, then a large storage tank is needed to ensure access to enough air to meet this demand.

When the tank is too small, it can take longer to fill after the initial burst during use. If your compressor works fine when you first start using it, but then shows signs of losing air pressure intermittently, then investing in a larger storage tank could solve your pressure problems.

3. Clean interior valves.

In order for air to move from the storage tank and into the compressor where it becomes pressurized, it must move through a series of valves. Any contaminants that are present in the air sucked through the valves can begin to accumulate on the surface of the valves, limiting the volume of air moving through the valves over time.

The air sucked into your compressor's storage tank can be filled with dirt, sawdust, or metal shavings, so cleaning the interior valves when you notice sudden drops in air pressure could help restore your compressor to its original capacity and power once again.

Maintaining your air compressor doesn't have to be a difficult task. Ensure you have access to constant air pressure by checking the intake valve, investing in a larger storage tank, and cleaning interior valves when you notice pressure irregularities in the future. For more information, visit sites like http://www.kruman.com.