Why Should You Drain Water from Compressed Air Tanks?

Condensation, caused by temperature changes and humidity, can lead to water accumulation inside your air tank. This buildup can decrease the efficiency and longevity of your air compressor system. Left unchecked, the excess moisture in the tank can lead to blockages in the airlines and cause costly downtime for repairs.

Regular drainage is a simple yet essential step to keep your system running smoothly and reliably. In this blog post, we’ll look into the reasons behind this accumulation, the impact of not draining your tank regularly, and the process of draining your compressed air tank.

Causes of Water in Compressor Air Tanks

Compressed air, as its name suggests, is air kept under a certain amount of pressure, typically in an air tank. This air has many uses and can be used to power various tools and equipment, such as pneumatic drills, paint sprayers, nail guns, and industrial machinery. But where does the water come from, and why does it end up in your air tanks? The answer lies in two elements: Humidity and temperature changes.

Air naturally contains water vapor. When air is compressed, this water vapor is also compressed so it heats up. As the compressed air cools, this water vapor turns into liquid water, a process known as condensation. It is this condensation that causes the accumulation of water in your air tank. This process can be amplified in high humidity conditions or in environments with frequent temperature changes. The presence of moisture is not a design flaw, but a natural consequence of condensation happening within your air system.

Consequences of Not Draining Water from Your Air Tank

• Corrosion and Rust: The most immediate and damaging effect of not draining your air tank is the potential for rust and corrosion. Water that remains in your tanks for prolonged periods interacts with the metal interior, causing it to oxidize, which eventually leads to rust. This corrosion can weaken the structure of your tank, making it much more susceptible to failure.
• Impaired Air Quality: The presence of water in the air system can deteriorate the quality of air that your compressor produces. This is particularly true for devices that rely on clean, dry air. For instance, if unpurified air is used in painting, the water could mix with the paint, causing defects on the finished product’s surface.
• Equipment Damage: Accumulated water can harm other equipment that the compressed air powers and cause rust and corrosion in these machines, leading to breakdowns and costly repairs.
• Reduced Equipment Lifespan: Over time, water and moisture in your air compressor tank can lead to increased wear and tear, poorer performance, and eventually, a shorter lifespan.

How to Drain Water from a Compressed Air Tank 

1. Turn off the Compressor: Make sure you turn off your air compressor before starting the draining process.

2. Release the Pressure: After turning off the compressor, open the pressure regulator to release any remaining air pressure, but make sure to do this slowly to avoid a sudden rush of air.

3. Locate & Open the Drain Valve: There are two types of drain valves: automatic drain valves, which open and close on their own, and manual drain valves, which require someone to physically open them. If you’re unsure which you have, refer to your tank’s user manual. Once the valve is open, allow the accumulated water to drain out entirely. Ensure you have a bucket or drain in place to avoid making your workspace messy.

5. Close the Valve: Once the water is completely drained, close the valve. Make sure it’s secure, as a loose valve can lead to air leakage.

6. Check the System: Turn on the compressor and let it refill, then check for any leaks from the valve. If any, tighten it further until the leaks stop.

Every air system has unique requirements, and maintaining a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure its longevity and productivity. Depending on the usage and size of your tank, you may need to change the frequency of draining and servicing to match the demands of your system. For example, a smaller tank may require more frequent draining compared to a larger one. Similarly, higher usage or damp environments might call for a more regular draining schedule.

Air Tank Solutions with Advanced Air and Vacuum 

Air compressor maintenance might seem daunting, especially when it comes to appropriately maintaining your air compressor system but this is where Advanced Air & Vacuum can help! Whether you’re a plant manager, small business owner, or homeowner, we deliver our expertise directly to you. We have decades of experience with air compressors and vacuums and our expertise spans air compressors from all major manufacturers, including Atlas Copco, Jenny, Quincy, Rol-Air, Saylor Beall, Sullivan Palatek, and more.

Beyond setting you up with the right air compressor, we offer a full suite of services that include project consultation, system planning, installation, and post-install maintenance. Our team collaborates closely with local engineers, plant managers, and other team personnel, ensuring that the equipment supplied for every job is the ideal fit.

Contact us today and see how we can streamline your operations with top-quality air compressor services.