In my youtube shorts last night I got to see a vertical compressor explode and go thru the roof of the persons garage. Thinking it was Ai at is finest I guess this is slightly common. So has anyone had an air compressor or portable air tank explode? How can I inspect all of mine to prevent this?
Air compressor explosion / Portable Air Tank Explosion
- Thread starter Fordiesel69
- Start date
It's something that worries me. I try to make sure that I keep my tanks drained to avoid too much moisture and corrosion. Unfortunately, with how humid it is here, there is going to be moisture.
I've had a few older tanks that I've just tossed because I was woried about it failing.
I've had a few older tanks that I've just tossed because I was woried about it failing.
Are there places that can hydrotest?
This is from the late 90s and hope it is still safe.
You have to keep an eye on those pressure switches. Hardened diaphragms and sticking contacts can cause an over-pressure situation.
I had an old one stick for me once, just wouldn't shut off. I was right there and cut the power, but if unattended, who knows what may have happened.
I had an old one stick for me once, just wouldn't shut off. I was right there and cut the power, but if unattended, who knows what may have happened.
dnewton3
Staff member
All compressor tanks should have a PRV (pressure relief valve) on or near the control system.
These are essentially spring-loaded needle/seat devices.
Often, then will also have a manual pull tab or ring on the outside part of the stem so you can check to see if it's "stuck" or not.
As long as it's not stuck and can be activated manually, it should be fine. If not, do not use the compressor until you replace the PRV.
They do have different blow-off settings; make sure you pick one appropriate for your tank. Typically about 10-20 psi above the cut-out switch setting.
https://www.amazon.com/air-compressor-pressure-relief-valve/s?k=air+compressor+pressure+relief+valve
These are essentially spring-loaded needle/seat devices.
Often, then will also have a manual pull tab or ring on the outside part of the stem so you can check to see if it's "stuck" or not.
As long as it's not stuck and can be activated manually, it should be fine. If not, do not use the compressor until you replace the PRV.
They do have different blow-off settings; make sure you pick one appropriate for your tank. Typically about 10-20 psi above the cut-out switch setting.
https://www.amazon.com/air-compressor-pressure-relief-valve/s?k=air+compressor+pressure+relief+valve
I have a Craftsman that's probably 20 years old now. I try to make sure I drain off the water and I avoid leaving it charged for weeks on end. I got curious once and unscrewed the check valve to look inside the tank, but just saw some light surface rust. I do wonder about the longevity of the tanks though, I had a portable air tank that actually had a warning to dispose of it after a certain date. I always pull the relief valve to discharge the compressor tank and make sure it's not stuck, then just open the drain when it's nearly discharged to blow out the water.
I inherited one when my father-in-law passed away in 2007. We used to use it when he was alive, because back then, electric impact wasn't really a thing. If you wanted impact tools, you needed air. I have never used it since. I never had a need for it, and now I'm afraid to. Reading this, I think my fear is justified. I guess I should just dispose of it?
Back sometime in the 80s a guy in my community lost a leg because of an air tank failure at his service station. We had a very deep cold spell immediately after a rain/ice build up. I was told the failure was because of some ice build up in the unit.
So in clarification, My units all have PRV's "Pressure-Relief-Valves". Would the valve blow off before the tank ruptures? Isnt that the point of it?
Years ago when I was young and stupid I pulled a small compressor out of a dumpster. It had a pin hole in the tank bottom presumably from moisture. A friend brazed it over and I used the thing for several years before getting rid of it.
I guess I was just lucky. Would never consider doing that now.
I guess I was just lucky. Would never consider doing that now.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Rust inside. They come with a drain valve on the bottom, but few people bother to use them.
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I do and my compressor is at least 20 years old and never do I get any water out of it.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
A lot depends on the weather where you use it. I always get water, if only a few drops, in the DC suburbs. There's a nonpolitical reason they call it The Swamp. The west end of the mall and the area where Jefferson Memorial are was built on filled in swamp and the suburbs to the South have numerous swamps and wetlands. We get high humidity.
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I live in Montana so while we get really cold weather and really hot weather humidity is usually pretty low. My uncle was in International falls Mn where humidity is terrible...
I still use my craftsman i bought in 1978. I do drain it after every use.
I have a smaller one for airing up tires.
Now,what about air tanks that you can carry around ? I have an older one of these too and use it all the time.
I have a smaller one for airing up tires.
Now,what about air tanks that you can carry around ? I have an older one of these too and use it all the time.
I've got a small Husky that's likely approaching 15 years old. I drain it every time, but the drain valve isn't very intelligently placed. It's dead center on the tank, about 15° forward of being on the bottom. In order to get the water out, you have to open the valve slightly, tilt it forward and rock it side to side while the air escapes. Every time I tilt it from one side to the other, I get a spray of mist. Needless to say, I don't always bother doing this, I just open the valve and let it drain, so there's probably always water sitting in the bottom of it.
I've reached the point now where turn it on and stand away from it until inches about 120 PSI and I shut it off. I probably need to get rid of it before it takes my head off.
I've reached the point now where turn it on and stand away from it until inches about 120 PSI and I shut it off. I probably need to get rid of it before it takes my head off.
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