Easy access air drain on compressor

[metric_taper]

This post reminded me I needed to blow my tank out. I had replaced the original drain valve as well with a street ell, and ball valve with a hose barb for rubber hose. I opened it up and water came out, but the flow continued with water vapor, and then the flow stopped as the expansion of air resulted in ice forming in the drain line. I've noticed before that the water vapor will never really stop being seen. I'm assuming it is in the compressed air, and condenses out with the expansion.

[Frank S]

This post reminded me I needed to blow my tank out. I had replaced the original drain valve as well with a street ell, and ball valve with a hose barb for rubber hose. I opened it up and water came out, but the flow continued with water vapor, and then the flow stopped as the expansion of air resulted in ice forming in the drain line. I've noticed before that the water vapor will never really stop being seen. I'm assuming it is in the compressed air, and condenses out with the expansion.

yes I usually just drain mine until the sound changes to a high pitch. But I don't use my compressor every day so normally I will drain it at the end of the day and sometimes just allow it to blow down completely. When I get my larger compressor on line then it might have an auto drain dryer from a truck so it will spit every so often the tank will still require draining periodically though.

[metric_taper]

yes I usually just drain mine until the sound changes to a high pitch. But I don't use my compressor every day so normally I will drain it at the end of the day and sometimes just allow it to blow down completely. When I get my larger compressor on line then it might have an auto drain dryer from a truck so it will spit every so often the tank will still require draining periodically though.

I'm thinking of buying a CONRADER Auto Drain Valve. Only thing is I would use copper in place of the plastic tubing. It's around $57USD currently.

[Sgbarker]

That’s a great question!

[bigtrev8xl]

Hi, I used one of these delay timers, it works a treat and real cheap
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H3Y-4-DPD...WzQ:rk:11:pf:0

[thehomeengineer]

This is the valve I have fitted to both of my compressors back in 2017 and they work really well and cheap as chips. Only down side very noisy when discharging, but can be set on two timers: 1st how often to open 2nd how long to stay open. At £14-ish great investment.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-2-Autom...YAAOSw9A5bqxQK
The Home Engineer

[bobs409]

Great idea! I recently added a pipe with elbow & drain valve but I like the hose idea better! Guess I'll have to jack my air compressor back up again now...

[shopandmath]

good idea
I will use this on my next compressor

[bigtrev8xl]

This is how I done my compressor..

[Sgbarker]

It’s been working really good so far and I drain my compressor more often!