Can Water Damage My Compressed Air System?

Thanks to better designs and higher-quality materials, today’s compressors can last for hundreds of thousands of hours before they need to be replaced. However, air compressors do have one major enemy that can cause catastrophic problems: water.

Keep reading to learn the dangers of water in my air compressor.

How does water in my air compressor cause damage?

Part of what makes water such a threat is the fact that it can cause damage throughout the entire system. Here are a few things that can go wrong when water gets inside a compressed air system:

  • Rust: The first thing to worry about is rust. Any water that’s trapped in a compressed air system will cause pipes and components to rust. Sometimes we can make repairs due to rust damage, but these parts often need to be completely replaced.
  • Damages control systems: As if rust formation wasn’t bad enough, water can also damage the compressor’s control systems. Control system damage often necessitates extensive repairs, meaning your business could experience quite a bit of downtime.
  • Reduces quality of finished products: The moisture inside of the compressed air system can also ruin your final product. This is because the air produced by the compressor comes out wet and full of contaminants. Depending on what you’re using the compressed air for, this could be a major disaster.

How to get water out of air compressor lines

The good news is that it’s possible to remove moisture from your air compressor to avoid air compressor water damage. These are the best ways to go about eliminating that water:

  • Compressor tank drainage: Air compressor tanks have a release valve at the base allowing operators to easily drain water from inside the system. Periodically draining the water lowers the humidity levels to keep your equipment safe from damage. You can also consider installing automatic water drains that drain water at set schedules.
  • Water trapping systems: Along with draining the tank, you can install water traps inside the air compression system to further help eliminate moisture from inside the system. Be sure to check your water trap regularly for any signs of failure. If it’s blocked or damaged, you’ll have to deal with a whole lot of water damage.
  • Air dryers: Perhaps the most efficient way to eliminate moisture is with air dryers. Instrument air dryers come as refrigerated systems or as desiccant systems. Refrigerated dryers function similarly to air conditioners by lowering the air temperature and collecting moisture from the condensed air. Desiccant air dryers are composed of ultra-absorbent materials that literally suck water right out of the air.

Are you having air compressor issues?

Call our team at Wenniger Compressor Co if your air compressor isn’t working as well as it once did. With nearly 90 years of experience, we’re the most trusted name in town when it comes to all things related to air compressors. Plus, we handle everything from repairing air compressor water damage to new installations and general maintenance.

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