5 Common Causes of Air Compressor Failure and How to Avoid Them

Air compressors are an essential piece of equipment for many industrial and commercial applications. They are used to power a wide range of tools, from nail guns to paint sprayers, as well as air-operated machinery such as pneumatic pumps and valves. Air compressors can also be used in the manufacturing industry for sandblasting, welding and cutting metal components.

Additionally, they are often found on construction sites powering jackhammers or other heavy equipment. The uses of air compressors span across multiple industries due to their ability to provide compressed air quickly and efficiently.

The most common cause of air compressor failure is a lack of maintenance. Without regular preventive upkeep, the compressor can suffer from a buildup of dirt and debris in the filters, worn out seals and gaskets that don’t provide an adequate seal, corroded valves and pipes that reduce air flow efficiency or restrict it entirely, and insufficient lubrication which can lead to parts seizing up or breaking down.

All of these issues can add up over time to create bigger problems for your equipment if not addressed regularly. In order to keep your air compressor running smoothly for years to come, it’s essential that you maintain it on a regular basis with proper cleaning and inspections.

Check the oil levels and replace if needed

One of the first steps in maintaining an air compressor is checking for adequate lubrication levels. Lubricating oil helps keep all moving parts properly lubricated so that they don’t wear out prematurely or seize up due to friction caused by metal-on-metal contact.

Depending on the type of compressor you have, it may be necessary to check your oil level daily or at least every few weeks; if not done regularly, it could lead to premature component failure from excessive heat buildup due to lack of lubrication.

Additionally, make sure you use only approved oils specifically designed for your model as other types may damage internal components over time.

Check and repair any air, oil, and water leaks

Another important aspect of air compressor maintenance involves inspecting all hoses and connections for signs of wear or leaks. Over time rubber seals can degrade which can result in loss of pressure within the system as well as potentially hazardous situations such as combustible vapors escaping into the environment if using a gas powered unit with gasoline or diesel fuel tanks attached directly onto it .

Hoses should be checked periodically for any visible cracks along their length and replaced when needed; additionally clamps should also be inspected regularly since loose fittings will cause further pressure drops throughout the entire system resulting in reduced efficiency overall .

Check the filters and change them if required

Properly cleaning filters is another key part when it comes to keeping an air compressor running smoothly; these devices help prevent dirt particles from entering into vital components causing premature failures while simultaneously helping maintain desired operating pressures within set parameters .

It’s recommended that filters get changed out frequently depending on usage frequency but generally speaking this should happen no less than once per year regardless how often its used . Also make sure both intake vents are free from obstructions like leaves , twigs , etc.. which could potentially block airflow leading further problems down line including possible overheating issues with motor/pump assemblies during operation times .

Check and replace belt if needed

Finally one last thing worth mentioning would be periodic inspections/replacements on belts & pulleys; these items tend toward wearing out more quickly than other parts simply because they are used each day while providing power transmission between crankshaft & flywheel assemblies allowing rotary motion transfer occur without interruption.

Conclusion

To summarize, air compressor failure can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes are improper maintenance, overloading the system, inadequate lubrication, incorrect voltage supply and contamination in the compressed air.

To avoid these issues it is important to regularly maintain your air compressor according to manufacturer specifications; ensure that you do not overload the system; use proper grade of oil for lubrication; check voltage levels before starting up and make sure that all components are clean at all times.

Following these simple steps can help you reduce the risk of air compressor failure and keep your equipment running smoothly for years to come.

You may also like to read: Air Compressor Maintenance: How Often is Enough?