How To Find And Repair A Leak In Your Shop's Air Compressor
If you rely on an air compressor in your shop to operate tools, then keeping it in good repair is essential. An air compressor drives up your expenses when it develops a leak, even if the leak is a small one. Checking for leaks is an important part of maintaining an air compressor, and repairing the leaks promptly keeps problems from escalating. Here's why you should fix air compressor leaks quickly, how to find a leak, and air compressor repairs that might be needed.
Why It's Important To Repair Air Compressor Leaks
If the air compressor in your shop runs all day, then it uses a lot of power. When the system has a leak, the air compressor has to kick on and off more frequently, and that drives up your power bill. In addition, the more frequent cycling causes unnecessary wear and tear on the parts. Plus, you'll have a harder time maintaining the proper pressure in the compressor so you can operate your tools.
How To Find An Air Leak
An air leak is difficult to impossible to find without proper tools. While some leaks might be obvious, the tiny ones can go undetected while potentially causing damage to your equipment. A leak can be anywhere in the air compressor and supply lines. The best way to find it is to use an ultrasonic listening device. By listening to the sounds produced in the lines and equipment, you can detect the sound of a leak. By following the sound as it gets louder, you'll be lead to the exact location of the problem. If you suspect you have a leak in your air compressor due to a higher power bill or problems regulating pressure, then call a repair service to check it with an ultrasound device for quick confirmation of a leak and to find its exact location. This type of test can be done without disruption to your routine, since the air compressor doesn't have to be shut down during the process.
How Air Compressor Repairs Are Made
Once the source of the leak is found, then the right type of repairs can be made. It could involve replacing a line that has a pinhole leak, or the repair service might need to replace a hose or tubing. It might be necessary to replace a seal or reapply thread sealant. Tightening parts might be indicated if they've worked loose due to high pressure in the system or vibration. The best protection against compressor leaks is to use high-quality parts and apply thread sealant properly so the system stays snug and no leaks develop. However, even then, tiny leaks can develop, so watching for signs of leaking and running a test is the best way to deal with air compressor leaks, especially when you depend on your compressor to operate essential tools in your shop.