April 19, 2023

DIY air compressor repair

An air compressor is a handy DIY tool when it's working correctly. When that doesn't happen—maybe the tank won't hold air, the pressure gauge isn't working or the safety valve keeps popping open—Sears PartsDirect has the troubleshooting guidance to get your air compressor back in good working condition.

Match the problem you're having with your air compressor with a symptom below to see the most common repair. Once you determine the problem, use the instructions in our step-by-step air compressor repair guides to replace the broken part.

Our repair tips work for basic Craftsman air compressor troubleshooting. You can also use this Craftsman air compressor repair advice to troubleshoot many other brands of air compressors such as Campbell-Hausfeld, DeWalt, Porter-Cable and Ingersoll Rand. For advice on how to maintain different types of air compressors or tips on the unseen dangers of the power tool, check out our articles and videos page.

Search using your model number to find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your air compressor.

air compressor

Most common symptoms to help you fix your air compressors

Choose a symptom to see related air compressor repairs.

Main causes: loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, faulty safety valve, damaged or corroded air tank, bad…

Main causes: tank drain valve open or leaking air, leaky air tank, bad safety valve, worn pump seals, bad pump valve pla…

Main causes: rusted air tank, loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, leaky safety valve, bad tank drain va…

Main causes: bad safety valve, pressure switch failure…

Main cause: faulty output air pressure regulator…

Main cause: bad air tank pressure gauge…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, check valve failure, bad pressure switch…

Most common repair guides to help fix your air compressors

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your air compressor.

How to replace an air compressor pressure switch

How to replace an air compressor pressure switch

You can replace a broken air compressor pressure switch in about 45 minutes. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to rebuild an air compressor pump

How to rebuild an air compressor pump

If the air compressor won't fill the tank with compressed air, rebuild the pump using these steps in about 45 minutes. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace an air compressor check valve

How to replace an air compressor check valve

You can replace a defective air compressor check valve in about 10 minutes.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your air compressors

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your air compressor.

How to tell if a fuse is blown

How to tell if a fuse is blown

Learn how to tell whether a fuse is blown…

How to reduce air compressor noise

How to reduce air compressor noise

Find out how to reduce air compressor noise.…

How to maintain an oil-lubricated air compressor

How to maintain an oil-lubricated air compressor

See how to perform routine maintenance on your oil-lubricated air compressor.…