April 19, 2023

Air Compressor: Why does air leak from my air compressor?

Tighten the air compressor's air tube fittings where air escapes and replace any damaged air tubes. The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump and unloader. If air leaks out the unloader when the pump stops, replace the check valv,e because the check valve leaks air back towards the unloader.

The safety valve pops open to relieve excessive air pressure if the pressure switch fails to shut off the air compressor at the cut-out pressure setting. Replace the safety valve if it leaks air constantly. Replace the air compressor tank if it leaks air.

Rebuild the air compressor pump if it leaks air through the pump head when the pump runs because a broken valve plate seal is allowing air to escape through the pump head.

air compressor

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM

JC-ACOM-Rebuild-the-air-compressor-pump

Rebuild the air compressor pump

Worn pump parts and seals prevent the pump from compressing air. If the pump won't compress air, rebuild the pump with new parts and seals.

Rebuild the air compressor pump

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-ACOM-Rebuild-Air-Compressor-Pump-Intro-Image
May 01, 2015

How to rebuild an air compressor pump

If your air compressor's gauges show that the tank isn't building pressure, the pump might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video shows step-by-step instructions for rebuilding an air compressor pump.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-check-valve

Replace the air compressor check valve

The check valve prevents tank air from back flowing to the pump. A failed check valve will apply high air pressure to the head of the pump preventing the motor from restarting once the tank has filled. If the motor starts when the tank is empty of air but won't restart when the tank is full, replace the check valve.

Air compressor check valve

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-ACOM-Replace-Air-Compressor-Check-Valve-Intro-Image
May 01, 2015

How to replace an air compressor check valve

If your air compressor won't restart after the tank fills, the check valve might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor check valve in less than 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-ACOM-Tighten-air-compressor-air-tube-fittings

Tighten air compressor air tube fittings

Inspect air tube fittings regularly. Firmly tighten any leaking air tube fittings.

Tighten air compressor air tube fittings

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-ACOM-Rebuild-Air-Compressor-Pump-Intro-Image
May 01, 2015

How to rebuild an air compressor pump

If your air compressor's gauges show that the tank isn't building pressure, the pump might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video shows step-by-step instructions for rebuilding an air compressor pump.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-air-tubes

Replace the air compressor air tubes

Air tubes carry compressed air from the pump to the tank and from the tank to the outlet supply fitting. Replace air tubes if damaged or leaking.

Air compressor air tubes

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-unloader

Replace the air compressor unloader

The unloader opens to release pump head pressure when the air compressor stops, enabling the compressor to restart easier. Replace the unloader if it leaks air constantly or doesn't work correctly.

Air compressor unloader

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-safety-valve

Replace the air compressor safety valve

The safety valve pops open to relieve excessive air pressure if the pressure switch fails to shut off the air compressor at the cut-out pressure setting. Replace the safety valve if it leaks or pops open at normal operating pressure.

Air compressor safety valve

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-ACOM-Replace-the-air-compressor-tank

Replace the air compressor tank

Don't try to fix a leaking air compressor tank. Replace the tank if it leaks air.

Air compressor tank

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your air compressors

Choose a symptom to see related air compressor repairs.

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

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

Main causes: bad safety valve, pressure switch failure…

Main cause: faulty output air pressure regulator…

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

Main cause: bad air tank pressure gauge…

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

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.…