This is a list of tips to help keep your portable air compressor running well and also to keep you safe!

1. You should always drain the water out of the tank. There will typically be a small valve on one of the bottom corners of the tank that is for draining any moisture that accumulates inside. If you allow the moisture to keep accumulating there will be less space for air, as well as the possibility of rust on the inside of the tank. Try and remember to drain the tank once per week or once every 3-4 uses.

2. If the compressor is plugged in, and the power is switched to ‘on’, and it is still not running I would check the pressure gauge. If it is within the set parameters than it will still be able to deliver air. Once the pressure drops too low the machine will automatically start up again.

3. If the compressor stops working outside check to see what the temperature is. If it is too cold than the machine may just need to be brought inside and warmed up. If you have been using the compressor continuously for an extended time (3-4+ hrs) than it is also possible that the engine is overheating and it needs to ‘rest.’

4. If pressure is not sufficient than check the hose and connections for leaks. These can often be fixed with a simple tightening of the leaky piece. If you cannot find the problem there, try using a soap and water mixture on the welds of the tank to see if any air is leaking out. If this is the case you will need a new tank. DO NOT try to weld it yourself, and keep in mind that anything you try to patch it with will not last more than a minute or two.

5. If pressure is not sufficient and there are not leaks than reduce the demand (whatever is ‘plugged in’) and see if it starts to build. If not you may have blown a gasket or a valve. A gasket is a relatively simple fix and can be done by a novice repairman, however a valve is a bit more complicated. I would recommend seeking advice from an expert at a large hardware store or online.

6. Always check valves to see if they are clogged, especially if the portable air compressor is stored in a dirty or cold place. If ice has blocked a valve than just bring it inside to melt, but if it is dirty use a skinny piece of wire and GENTLY work it free.

7. ALWAYS make sure the outlet that the compressor is plugged in to (if you are using an electric model) does not require more voltage than the outlet delivers.

8. It can be extremely damaging to power an electric compressor with a generator. The generator does not produce enough juice to start the compressor. You see, a large electrical device, like a generator, requires a lot more energy at start up than it does to run. This can easily be provided by a household circuit (the breaker does not trip because the excess requirement is so brief) but not by a generator.