blowing out lines - ewww???

tomman58 wrote:
I have never used air, it takes me normally no more than 10 minutes to winterize after the low point drains have finished. 40'TT been doing this for no less than 20 years. Winter stored outside in Northern Michigan!

you are wasting your breadth :W

DrewE wrote:
Whatever gunk is in the bottom of the tank obviously wasn't blown into the RV lines. Kidding aside, condensation and whatnot shouldn't generally tend to leave the compressor tank for the most part, as there's not all that much airflow to stir it up and bring it along. If it makes you feel better, you can get filters/separators for not a lot of money to put inline with the compressor output.

And yes, it is a very good idea to drain the condensation from the compressor tank frequently, particularly if you use it in humid conditions. It might also be a decent idea for you to check the air filter on the intake for the compressor (or put one in if it's missing); a good portion of the muck could just be dust and so forth from the outside air that has collected.

I totally agree with these comments. I would just add that in the spring you sanitize the system with bleach and you will be good to go!
Brian

Whatever gunk is in the bottom of the tank obviously wasn't blown into the RV lines. Kidding aside, condensation and whatnot shouldn't generally tend to leave the compressor tank for the most part, as there's not all that much airflow to stir it up and bring it along. If it makes you feel better, you can get filters/separators for not a lot of money to put inline with the compressor output.

And yes, it is a very good idea to drain the condensation from the compressor tank frequently, particularly if you use it in humid conditions. It might also be a decent idea for you to check the air filter on the intake for the compressor (or put one in if it's missing); a good portion of the muck could just be dust and so forth from the outside air that has collected.

tomman58 wrote:
I have never used air, it takes me normally no more than 10 minutes to winterize after the low point drains have finished. 40'TT been doing this for no less than 20 years. Winter stored outside in Northern Michigan!

After the low point drains have finished, you winterize. What are you doing to winterize? Are you using antifreeze in the lines? or what?

Tom

I have never used air, it takes me normally no more than 10 minutes to winterize after the low point drains have finished. 40'TT been doing this for no less than 20 years. Winter stored outside in Northern Michigan!

I have a smaller portable air compressor also. I always open the air valve on the bottom of the tank. It always spits. I use pink and blow, never had any problems with my water lines and bacteria or anything. GordonThree, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Enjoy and have a peaceful winter!

We can guide you how to blow out your lines. We only assume you take proper care of your air compressor. I have never had that problem. I would suggest though, not taking proper care of an air compressor can be dangerous. Allowing that dirty moisture to accumulate in your air compressor tank can cause rust and a tank that can rupture. Plus I use a tankless air compressor for blowing out my lines. For a compressor with a tank you may want to open the drain and allow air to escape for a period of time to eliminate all of the moisture and then do it on a periodic basis. JMHO.

I try to remember to drain it after every use. It's an el-cheapo Porter Cable pancake, not a fancy shop compressor, so no filter, muffler, oiler, etc. There wasn't a lot of water in there, mostly just mist and a tiny puddle of water.

A water separator isn't going to get out atomized water, I'd need a chemical drier for that.

After every use of my compressor I open the drain valve and leave it open. I do not leave the tank pressured up. It only takes a few minutes to fire it up to pressure the next time I need to use it.
No ewwww here.

How often do you drain your compressor and why don't you have a water separator in the line?