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How to Keep Water Out of a Compressor Pump

Keeping water out of your air compressor extends the life of your tools. Water inside the collecting tank of your air compressor and pump will begin to rust the metal inside. This will significantly shorten the life of your tools, and it could also leave water trapped in your air tools. Installing a water trap in the line leading to the compressor pump can keep this moisture out.

Things You'll Need

Calipers
Moisture trap
Teflon tape
Crescent wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the inner diameter of the intake on your pump with the calipers. Purchase a moisture trap with an outer diameter that matches the inner diameter you measured. If no trap has the same diameter, purchase an adapter at a hardware store.
- 2
  Wrap Teflon tape twice around the male threaded portion of the moisture trap. Thread the moisture trap onto the intake until it is hand tight. Tighten the nut of the moisture trap one quarter turn with the crescent wrench.
- 3
  If your trap has a regulator on it, open the regulator valve all the way. Thread the moisture reservoir onto the trap. This is where the excess liquid will be collected. Turn on the compressor and open the release valve slightly to allow a slow leak. Let the pump turn on and off for a few hours.
- 4
  Check the trap to see if it is actively trapping moisture. If not, the air may be very dry or the seal between the trap and the pump could be compromised. If the seal is compromised, tighten the nut another quarter turn. If it is still not sealed well, remove the trap and Teflon tape, rewrap the male threads with more tape and reinstall. You can remove any water collected by opening the valve at the bottom of the reservoir.

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