Can you lay an air compressor on its side

I recently read some online forums and saw people asking if they could lay their air compressor on its side.

There’s a lot of debate on this topic. Some people say that you can lay your air compressor on its side, while others say that you shouldn’t. So I started to research the topic to see if there was a definitive answer.

Here is the quick Overview:

The first thing I found was that most air compressor manufacturers say that you should not lay your air compressor on its side. The main reason for this is that it can cause the oil to leak out of the compressor.

However, I personally tested this out and found that it is actually possible to lay your air compressor on its side but there are a few things you should know before you do it.

Can you lay an air compressor on its side?

If you have a brand new air compressor, it’s probably okay to lay it down. Because the new air compressor doesn’t have any oil in it yet, it can’t be damaged if it’s laid on its side. 

However, suppose you have an older air compressor. In that case, the answer is usually no because most air compressors have an oil reservoir used to lubricate the moving parts inside the compressor pump.

When you lay the compressor on its side, the oil can run into the crankcase and contaminate the oil already there. This can damage the compressor pump and cause it to fail. 

Can You Lay Down an Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor?

If you have an oil-lubricated air compressor, the answer is a little more complicated.

Some people will tell you that it’s okay to lay the oil-lubricated air compressor down as long as you turn it off and let it drain for a few hours. This will allow the oil to run out of the compressor and into the sump. 

However, I don’t recommend this approach. Let me explain more why I’m saying you shouldn’t lay your oil lubricated air compressor on its side. 

Oil-lubricated air compressors are designed to operate with the oil in a specific place. If you lay the oil air compressor down, the oil will pool in one spot, and the compressor will not be able to function properly. 

This is because the oil is used to lubricate the moving parts inside the air compressor. When you lay the compressor down, the oil will run into the crankcase and contaminate the oil already there.

This can damage the compressor pump and cause it to fail. That’s why oil-lubricated air compressors are used on their feet.

So, in short, I don’t recommend that you lay your oil lubricated air compressor on its side. It’s just not worth the risk of damaging your compressor. 

The better option is to buy an air compressor stand. This will allow you to keep your compressor upright, which is the best way to store and operate an oil-lubricated air compressor.

Can you lay an oilless air compressor on its side?

You can lay an oil-free air compressor on its side, as long as there is no water in the tank and it’s brand new. If there is water in the tank, it could slosh into the compressor pump and damage it.

So, why should you take risks with a costly machine? Better to be safe than sorry.

Oil-free air compressors don’t use oil for lubrication. Instead, they rely on Teflon or another material to coat the internals. This means that there’s no danger of oil leaking out and contaminating the air supply.

However, moisture is still at risk of getting into the compressor if it’s laid down on its side. It can cause rust and other damage.

If you’re still confused, Let me share with you our personal incidents that happen. When I was out of the city, One of my friends trayed to do this in my garage.

Do you know what happens?

Read My Friend experience with this: 

I laid it on its side and left it there for a few days while working on other things in the garage. When I came back to it, I tried to turn it on. I noticed that the compressor wasn’t working right.

I couldn’t figure out why, so I analyzed the problem. I realized that the water had leaked out of the compressor and was completely dry. This damaged the compressor, but the water also caused a lot of rust on the metal parts.

It turns out that it’s generally not a good idea to lay an oilless air compressor on its side. However, if you have to do it, make sure there is no water in the tank. And be prepared for possible damage to the compressor. 

But still, if you want to take risks with your expensive machine, go ahead.

How to store air compressor safely – step by step guide

An air compressor is a handy tool to have around the house. It can be used to inflate tires, clean out air vents, and even power some small appliances. However, air compressors can also be quite dangerous if not handled properly. 

That’s why it’s important to store your air compressor in a safe and secure place. Here are a few tips on how to store an air compressor safely: 

• Step 1: The pressure regulator should be set to the “off” position.
• Step 2: Drain any remaining moisture from the compressor tank using the drain valve. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Step 3: Remove any attachments or accessories from the unit.
• Step 4: Lubricate all the moving parts with a light coat of oil.
• Step 5: Store the unit in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area. It will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Step 6: It’s recommended that storage be 59 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent the formation of condensation.

How to transport an air compressor safely?

When transporting an air compressor, it’s important to keep the unit upright at all times. It will help to prevent oil from leaking out and damaging the internals of the compressor. 

If possible, it’s also a good idea to keep the unit on a flat surface to further reduce the risk of leaks. When loading the compressor into a vehicle, be sure to secure it in place so that it doesn’t shift during transport. 

And always unload the unit carefully to avoid dropping it or causing any other damage. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your air compressor arrives safely at its destination.

Things to keep in mind when you lay down your air compressor

• Make sure that the compressor is unplugged. There is a risk of electric shock if you lay the compressor down with the cord plugged in. 
• If the air compressor is hot, wait for it to cool down before laying it on its side. Laying a hot compressor on its side can damage the unit. 
• Check the stability of the surface before you lay the compressor down. The surface should be flat and level to prevent the compressor from tipping over. And make sure that nothing is blocking the air intake or exhaust port. 
• The compressor should be clean and free of dust and debris before you lay it down. Laying a dirty compressor on its side can cause the unit to overheat. 
• Remove any accessories or attachments from the compressor before you lay it down. And be sure to drain any moisture from the tank to prevent rust and corrosion. 
• When you’re ready to lay the compressor down, slowly tilt the unit onto its side. Be careful not to drop or damage the compressor. 

Can An Air Compressor Be Mounted On Its Side?

We hear this question quite often, and the answer is not always so cut and dry. Technically, an air compressor can be mounted on its side, but it is not recommended. Laying an air compressor on its side can cause several problems, the most notable being that the compressor tank will not hold as much air, and the pump could wear out prematurely.

Another thing to consider is that most air compressors are upright. When they are not upright, the oil used to lubricate the compressor can drain out of the pump and cause it to wear out more quickly.

Final Thoughts:

If you follow above basic guidelines, you should be able to safely and successfully lay your air compressor on its side. But if you have any doubts, it’s always best to consult a professional before taking any risks.

I hope now you understand the consequences of laying down an air compressor. For more information related to air compressors, check the new latest blog post on my website spikytools.com. 

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