If you’re like me, you rely on your air compressor to power your pneumatic tools. Air compressors are generally powered by electricity and work best in an environment where the temperature is moderate.
One common issue with air compressors is that they can easily develop leaks, which will cause the compressor to run inefficiently and may eventually break down.
If you’re experiencing a leak in your air compressor, the first thing you’ll want to do is find the source of the leak. Once you’ve located the leak, you’ll need to fix it. This is something that can be fixed without the need to hire a professional.
There are some steps that you can take to fix it. This blog post will go over the steps you need to take to repair an air compressor tank leak. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent leaks from happening in the first place.
Causes of Air Compressor Leaks
There are several reasons why an air compressor can develop leaks.
- The most common is due to wrong fitting parts. If you have the incorrect hose size for your compressor, it can easily develop leaks due to being too tight or loose.
- If the compressor is not properly maintained, there may be times when compressed air leaks out of the tank and disrupts the workflow. In this regard, one of the main causes of air leaks is rusting and corrosion, which can weaken the seams of a tank. This will not only cause air leaks but can ultimately cause the tank to explode.
How to fix air compressor leak tank
There are a few steps that you can take to repair an air compressor tank leak.
Find the source of the leak
The first step is to charge your air compressor fully. Start by identifying the leak’s source. This is where you’ll have to use some detective skills. Start with your eyes. If you see any wet spots, that’s a good place to start looking.

If you’re not sure where the leak is coming from, you can identify it by spraying soapy water on the fitting. The soapy water will cause bubbles to form in the leak area. If the leak is coming from a loose-fitting, try tightening it with a wrench. This will generally stop any leaks.
If the leak is coming from the pressure switch or valves, you may need to replace them. If the leak is still there after replacing these components and tightening the fitting, it may be coming from the tank.
To find out if there are any leaks in your air compressor’s tank, spray soapy water on the whole tank. Now look for bubbles in the tank to discover any fractures.
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Allow the air to escape from the compressor

After determining the source of the leak, the next step is to release the air from the compressor. You can do this by locating the pressure release valve on the compressor and releasing the air. Sometimes it may be necessary to drain water from your tank before releasing the air.
Grinds the leaking area
After releasing the air from the compressor, you need to grind the area until it goes flush and smooth. You can use an angle grinder for this task or any other powerful enough tool that won’t damage metal surfaces.
Use the Brazing Torch

Now use the brazing torch and rod to seal up that leaky tank. You can find the brazing rod at your local hardware store.
Before applying heat, make sure to remove any rust from around the tank area that’s leaking. Now, apply direct heat on it with a flame from your gas grill or welding lighter. Once the metal is hot, apply the brazing rod.
Then you need to turn the gas on and light up with a welding lighter or blowtorch until blue flames shoot out from both ends of equipment for this process to work properly.
The next step is to place the heated rod metal on your tank, press it until it melts, and cover any leaking spot. Let it cool down, then turn on the compressor again after cooling down enough.
This may take some time depending upon how old or large the size of the machine is being used as an input power source. After doing all of the steps, your compressor will be good as new and ready to be used again.
Read the Comparison of tanks: aluminum vs. steel
How to prevent air compressor leaks
In addition to knowing how to fix air compressor leaks, it’s also important to know how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
- One of the best ways to do this is to maintain your compressor regularly. This means checking and cleaning the air filters, lubricating the moving parts, and checking for any signs of wear or damage.
- Another way to prevent leaks is to ensure that the compressor is properly secured. This means ensuring that all bolts and screws are tight and that the unit is properly leveled.
- The next step is to make sure your regulator valves are installed correctly. If not, they can cause leakage because the compressor won’t maintain pressure.
- Another way to prevent leaks is to ensure that your compressor is running under the right amount of pressure.
Final words
After repairing your air compressor tank, you may need to open the machine and check the valves, fittings, and pressure switches. If everything is in good condition, you’re ready to start using your compressor again.
However, If you have problems identifying where the leak is coming from or are unsure how to apply heat to the area, consider hiring a professional for help. But I didn’t think so, because repairing an air compressor leak is simple. If you follow these instructions carefully, you should fix any leaks and keep your compressor running like new.
FAQ
Can you weld a leaking air compressor tank?
Yes, You can weld an air compressor; first, you should consider the thickness and condition of your metal. Then you need to assess how much wielding power will be required for each specific task.
Can an air compressor tank explode?
Yes, An air compressor tank can explode. The main reason for explosions is corrosion.
When operators don’t drain the water that accumulates in their tank, it can lead to an increase in the risk of cracking and breaking apart easily under pressure from the compressed gas.
Why won’t my air compressor build pressure?
If your air compressor isn’t building pressure, it may be because of a leak in the system. Check all fittings and hoses for any signs of leakage and repair them as necessary.
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