Air Compressor: Why does my air compressor safety valve keep popping open?
If the air compressor's safety valve trips at operating pressure or well below the relief set point, replace the safety valve because it's broken.
If the tank is over pressurized, the pressure switch isn't shutting off the motor when the air tank fills to the cut-out pressure. Move the pressure switch lever to the off position. If the compressor continues to run, replace the pressure switch, because the switch isn't shutting off the compressor motor.
If the compressor shuts off when you move the pressure switch lever to the off position, pull the safety valve ring and release all air from the tank. Switch the pressure switch lever to the on position and allow the tank to fill. If the compressor doesn't shut off when the air tank fills to the cut-out pressure, replace the pressure switch, because the switch isn't shutting off the compressor motor when tank pressure reaches the cut-out pressure.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM
Replace the air compressor safety valve
The safety valve pops open to relieve excessive air pressure if the pressure switch fails to shut off the air compressor at the cut-out pressure setting. Replace the safety valve if it leaks or pops open at normal operating pressure.
Air compressor safety valve
Replace the air compressor pressure switch
The pressure switch turns the air compressor pump on and off to regulate tank air pressure. If the compressor isn't cycling on and off to fill the tank, replace the pressure switch.
Air compressor pressure switch
How to replace an air compressor pressure switch
If your air compressor won’t shut off after reaching full cut-out pressure or won’t start again after tank pressure drops, the pressure switch might be the problem. The step-by-step repair guide and video explain how to replace an air compressor pressure switch in less than 45 minutes.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your air compressors
Choose a symptom to see related air compressor repairs.
Main cause: bad check valve…
Main causes: tank drain valve open or leaking air, leaky air tank, bad safety valve, worn pump seals, bad pump valve pla…
Main cause: faulty output air pressure regulator…
Main cause: bad air tank pressure gauge…
Main causes: bad safety valve, pressure switch failure…
Main causes: loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, faulty safety valve, damaged or corroded air tank, bad…
Main causes: rusted air tank, loose air tube fitting connections, bad check valve, leaky safety valve, bad tank drain va…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, check valve failure, bad pressure switch…
Most common repair guides to help fix your air compressors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your air compressor.
How to replace an air compressor check valve
You can replace a defective air compressor check valve in about 10 minutes.…
How to replace an air compressor pressure switch
You can replace a broken air compressor pressure switch in about 45 minutes. …
How to rebuild an air compressor pump
If the air compressor won't fill the tank with compressed air, rebuild the pump using these steps in about 45 minutes. …
Effective articles & videos to help repair your air compressors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your air compressor.
Find out how to reduce air compressor noise.…
Learn about the possible dangers associated with using an air compressor and how you can reduce the risks of property da…
Learn how to maintain an oil-less air compressor for safe and efficient operation.…