Air Compressor Plumbing

[jor]

Question for those that have plumbed the garage or shop for your air compressor: What are you using - PCV pipe? What size? What kind of fittings? How about some photos? Thanks.
jor

[jor]

Due to the fact I didn't get any action on this question, I started looking around the site and found Keith's excellent oldsmobility article. For those with the same question, here's the answer. Thanks, Keith.
jor

http://www.oldsmobility.com/air-compressor-piping.htm

[qman]

My neighbor did this in his shop but used copper pipe. Seems to work great. What exactly is carbon steel pipe?

[alvinator]

I did my garage with PVC pipe and have had no problems. I did it simple and it works great.

[jor]

Alvin,
How about some detail on your PVC job. Diameter, lengths, drains and so on. Size of compressor? Photos? Thanks.
jor

[jor]

Qman,
I noted that Keith also used copper (1/2"). Now I'm wondering about size as the chart in the referred article indicates 3/4" to 1" for the CFM we are talking about.
jor

[qman]

My neighbor's set up is 3/4" copper. He made accumulators with a drain at the bottoms of the corners of the garage just like the diagram showed and I think that was 1" stuff. He has 3 compressors that can push some serious air and his set up allows for all 3 to be tied in at once. He did use ball valves with quick connects at the attach points for each compressor. I don't think he put in anything to dry the air. I don't think he's ever used it with all 3 compressors running either. He mostly overkills everything he does. 1/2" copper would probably be fine in my garage. About all I ever do is fill up tires and run a pneumatic gun once in a while.

[FORDification]

Yeah, I agree I should have used 3/4" pipe for mine, but I decided to try the 1/2" instead first. I think that upgrading to 3/4" might be a good winter project for my shop. However, just from using mine I really don't see where I'll gain much, since I'm either using mine in short bursts or (in the case of sandblasting) non-stop, and in the second scenario my sandblaster uses enough air where I'm more concerned with volume than pressure anyway. However, if I were to decide to paint a car with this compressor, where pressure is more critical than volume, than I'll definitely redo my lines.

[hardtailjohn]

DO NOT use PVC!!! We had one blow in a shop I worked in (luckily everyone was gone) and it stuck "shards" of PVC through the walls!!
It sure made a believer of me!!!!! It's either copper or black iron for this guy from now on!! I was pulling knife like pieces out of things for weeks!!
JH

[jor]

OK, PCV is out. I haven't priced either yet but is there an advantage to copper over steel (black iron)? Thanks.
jor

[bluef250]

jor: steel should be less expensive. Copper would be easier to work - soldered connections verse threaded connections. The larger diameter pipe the less friction. Also the larger pipe provides some additional storage. PVC pipe shatters when it ruptures as already mentioned so metal is the preferred material. I suppose you could use a schedule 80 or 120 pvc with a shield if you needed.

[alvinator]

I have been running my PVC for about a year and have had no problem. Maybe because it is just a home use and not for a big shop. My garage is only 620 sq ft. I have a 6.25 hp motor with a 28 gal tank running on 120v.

Jor, I will work on getting some pics this weekend and posting and letting you see what i have. I still think you will be ok with PVC, unless you plan on some HD work stuff. I have even painted both trucks with this setup and I am really enjoy it.

[shortbedCUSTOM]

this is what I'm getting ready to use in my garage.

www.garage-pak.com

[qman]

I think I'd still prefer copper. It may take a little longer to set up but I'd trust that it would be leak free for a longer time. Plus it would be half the cost. That product claims leak free but only for 30 days. If you ever have to start looking for a leak you'll spend much more time than you saved putting it together.

[68F250]

Go with the copper. It will give you good practice for when you have to repipe your house.