r/AirCompression • u/WhatsYourPr0blem • 3d ago

Water Back Flow

Hey folks

I recently attempted to blow out an in-ground sprinkler system with a small tank air compressor. While doing the task, I had missed a valve and my air compressor got filled with water, blowing out the top and covering the machine. The motor no longer functions and it sounds like there's water in the tank.

My questions are: is my compressor ruined? Could the motor not turning on be caused by a simple blown fuse? If I let it dry out for a day or two will it come back?

It was a cheap machine that I inherited from a relative, but I really don't have the funds to get a replacement.

3 Upvotes

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10 comments sorted by

2

u/u3b3rg33k 3d ago

most compressors have a tank drain

1

u/Ok_Combination_9136 5h ago

This is NOT the function of the “tank drain” …

1

u/u3b3rg33k 3h ago

i mean it is NOW?

1

u/Ok_Combination_9136 3h ago

Just say you don’t know compressors and move on bud … it’s okay not to know stuff bub

1

u/u3b3rg33k 2h ago

i don't know what you're talking about, that's for sure.

1

u/Ok_Combination_9136 2h ago

Aight bub, go use your tank drain 🤣🤣🤣

2

u/00Wow00 3d ago

I think letting the motor dry out for a couple of days ought to be enough. Check the motor for a reset button. As another person said look on the bottom of the tank for a drain valve. The valve will only partially unscrew but that is enough to let the water slowly drain. If it is a non-oil free unit, safely turn the flywheel by hand, with the compressor unplugged, to make sure the pump turns freely as well as adding some air to help push the water out of the tank.

2

u/travelingthrough20 2d ago

drain all the water out of the tank. Pull the hard fittings out of compression cylinder that go into the tank. add some oil to displace the water. stroke it a couple time to lubricate and push all the water out. Then reassemble and try again. It's an electric motor. Water isn't compressible. It can't over come the "lock" that it is bound in right now. If you loosen things up and let the water dry you will probably be good.

1

u/SweatyGeologist2418 1d ago

Compressors compress gas. Sometimes they do compress liquids...that's called hydraulics. Not good. At all.

1

u/Ok_Combination_9136 5h ago

Chances are it’s toast.