Stuck 1.5" pipe plugs at each end of my 20 gallon air tank

by Jim Richardson
(Hillsboro, Oregon)

I bought the compressor used so I know nothing of it's history.

My 20 gallon tank seems to have a lot of slimy gray gunk in the tank that I can't get all out through the bottom drain. What I would like to do is remove at least one of the 1.5" pipe plugs at each end of my 20 gallon air tank and use the open ports to power wash the interior of the tank and then leave open several days to fully dry out.

Both plugs have 3/4" square drive in the center. I have tried using my impact wrench over and over to no avail. I have also tried breaker bars and lots of PT Blaster. But so far I have not been able to budge either plug....not even a little.

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Bill says....

It sounds to me like if you add enough torque or pressure to remove the plugs (which also sound like they are welded in, which makes sense) you will destroy the tank in the process.

The concept of cleaning the tank is good. The reality is, I think, is either use it dirty with good air treatment downstream to remove air-borne crud, or replace the tank.

Cheers,

Bill




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Stuck 1.5" pipe plugs at each end of my 20 gallon air tank

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Sep 02, 2011
 Thanks......why
by: Jim

Thanks for the reply

Welded in.......why would they weld in the plugs?
There are no welds on the outside of the plugs/tank so it would have to been welded from the inside.

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If you cannot see welds on the outside, then I guess there aren't any. From the effort you put into removing the plugs, that's the only think I could think of as to why you weren't able to loosen either.

B.

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