Air leaks can be a significant source of wasted energy on Airbrush air compressors. They will cause pressure drops in the system, as well as resulting in additional energy costs. This article will provide why your Airbrush air compressor leaks air, and the most likely locations if you’re looking to diagnose and fix the issue!
Table of Contents
- Reasons Why Air Is Leaking From Airbrush Air Compressor
- Reader Questions & Response
- Useful Pages on Air Compressor Leaks
Reasons Why Air Is Leaking From Airbrush Air Compressor
Airbrush air compressors leak air for a number of reasons. It could be that the fittings are not sealed, the hose or pipe has a crack or a compromised component that needs replacing. Here’s a list of the most common components that may be causing your Airbrush air compressor to leak:
- Condensate traps
- Couplings
- Cylinder rod packing
- Disconnects
- Filters
- Fittings
- Flanges
- Hoses
- Lubricators
- Point-of-use devices
- Pipe joints
- Pressure regulators
- Shut-off valves
- Thread sealants
Two of the most common queries on this topic are point zero portable Airbrush air compressor leaking air and Airbrush compressor leaking air and overheating. To help you diagnose your Airbrush air leak, you typically have 3 methods to choose from:
- Listening and feeling – is the simplest method, but not always the most accurate.
- Applying soapy water to an area where a leak is suspected – is a reliable but time-consuming method.
- Using an ultrasonic leak detector – is the best method and has quickly become an industry standard.
For more information on how to find and fix leaks on your air compressor, visit our guide!
Reader Questions & Response
Airbrush Air Compressor 30 Gallon Leaks – Troubleshooting Airbrush Air Compressor
Question
I have a mini airbrush compressor which I wasn’t able to use for a few months.
Today, I was about to use it but suddenly it leaks air.
The compressor works and can produce air.
But after a few minutes, I can hear some air leaking out of the compressor.
I put a red mark on the picture where the air leaks out.
I am not sure what part of the compressor the air leaks out.
How do I fix it? Please help me.
Response
Well, the obvious question is, have you tried tightening the bolts?
From the image, it would seem that air is leaking from the pump housing.
Also, check the in-tank check valve to make sure it is working. See how-to on the check valve pages on this site.
Questioner
Hi, Bill thanks for your reply.
Yes, I have tried tightening the bolts but it is still leaking.
The compressor can produce air and works but after a minute, It is starting to leak air.
Response
That would suggest that as the tank pressure grows, your compressed air possibly cannot flow into the tank easily and that’s forcing air out of the seals of the pump head.
That’s a gasket leak for sure, but why?
Once again, assuming there is one check the in-tank check valve to make sure it is working.
Questioner
Sorry to ask but where can I find the intake check valve?
There is one ring that when I tried to pull, the air was being released from the tank. Not sure what is it called.
Thank you.
Response
What you pulled the ring on was the PRV.
Typically there is a fitting where the airline from the pump enters the tank and again, typically, that’s where the tank check valve is located.
Do you have a manual with a parts list?
Please have a look and see if it identifies it, and then let us know.
Paasche Air Compressor Keeps Leaking – Paasche Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Question
Have a Paasche D500 air compressor about 2 1/2 years old that just began starting and stopping repeatedly and not maintaining pressure.
Response
That usually means a leak somewhere. Try running through the troubleshooting guides for some things to look for.
Questioner
Rich responds. Thanks for the info Doug, however; have gone through all that you have provided.
The start and stop is occurring about every 3 to 5 seconds.
Have been unable to find any troubleshooting info on the net, hopefully, someone sees this and has had the same problem and knows the solution.
Have sent an email to Paasche but have not received a response as of this date.
Response
Is the D500SR pictured representative of your unit? Doug from s.d.ca.
Questioner
Doug, Yes it is, but mine does not have the pressure regulator. Rich
Response
OK, no filter /regulator, but do you have the thing on the other side of the head with the wire going into the case (this is NOT the power cord)?
And do have a gauge similar to the one on f/r, or any gauge you can hook up to it? If so, please give the pressure readings of the hi/lo during the cycling. Doug from s.d.ca.
Questioner
Doug,
Do not have a pressure gauge. Maybe this will help.
Within 1 to 2 seconds after turning on it stops, within maybe 1 to 2 seconds starts again, runs 1 to 2 seconds, and stops again. This pattern is continuous and the air pressure never gets to a usable level.
Have even put in a plug on the outlet and the same results occur. This is just like mine at:
https://www.paascheairbrush.com/discount-class/g/D500#Details-tab
Rich
Response
OK.
This now sounds like maybe your intake reed or diaphragm is at least weak, probably broken.
Or maybe, if you’re lucky, the head is just loose.
So, see if the screws in the head are reasonably tight and if not try tightening and retest.
Failing that, you need to remove the head to see what’s going on there.
Good luck.
Questioner
Doug,
Thanks again, have already checked for loose nuts, and bolts screws and everything is secure. Do you have any ideas as to what to look for on the inside, and or how to obtain an exploded parts view.
Have looked for info on the net but seems Paasche might want to keep this to themselves?
Rich
Response
Try this – just two pages, but fairly good drawing.
It is strange how crummy their own website is.
Questioner
Doug,
Thanks, found the same thing late last night. Will try this weekend to open up and see what can be found.
Also, very curious as to whether they will even sell me replacement parts and at what cost. (For their airbrushes the info for the most part is superior.)
Rich
Questioner #2
Hello.
Was this thread resolved? Maybe I missed something but apparently, the issue was never diagnosed/fixed (or, it wasn’t posted, of course)
thank you.
Response
Hi Doug, thanks for the check on this page. We were all kind of waiting to hear back from Rich about what he found, but he didn’t do so.
Does this whole scenario not sound either like a loose wire or a malfunctioning pressure switch to you? This was mine, I’d find a new switch and change it out.
Response
Hmm. Maybe, But it sounds like he checked the obvious loose stuff. Maybe just jump the pressure switch and plug it in to see what happens… smoke? Or if pressure gets to cut-off, unplug, then remove the jumper and replace p/s if it reverts.
Useful Pages on Air Compressor Leaks
- Compressed Air Leaks – How to Find And Fix Leaks In compressed Air System
- Air Compressor Quick Connect Leaks – Why & How to Fix
- Air Compressor Leaking Air – How to Fix Air Compressor Leak
- How To Fix An Air Compressor Tank Leak
- How To Fix A Leaky Air Compressor Hose – Stop Air Compressor Hose Leaking
- PRVs keep leaking – Air Compressor Pressure Relief Valve Leaking
If you have any questions regarding an Airbrush air compressor leaking air, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
