View Full Version : Air compressor check valve
maczter
02-20-2013, 09:03 AM
OK, have maybe a weird dilemma. I want to buy a small 3 gal compressor to use for small things like airing up car or bike tires so I am not firing up the 60 gal one when I need small amounts of air. I want to plumb it into the same lines as my big compressor as I have a nice retractable hose reel. To keep air from going into one or the other tanks depending on which one is in use, I was wondering if there was a check valve I could install inline with each. Has anyone ever heard of an air check valve used this way? I found a few on grainger.com and wondered if it was viable.
CHOTIS BILL
02-20-2013, 04:28 PM
This is the type of disconnects I use. Is that what you are for?
http://www.mcmaster.com/#air-lines/=lkcar7
Bill Lomenick
Pedalmasher
02-21-2013, 12:12 PM
You should already have a shut-off valve at the big compressor - just tee into the "shop" side of the air line with another shut-off valve for the "little" compressor. Then you can select which compressor will feed the shop, depending on which valve is open. The lever-type ball valves would work for this.
HTH,
Derrick
Doutie
02-21-2013, 09:57 PM
The suggestion about ball valves is a good one, but if you still like the check valve idea go to a local truck parts store, (truck as in Kenworth or Peterbilt) and ask for a inline check.
They are used in large truck air system and come in different pipe thread sizes, 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 . Install one check valve between shop plumbing and large compressor. This will prevent small unit from filling big tank and when running big unit , small tank will just be extra capicity.
maczter
02-21-2013, 10:03 PM
That's a good idea! Thought about the manual ball valves, and found some on a website, I seem to overthink something that should be simple...like just buying a coiled hose, but noooooo, have to be different. ;)
Are you sure the big one doesn't already have a check valve? I was thinking of doing the opposite, (which is to use a smaller one I had to pump up the big tank since the big compressor wasn't working so well.) I was thwarted by the fact that the big one already had a check valve and I din't want to mess with removing it. I wouldn't worry about a check valve on the small tank unless it isn't rated for the same pressure as the large one. You can also get a nice spring loaded check valve at just about any good plumbing supply outfit.