Troubleshooting Air Compressor Pressure Problems: Why Won’t It Build Pressure?

If your air compressor is not building pressure, it can bring your operations to a standstill. Whether your compressor keeps running without reaching the right PSI or loses pressure unexpectedly, diagnosing the issue quickly is crucial. While some minor fixes can be done yourself, many pressure problems require expert attention to avoid costly downtime and further damage. That’s where professional servicing and repairs come in.

At Southern Air Systems, we specialise in air compressor servicing and repairs, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably. If you're experiencing pressure issues, we can diagnose the problem, provide high-quality repairs, and help prevent future breakdowns.

Why Your Air Compressor Is Not Building Pressure

Several factors can prevent your compressor from reaching full pressure. Here are the most common issues we see, and how professional servicing can resolve them.

1. Air Leaks in the System

Even a small leak in the tank, hoses, or fittings can stop your compressor from reaching full pressure. Air leaks not only reduce efficiency but also increase running costs.

How we can help:

• We conduct a full system inspection to detect and seal leaks.

• We replace worn-out hoses, seals, and fittings with high-quality parts.

2. Faulty Intake or Discharge Valves

If your compressor’s valves are clogged, stuck, or damaged, air won’t be compressed properly, leading to a loss of pressure.

How we can help:

• We inspect and replace worn-out intake and discharge valves.

• We clean and service components to ensure smooth airflow and pressure build-up.

3. Worn or Broken Piston Rings

In piston-style air compressors, worn piston rings can cause pressure loss by allowing air to escape past the cylinder instead of being compressed.

How we can help:

• We inspect the pistons and rings for wear and tear.

• We replace damaged components to restore full compression power.

4. Issues with the Pressure Switch

If your compressor isn’t shutting off at the right PSI or fails to reach full pressure, the pressure switch may need adjusting or replacing.

How we can help:

• We accurately adjust your air compressor pressure switch for optimal performance.

• If needed, we replace faulty switches with reliable, high-quality replacements.

5. A Clogged Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow into the compressor, making it harder to build pressure efficiently.

How we can help:

• We inspect, clean, or replace air filters to ensure your compressor is running at peak efficiency.

  
  
  
  

Why Does My Air Compressor Lose Pressure?

If your compressor builds pressure but then loses it over time, the issue is likely due to:

• Leaks in the tank or fittings - We can locate and seal any leaks to stop unnecessary pressure loss.

• A faulty check valve - If air is escaping back into the pump, we’ll replace the check valve with a new one.

• An open drain valve - We ensure all maintenance components are correctly closed and sealed.

How to Increase Air Compressor Pressure

If your compressor isn’t delivering enough pressure for your tools or equipment, we can help by:

• Checking and adjusting the pressure switch settings for better performance.

• Inspecting and replacing worn components that could be restricting pressure.

• Recommending upgrades if your compressor is underpowered for your needs.

• Get Professional Air Compressor Repairs and Servicing

If your air compressor is struggling to build or maintain pressure, don’t risk further damage by ignoring the problem or attempting DIY fixes that could make things worse. At Southern Air Systems, we provide expert air compressor servicing and repairs, ensuring your system runs efficiently, safely, and reliably.

Get in touch with us today to book a service or request a free consultation. Let’s get your air compressor running at full pressure again!