Running Air Line from Garage to Basement

[David Diehl]

I have an air compressor in the garage. I'd like
to keep it there and run a line into the basement
where I have my woodshop.

Would a 3/4 inch diameter copper line be suitable
for this? Would black iron be better? Any other
recommendations?

Thanks in advance.
Dave

[Speedy Jim]

Ha!!
I have an air compressor in the basement and ran a line to the garage...

Mine is a 2HP that I use with automotive tools.
I ran a 1/2" copper line thru the attic to the (attached) garage.
It has plenty of capacity and I've not regretted the small size.

If you're concerned about peak flows, connect an accumulator tank
in the basement.
Depending on what you're using the air for, install a regulator and
filter/water separator.

Jim Mais

[@support.interpex.com Charles H. Stoyer]

I used PVC 400 PSI 1" or 3/4" (can't remember right now) to run air from my
garage to the basement. Works just fine and much easier to install than
copper pipe which has to be soldered. I think it's cheaper also.

Charles.

Speedy Jim wrote in message <3703D3...@raex.com>...

[ben williams]

Even though it's more of a pain to work with, black iron is the safest .
ben

David Diehl <ddi...@storz.com> wrote in message
news:3703B0CF...@storz.com...

> I have an air compressor in the garage. I'd like
> to keep it there and run a line into the basement
> where I have my woodshop.
>

> Would a 3/4 inch diameter copper line be suitable
> for this? Would black iron be better? Any other
> recommendations?
>

> Thanks in advance.
> Dave
>

[Lee's]

I agree. There's a lot of PVC used in home compressed air lines.

Charles H. Stoyer <cstoyer @ support.interpex.com> wrote in message
news:7e0qp8$v0i$1...@news-2.csn.net...

> I used PVC 400 PSI 1" or 3/4" (can't remember right now) to run air from
my
> garage to the basement. Works just fine and much easier to install than
> copper pipe which has to be soldered. I think it's cheaper also.
>
> Charles.
>
> Speedy Jim wrote in message <3703D3...@raex.com>...
> >David Diehl wrote:
> >>

[FNO Toolman]

There was a post about using PVC and Copper for air lines around a few
months or so ago in which I stated how I had used PVC in my garage. After
reading the replies and checking into the problems myself, I wised up, and
I have now replaced ALL my air lines with black iron pipe. You guys are
nutz to recommend using PVC or Copper. All manufactures and publications I
found warn of potential hazards using PVC and Copper for air lines. If you
want a SAFE system, IRON is the only way to go!
FNO Toolman
--
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Lee's wrote in message <3jVM2.1132$OI4....@news6.ispnews.com>...

[Peter Bucy]

On Thu, 01 Apr 1999 17:45:50 GMT, David Diehl <ddi...@storz.com>
wrote:

>I have an air compressor in the garage. I'd like
>to keep it there and run a line into the basement
>where I have my woodshop.
>

>Would a 3/4 inch diameter copper line be suitable
>for this? Would black iron be better? Any other
>recommendations?

Black gas pipe is the best, but heavy gage copper is good too. Never,
and I mean never, use pvc. It can explode sending shrapnel throughout
you and your home.
Peter A. Bucy - Home Builder
Charlotte, North Carolina

[Donald Kinney]

David Diehl <ddi...@storz.com> wrote in message
news:3703B0CF...@storz.com...

> I have an air compressor in the garage. I'd like
> to keep it there and run a line into the basement
> where I have my woodshop.
>
> Would a 3/4 inch diameter copper line be suitable
> for this? Would black iron be better? Any other
> recommendations?
>

> Thanks in advance.
> Dave
>
Depending on far the garage is and how often you will use the air hose line
just buy enough air hose to run in between the two. That way you can use
the air hose for tires, painting the house etc.

I do not know the prices but it might even be cheaper that digging up the
lawn and burying the pipe.

Donald

[Human]

David,

The Copper Institute of America gave a demonstration at my local
union hall which showed the _thinnest_ walled copper tubing (Type M)
to withstand pressures of over 700psi before bursting. When it _did_
burst, a small fissure opened next to the solder joint at a fitting.

Please do not react to the alarmist postings regarding copper for
your application. I agree that PVC is a bad choice for the reasons
already stated, but I can guarantee you that no one in this forum
has ever witnessed a copper line bursting and scattering.

The dentist's offices that I have piped use copper for all their
compressed air lines as well.

Jim Mais' post covered it pretty well I think.

Good luck and best wishes,
Bob Amberger, Pleasanton, CA

>David Diehl wrote:
>>
>> I have an air compressor in the garage. I'd like
>> to keep it there and run a line into the basement
>> where I have my woodshop.
>>
>> Would a 3/4 inch diameter copper line be suitable
>> for this? Would black iron be better? Any other
>> recommendations?
>

[Dan]

If you want to use plastic, there are products designed for use with compressed air.   PVC is NOT  a proper choice.  It shatters when it breaks.  A properly installed plastic air line will have less scale over time.  Rust and the resulting scale are the big disadvantages of black iron pipe, but it can and does provide years of useful service.  You will probably want water traps and possibly point of use lubricators.  One or two low spots are good locations for water traps.

     Plumb your drops off the top side of the mainline (gooseneck style) and you'll  reduce moisture problems @ point of use. 

     I don't have any experience with copper as air lines, my gut feeling is it's probably OK, but why take a chance if the modern plastics are available? 

[ben williams]

I, for one, have no doubts that copper would hold. I just prefer black iron.
I feel more comfortable knowing a stray nail thru the wall won't require
rebuilding the wall to fix the leak and i have seen cars back into/run over,
people stack crates, etc on the pipe. Wouldn't trust the copper in those
instances.
ben

Human <ga...@nospamjps.net> wrote in message news:3705...@news1.jps.net...

[Terry & Nanette]

Black pipe won't burst from the pressure. Be sure to put a water collector
at the end of the line in your basement to keep your tools from rusting
inside.

--
Nanette
http://members.xoom.com/NanetteH
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/5806
th...@provide.net

David Diehl <ddi...@storz.com> wrote in message
news:3703B0CF...@storz.com...

> I have an air compressor in the garage. I'd like
> to keep it there and run a line into the basement
> where I have my woodshop.
>
> Would a 3/4 inch diameter copper line be suitable
> for this? Would black iron be better? Any other
> recommendations?
>

> Thanks in advance.
> Dave
>