Garage plumbing

Kania2k1 · August 24, 2001

I was just wondering what would be the best way to plumb the garage for an air hose in each "bay". We've got a 3 car garage with a work room off to one side. I was going to put the compressor up in the attic space and run hoses or PVC pipe to each bay, and then have a couple of the yellow coil hoses in between. Just wondering what the burst rating of PVC is. Would it be able to handle the pressure. I usually run the compressor at about 100psi. Or should I use metal pipe instead? Any help would be appreciated.

Jpshostr · August 24, 2001

Under no circumstances should you use PVC for compressed air, go with metal piping. The chance of PVC blowing is too great to make it an option. Run metal pipe along the walls making sure it has a slope to it, putting a drain at the low end that ideally you should open regularly. Space quick couplers every five feet or so. It may seem extreme, but it sure is nice to be able to plug into the line anywhere you choose rather than running long lines from one of just three couplers you may have put in.

chevy4x4trucks · August 24, 2001

I work for a plumbining company and checked with them about it and they said you have to run metal pipe. Ideally you should do what Jphostr said and put in the couplers. It's good thinking for the future. If you've got any questions I've got a code book and a design book here.

wolfie · August 25, 2001

I've heard that you should only use the black metal pipe not the galvanized pipe.. I have no idea why but that's what i was told... also you should have a flexible hose between the compressor and the metal pipe to cut down on vibrations. I'm not sure I would want an air compressor in an attic either...

95 Silverado · August 26, 2001

if you do put the compressor in an isolated location, be sure it has a source of clean air and the area is vented to dissipate the heat generated by the compressor. it will be safer and the compressor will last longer

Kania2k1 · August 26, 2001

Thanks for the helps guys! I wasn't planning on using the PVC because of the burst factor. I remember seeing it a friend's garage several years ago and remarking on how dangerous I thought it was!