running compressed air between the house and the garage

[Shockwave]

Hello friends. I'm wanting to (safely and within code) run an air compressor line from my basement workshop out to the garage so I can have air as I begin working on the wings. The garage is a less than ideal place for my compressor, as it's 220v and I have a single 110v outlet that is also on the circuit with the lights and garage door opener. The wings are too big to build in the basement short of demolishing some portion of the house to get them out, which I'm trying to avoid doing.

Worse case I could drag out a long hose and run it up the steps leaving the door open, but is there a more elegant solution I can put in?

[N941WR]

Is your garage connected to the house?

Mine is and I simply ran some 600 PSI PVC up there and it has worked great.

Now, that code thing is another matter.

[ClayR_9A]

I'd call an electrician about getting another circuit (or two) in your garage. It might be easier to just get the power where you need it now and then you'll be all ready for the upgraded lights, tools, space heater and AC unit you'll eventually want!

[Shockwave]

The garage is attached, and the compressor is on the same wall as the garage so I could in theory come out right underneath the door.

I'm still considering a subpanel in the garage so I could get some decent power out there, but I should really only need to match drill and rivet out in the garage and I could do the rest downstairs.

[N713R]

Many people will tell you, "I use PVC for air lines, and have never had a problem." I can tell you from seeing it with my own eyes, and installing air lines as a professional plumber, do not use PVC. It will break at some point, and it will become shrapnel. The guys saying it will be fine have not yet had a problem, but they will eventually. I just hope they don't get hurt learning that lesson.

The most elegant solution is copper pipe and yes, it is more expensive. If you are not comfortable sweating copper, the next viable solution is pex. Go to you local DIY store, and you can pick up a roll of pipe, some fittings, and crimp rings to terminate them, you will also need to buy a crimper, but they are only about $30. While you are at it, you will likely find it very easy, and affordable, so you might as well put in a couple of drops in the garage as well as the basement. They will come in mighty handy.

As far as codes, I am not aware of any in the plumbing or gas code, It should not be a fire code issue as long as you seal the opening around the pipe with fire caulk. You may check with your local authorities, for a local code, but I would guess they would have none.

Advice worth exactly what you paid for it!

[newimaging]

I have my compressor outside my garage in the back, so I don`t have to deal with the noise. I just drilled a hole in the wall, bought a nice thick airhose, and just stuck it thru the hole and ran it neatly along the wall. That goes to a air-filter, and then to a 3 way splitter.
It`ll take you 3 minutes to install, and its nice and flexible. You are using a hose at the end anyway, why not use a hose all the way, they are cheap.

[humptybump]

I have a large shop and need air in multiple places. I said "PVC" once and got a first hand story that convinced me I wanted something else. Black iron was the traditional choice but after seeing PEX used for plumbing and shop air, I went with PEX. It was so easy to run, add drops, and customize. I ended up having air to more locations than I would, had I used solid pipe.

There are even starter kits for PEX air setups now.

EDIT: before my PEX setup, I did what Christian suggested. It worked well for over 2 years. I did install a hose real on the end but the whilevsystem was hose and I used it for everything. If you want "simple" and to use stuff you can get at a local big box store, consider this option.

[DanH]

My own shop air is plumbed with iron pipe, but PEX looks interesting. Given the prices for 100 and 300 foot spools it would be nuts to not run the main line around the ceiling perimeter to allow cooling and condensation. You'll need a few drops to remove the liquid water. Dry air is always a plus.

[humptybump]

Dan - good suggestion! I may splice in a long loop and see how much moisture collects.

[rocketbob]

I plumbed my shop air a couple of years ago with PEX, no leaks anywhere. All of it is in the ceiling with drops at various locations in the shop with reels attached to the ceiling. 100' rolls of 1/2" are $30 at Lowes.