Before we start,  make sure to get a copy of the owner’s manual which you can download at www.sonnysdirect.com and review all the safety information related to this procedure.  


Gather the tools and supplies you’ll need which are:  

  • Safety glasses.

Once you have everything ready the first thing you need to do is:


  1. There is very little maintenance to the automatic tank drain.
  2. Some are equipped with a particulate screen and that screen needs to be checked monthly for debris.
  3. The automatic drain should be tested daily for operation and test that there is no residual moisture stored in the bottom of the tank.
  4. There are two timers on the most common automatic drains that should be adjusted.
  5. The first-timer is a repeat cycle timer with a range of .5 minutes-45 minutes and this controls how often the drain is activated and the second timer is the duration timer how long the valve stays open usually from .5 second – 15 seconds this should be set so when the compressor drains you get all moisture out each time it drains. 
  6. For example in South Florida generally set the timer every 15 minutes for 4 seconds as there is high humidity. 
  7. In Las Vegas in a dry climate, every 40 minutes for two seconds may be appropriate. These are only guides and should be adjusted for your individual needs.
  8. Remember every site is a little bit different and the main goal is to get all accumulated moisture out of the tank without wasting any excess air.