A Guide to Temporary Compressed Air & Pump Setup for Tennessee Construction Projects
Construction sites run on pressure—literally. From pneumatic tools and sandblasters to dewatering pumps and concrete sprayers, compressed air and fluid transfer systems are the lifeblood of modern building sites. Whether it’s a highway expansion in Knoxville, a distribution center outside Nashville, or a bridge rebuild near Chattanooga, every construction project has one thing in common: temporary equipment demands that can’t wait.
For contractors and project managers in Tennessee, understanding how to properly set up temporary air and pump systems can make or break a job. That’s where Industrial Air Services comes in. With decades of experience and one of the largest rental fleets in the Mid-South, we help construction crews get the air and pump power they need—on time, on budget, and without delays.
This guide walks through everything you need to know for a successful temporary setup on your next construction project.
Why Construction Projects Require Temporary Equipment
Unlike permanent installations at industrial plants, construction projects are mobile, time-sensitive, and often unpredictable. Site conditions change daily. Equipment comes and goes. Timelines tighten. As a result, you need compressed air and pumping systems that are:
Flexible enough to move and reconfigure
Powerful enough to meet fluctuating demand
Reliable in outdoor and rough environments
Available quickly when schedules shift or equipment fails
Industrial Air Services offers a wide range of rental compressors, pumps, dryers, hoses, and fittings designed specifically for rugged construction conditions across Tennessee.
Key Uses for Temporary Air & Pump Equipment on Job Sites
Here’s where we most commonly see temporary systems in use:
Pneumatic tools: Jackhammers, nail guns, sandblasters, grinders
Paint and coating applications: Spray booths or open-air coating
Concrete operations: Spraying, polishing, cleanup
Dewatering: Removing groundwater or stormwater from excavations
Bypass pumping: Diverting flow during utility repair or installation
Site cleanup: Power washing, surface drying, and dust control
Air-powered sensors or automation: Especially on highway and bridge builds
Each of these requires careful equipment selection, proper setup, and reliable performance. Skimping on setup can lead to stalled work, safety issues, or blown deadlines.
Selecting the Right Equipment for Temporary Construction Use
Choosing the right gear starts with knowing your application. Here are the main factors to evaluate:
1. Compressor or Pump Type
Diesel compressors: Best for remote sites without grid power
Electric compressors: Ideal for indoor or low-noise environments
Oil-free compressors: Required for coating, painting, or clean applications
Trash pumps: Handle solids, mud, or slurry
Transfer pumps: Used for water, chemicals, or fuel (non-solid loads)
Industrial Air Services offers all of the above—matched to the job, weather, and terrain.
2. Flow and Pressure Needs
Know your numbers:
Air tools often require 90–120 PSI
Sandblasting and industrial cleaning can demand 150+ PSI and high CFM
Pumps must match your flow rate (GPM), head height, and material viscosity
Oversizing wastes fuel. Undersizing creates costly delays. We help you dial it in right.
3. Power Source Availability
If you're working in a rural or undeveloped site, diesel-powered equipment may be your only option. If you have electrical access, we’ll verify phase, voltage, and amperage to ensure safe compatibility.
4. Mobility and Mounting
Do you need a towable trailer, a skid-mounted unit, or compact equipment that can be craned onto elevated platforms? Each setup changes your logistics plan and affects installation.
Planning Your Setup: Logistics & Safety Considerations
Proper planning is everything. Here’s what to think through before delivery day:
Site Access
Ensure trucks or trailers can safely reach the installation zone. Consider mud, slope, and turning radius.
Ventilation & Exhaust
Diesel units require airflow and separation from work areas. Electric units need dry, secure environments.
Drainage & Spill Control
Especially for pumps, check where discharge is going and whether spill containment is required by local regulations.
Noise Ordinances
Cities like Nashville and Chattanooga enforce construction noise limits. We can provide lower-decibel units when needed.
Hose Routing & Safety
Avoid sharp bends, trip hazards, and unprotected connections. Use barricades or signage when hoses cross paths with crew traffic.
Power Coordination
Electric units must match your available voltage and phase. We’ll confirm site readiness ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Timeline Coordination
Every minute on a job site matters. When compressed air or pump power is delayed, entire crews wait.
At Industrial Air Services, we offer:
Same-day or next-day delivery from multiple Tennessee depots
On-site setup and installation by trained technicians
Flexible rental terms that match your project timeline
Immediate swap-out support if your needs change mid-project
We understand how tight construction schedules are—and we operate with that urgency in mind.
Real Project Example: Bridge Build in East Tennessee
A contractor working on a bridge project outside Knoxville needed a compressed air system for pneumatic tools and a bypass pump for river flow control. They reached out to Industrial Air Services on a Wednesday with a Friday start date.
We delivered:
A 375 CFM diesel compressor
A 6-inch trash pump with discharge hose and filters
All fittings, clamps, and fuel backup
On-site technician support for install and pressure testing
The result? The crew started on time, worked safely, and stayed ahead of schedule for the first three phases of the job. The rental lasted 11 weeks and saved the contractor over $30,000 compared to the cost of purchasing equipment for short-term use.
Serving Tennessee Construction Sites Statewide
Wherever your job site is, we’ve got you covered. Industrial Air Services provides fast rental equipment and support to construction crews throughout:
Nashville
Knoxville
Chattanooga
Jackson
Cookeville
Murfreesboro
Columbia
Memphis (via partner depots)
And surrounding communities, including rural infrastructure builds
We work closely with general contractors, subcontractors, and engineering firms to ensure every piece of equipment is matched to the job, delivered on time, and ready to work.
What’s Included in a Temporary Equipment Rental?
Every rental from Industrial Air Services includes:
The main unit: compressor or pump
Fuel or power compatibility support
Hoses, clamps, valves, and adapters
Optional dryers, filters, or regulators
Transport, delivery, and setup
24/7 support throughout the rental period
You don’t have to chase multiple vendors or patch together a system. We provide complete, turnkey solutions.
Let’s Get Your Project Moving
Every construction project faces surprises. But your air and pump systems don’t have to be one of them. Whether you're building bridges, laying pipe, pouring concrete, or trenching in the middle of nowhere—we’ll get you the air and water systems you need.
Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 today to schedule your temporary equipment rental for construction or to request a site-specific quote. We’ll review your plans, confirm power and flow requirements, and coordinate delivery—so your crew stays productive and your timeline stays intact.
