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I might have a leaky keg, any advise?

Started by Fal, February 27, 2016, 12:46:04 PM

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Fal

I'm new to kegging and I've a keg with beer in it but if I put pressure on it and turn off the gas the pressure drops. I assume this is not normal and is a leak

The pressure used to drop as I watched it but I've changed lids, changed the release valve, put double o rings and Vaseline to stop the leak and in fairness it has slowed down. So instead of dropping immediately when I turn off the gas it will drop slowly over a couple of hours.

Has anyone else got advise or is the keg fecked?
Thanks
...used to be NewBier

delzep

Are the in and out posts tightened enough? Use a 7/8" spanner to be sure.

Fal

I'm pretty sure, I checked  them after I noticed the leak, but I'll triple  check again. I've sprayed Starsan in the top of everything to see if I could see bubbles, but I saw nothing.
...used to be NewBier

Beerbuddha

The pressure can drop over hours as the pressure will equalize in the beer/ headspace as normal but I'm sure this us not your issue.
If you spray soapy solution on top of keg and see no bubbles then there is no issue with it but probably with your regulator or something.
IBD Member

Leann ull

The Co2 is getting absorbed into solution by the beer, please advise what pressure you have set on the reg 1 bar 15 psi ish? It will take 4-7 days depending on ambient and pressure desired before it hits your target carbonation.
What style is it? whats your target carbonation?
Leave it permanently on until you beer has reached desired carbonation at that stage you can switch it off ;)

Fal

Thanks, it's a pale ale. I've been pressurizing at around 1 bar but if I turned off the gas the pressure dropped within an 20mins to 0. I replaced the poppet because it was missing a seal. Now if I do the same it drops over hours. Maybe that's normal?
...used to be NewBier

Fal

Definatly a leak somewhere. To make sure it's not the regulator or disconnect. I assume if I pressurize the keg then remove the disconnect. The keg should still have the same pressure a few hours later?
...used to be NewBier

Will_D

Presurise the keg, remove the disconnects, turn upside down and watch!

Note: If the dip tube (beer out) post is leaking then you would have already noticed the slow oozing of beer!
Remember: The Nationals are just round the corner - time to get brewing

Fal

Okay good to know, dip tube not the problem either! I'm try the upside down test later. Thanks
...used to be NewBier

SkiBeagle

Totally sympathise. I lost a tank of CO2 over a couple of days thanks to the flare fitting connecting to the grey disconnect. It just wasn't tight enough to make a gas-tight seal. These days, I use a spanner to hold the flare, and lever the disconnect by hand to get a good tight seal. I had thought about switching to a barb disconnect to avoid the problem, but this seems to be working. I check the seal on the disconnect and on the keg posts and lid with a spray of well-shaken starsan to detect any escaping gas. I am getting a bit more paranoid about turning off the gas cylinder valve when it doesn't need to be open.

Pheeel

I only turn on my gas when i need it. I want to move to flare disconnects as its too easy to twist the screw on them
Issues with your membership? PM me!

mcgrath

I usually spray some starsan around posts and lid. If there's a leak you should see the bubbles.

cruiscinlan

Quote from: Pheeel on March 01, 2016, 02:01:06 PM
I want to move to flare disconnects as its too easy to twist the screw on them

Would plumbers tape not sort that out for you?

Leann ull

Those barb fittings are crap, use proper JG push fittings and gas line.

I still say the beer is absorbing co2 under pressure

SkiBeagle