CO2 Leak/Pressure Drop and Beer Integrity

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by Jack_ODonnell, Apr 12, 2014.

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  1. Jack_ODonnell

    Jack_ODonnell Initiate (0) Apr 12, 2014

    Hi,
    Just installed my kegerator. Hooked up two sixtels. Set my pressure at 12psi. This morning it was down to 8 or so. I think I have a leak. My question is, if I untap the kegs and take the regulator out to work on the connections will my beer suffer? Am I on some sort of clock to get this thing sealed up and back on the kegs before they go bad? I didn't buy cheap Coors kegs to start...it would be a disaster financially and a travesty beer wise if I ruin them!
    Thanks!!
     
    #1 Jack_ODonnell, Apr 12, 2014
  2. zero_signal

    zero_signal Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2013 New Jersey

    No uncoupling your kegs won't ruin them..They are sealed and co2 was still applied while they were open.So you are ok.You can leave them unhooked for weeks if you wanted..
    What brand setup are you running? (Regulator Brand)
    Did you set pressure before or after tapping kegs?
    To find leaks:After you unhook kegs leave co2 on (make sure couplers handles are in up position) and crank psi up to @50 spray regulator with soapy water to spot leak.
    Most common regulator problems:
    -Cheap chinese regs that can't maintain anything
    -bad diaphragm in the regulator ( would be leaking out set screw on front)
    -leaking at lock nut.(MOST Common) from missing or bad co2 washer.They can also be ruined by over from over tightening
     
    #2 zero_signal, Apr 12, 2014
  3. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    In addition to what zero_signal says, it sounds like your CO2 tank may be empty (or very near). I would check that first. See if you can increase the pressure to the 40-50 range, if not then you have an empty tank or bad reg. If you have CO2 available then troubleshoot as described above and don't assume you have only one leak (thoroughly check all fittings). Then test the system by pressurizing your lines (30'ish psi, uncoupled to kegs) and shutting off your master tank valve. Let it sit at least overnight (24 hours is better) and the line pressure should remain the same.

    Finally, there are tons of threads in the Home Bar Forum on CO2 leaks, you can see what worked for others. If you haven't dove into "balancing your kegerator", all the info is available here and through a good Google search.
     
    #3 PortLargo, Apr 12, 2014
  4. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    Weigh the CO2 tank to see how much is 'missing'. Compare the weight to the Tare Weight embossed on the tank (look for 'TW'). The difference is the weight of the liquid CO2. If there are no leaks, it should still be pretty close to full. If that's the case, then my guess would be an uncooperative regulator or maybe just a bad gauge.

    ...and check for leaks.
     
    #4 mikehartigan, Apr 12, 2014
  5. Jack_ODonnell

    Jack_ODonnell Initiate (0) Apr 12, 2014

    It's a Kegco kit. The regulator does feel sort of "cheap".
    I just untapped the kegs and did a leak test after cranking the pressure up. No soapy water needed...leaking from various places. Tore the regulator down. There were no gaskets or o-rings anywhere. I called the company and they are sending me out a new one but in the meantime I need beer so I got a few o-rings and I put it back together. No more leaks.
    First beer from each tap was a little foamy but second was much better. Holding at 11-12psi. Temp was a little high cause I had the fridge wide open while I dis/reconnected everything. Going to let the temp settle back in and check back later.
    Thanks guys. Just wanted to be sure that untapping the kegs was safe to start troubleshooting.
     
    #5 Jack_ODonnell, Apr 12, 2014
    zero_signal likes this.
  6. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    The second part of Port Largo's message is what you need to pay attention to. Your next post is very likely going to be about foam.
     
    #6 DougC123, Apr 12, 2014
    mikehartigan likes this.
  7. Jack_ODonnell

    Jack_ODonnell Initiate (0) Apr 12, 2014

    I was worried too but I just poured what could be considered the perfect pint from both taps. So far so good. Thanks guys, I'm sure I'll be back sooner than later for the next problem.
     
    #7 Jack_ODonnell, Apr 12, 2014
    JrGtr likes this.
  8. JrGtr

    JrGtr Pooh-Bah (1,775) Apr 13, 2006 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah

    Sounds like good things to check.
    PLanning on moving this summer (we think) and I'll be able to get a kegerator. Going to have to remember to check the regulator for O-rings and so forth before hooking up.
     
    #8 JrGtr, Apr 17, 2014
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