Leaking Release Valve

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by ShippinUpToBoston, May 31, 2016.

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  1. ShippinUpToBoston

    ShippinUpToBoston Initiate (0) Jan 29, 2013 Massachusetts

    I kegged a 5 gallon IPA yesterday and force carbonated it at 40psi then lowered it to 20 today, I just came home and found that the pressure release valve is leaking and my co2 was gone. I borrowed another tank thats about half full but I can't stop the leak and can't get anything to fix the leak tonight. Will my beer be ok if the gas runs out?
     
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Once the gas runs out, O2 will enter, unless your leak is configured in a way that leaks under medium/high pressure but seals under lower pressure, like an unintentional spunding valve. That seems unlikely to me though, especially since you say your CO2 was gone after sitting at 20 PSI for a while.

    Have you tried pulling-then-releasing the valve carefully? Sometimes just reseating can temporarily solve a leaky relief valve.
     
  3. ShippinUpToBoston

    ShippinUpToBoston Initiate (0) Jan 29, 2013 Massachusetts

    I did. I have a good amount of co2 in the tank, I lowered it to 10 psi and wrapped some tape around the valve. Hopefully it will make it to tomorrow when I can go and get a new lid.
     
  4. CADETS3

    CADETS3 Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2014 Texas

    Could it be gunked up and not allowing it to seal? Those things screw off. Take a look at it.
     
    inchrisin likes this.
  5. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    If whatever store you're going to is well stocked, you might be able to buy a new PRV without having to buy the whole lid. Come to think of it, I think it may be more likely for any given LHBS to have the PRV than whole lid assemblies.
     
  6. mikehartigan

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

    ^^^^ what he said ^^^^
    A new lid will cost you $15.95 (overpriced, IMO), while a new PRV is only $6.95 (more overpriced than the lid, IMO, but still cheaper). Prices vary.
     
  7. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    Second. I had some hop debris in my release valve and the same thing happened. It was impressive how little vegetation it took to ruin the seal.
     
  8. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,635) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    If you have several kegs, replacement parts are good things to have on the shelf.
     
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