I just wanted to take a minute to discuss this mundane aspect of our kegging systems. The ones being sold by Keg Connection are leaps and bounds better than the ones found at Northernbrewer/MidWest. The fit and finish is better, the valves seem to be of superior quality, and they're priced better. I've bought three over the time I've been kegging, and I just had to throw out a MidWest 3-way as at least one of them was leaking. Anyway, just thought I'd give people a heads up. If you're looking for Co2 distributors, stay away from NB/MidWest.
Good information and of course I am avoiding making a crass joke using the line, "I just had to throw out a Midwest 3-way" because one of them was "leaking".
FWIW, customer/tech support at Keg Connection is better than average. I had them assemble a custom secondary regulator and it was priced the same as the individual parts. They jumped in when I had some minor problems . . . ran everything by Taprite and ultimately worked it all out. They explained that they don't state a warranty period, rather it's their job to see all problems through to an agreeable end.
I sure hope you tried to fix the leaking one before tossing it. Sometimes opening the distributors up and giving them a thorough cleaning is all it takes to mitigate leaking issues. It only take 20 minutes and can potentially save you some $$$.
Of all the parts in a kegging distribution system, the manifold is probably the simplest...no moving parts really...if the threads were bunged up, I would have sent it back. Improperly applied Teflon is usually the problem...just say'in
The leaking was occurring in the valve itself. I could have certainly replaced the valve, but my new keezer made the 3-way superfluous. FWIW, teflon tape isn't being used on the NB/MidWest distributors...I'm not sure what is...almost reminds me of plumbers putty.
