Question about CO2 regulator

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by Guywithquestion, Sep 15, 2016.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Guywithquestion

    Guywithquestion Initiate (0) Sep 15, 2016 Virginia

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    So I have a regulator like this and I'm just putting it together and the directions are kind of confusing me. I've been searching all day about this question but, I bet what's blocking me from the answer is that I'm not hip to the terminology yet, so I'm sorry if this is a super spammy thread. Essentially my question is simply should the long red thing (I believe it's the shut off valve) be pointed down all the time time or just while regulating the CO2. I tried to call Curtis but they were very confusing and didn't help (outsourcing).

    Thanks so much in advance.
     
    #1 Guywithquestion, Sep 15, 2016
  2. mikehartigan

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

    Like virtually every liquid or gas valve you'll encounter in your lifetime, parallel to the valve (as it appears in your photo) is open, perpendicular is closed. It's kind of visually intuitive, if you think about it. Unless you're trying to temporarily mitigate a problem, the valve should remain open at all times. Closing it is to invite flat beer, since every pint you pour will reduce the head pressure, which must be made up with CO2 that would otherwise stay in the beer.
     
    #2 mikehartigan, Sep 15, 2016
    IceAce likes this.
  3. DougC123

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

    The red thing is the shut off to the keg, it should be open when you have a keg on tap.
     
    #3 DougC123, Sep 15, 2016
  4. Guywithquestion

    Guywithquestion Initiate (0) Sep 15, 2016 Virginia

    Thanks for the help from both of you! also you guys wouldn't have any advice of fluctuation of the CO2?
     
    #4 Guywithquestion, Sep 15, 2016
  5. DougC123

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

    What does 'fluctuation of the CO2' mean? What are you doing, and what is happening?
     
    #5 DougC123, Sep 15, 2016
  6. mikehartigan

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

    Hook up the keg at serving temperature and pressure and start serving after two weeks. Don't touch anything until the keg kicks. Assuming all the equipment is in good working order - no leaks, etc. - there will be no fluctuation. The only time I have issues is when I try to hurry things along.
     
    #6 mikehartigan, Sep 15, 2016
  7. PortLargo

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

    You didn't ask, and I don't want to jinx you, but the probability of having a gas leak when hooking up a new CO2 system is about 100%. This happens to everyone. Many proud new owners of a draft system see their first CO2 tank empty in the first day. You can search this Forum for "Leaks" and see how to correct . . . troubleshooting is a straightforward procedure.
     
    #7 PortLargo, Sep 16, 2016
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.