so bought a keg system, after first batch or two in the kegs (have two) both kegs stopped holding air, i would tinker with the keg then would fill up with beer, with both batches kegs refused to hold air, so i talked to midwest (guys who i bought kegs from) they said submerg keg in water while holding pressure to see where leak was (couldnt find leak with soapy water), so submerged heg adfter emptied it, no leaks. let heg sit 4 days, (keg had been leaking contents in couple hours). Wah Lah keg held air, why is this, honeslty this whole expeirence made me think about putting my kegs on ebay and going back to bottling, dont understand how this happended, any explanations would be appreciated, even the crazy ideas, wife and i watching x files, more open minded than usual.
Sometimes if the posts are not tight or if the cap is not on perfectly, it will leak. You can use some food safe lubricant to lube the cap o-ring.
Without knowing exact steps, it is hard to say what is going on.
New, used or reconditioned kegs? The answer is different for each one.
There are about 5 places kegs can leak:
- Actual hole in keg
- Gasket for lid
- Poppets
- gasket at short “in” tube
- gasket at longer “out” tube
Unless something is bent or there is an actual hole, per #1 above, the rest are solvable.
Poppets and gaskets are available online. Easy to change
Don’t get too frustrated with the kegs! It may take a bit of time, but it’s really nice to have once you got it right.
I used all used kegs, so I get leaking issues sometimes, too. Sometimes the lid isn’t on straight and can leak. You just have to take it off and adjust it before closing it again. I know some guys put 30psi on a keg, just to get it seal right.
Is the leak definitely in the keg, and not in your lines? I lost a lot of co2 from loose connections when I first started kegging.
[quote=“CCM”]
Is the leak definitely in the keg, and not in your lines? I lost a lot of co2 from loose connections when I first started kegging.[/quote]
A little side pressure on the hose may cause a leak. It could be the connection at the regulator also.
it is keg leaking, didnt have it hooked up system when it leaks the most, it is holding air now that is what i am wandering about how would iit just start guess i got lid on right
New kegs or old soda kegs?
reconditioned but changed the o rings when i got it
I currently have one where the top seal is going. If I put 30 lbs on it to seal it and keep any pressure on, it is fine, but release the pressure and it starts to leak around the lid.
Also, I cannot remember who it is, but someone sells an oversized gasket for the lids for just these sorts of problems. There are a little pricey, but worth it to avoid frustration
Have you applied keg lube to all the o-rings?
[quote=“560sdl”]New, used or reconditioned kegs? The answer is different for each one.
There are about 5 places kegs can leak:
- Actual hole in keg
- Gasket for lid
- Poppets
- gasket at short “in” tube
- gasket at longer “out” tube
Unless something is bent or there is an actual hole, per #1 above, the rest are solvable.
Poppets and gaskets are available online. Easy to change[/quote]
- Pressure relief valve can leak if the lid has one.
have not applied keg lube, can you use other food grade lubricants besides the keg lube, if so where would you get such stuff
[quote=“muktuk31”]have not applied keg lube, can you use other food grade lubricants besides the keg lube, if so where would you get such stuff[/quote]Look for something silicon-based and food-grade - can probably find something at Home Depot or maybe a craft store if you don’t have a LHBS. Or just mail order it.
[quote=“mvsawyer”]
- Pressure relief valve can leak if the lid has one.[/quote]
You know, I wrote “6” first and then only listed 5 so went back and changed it. PRV must have been in my subconscious mind.
Look in the plumbing section where faucet parts are. A little goes a long way.
You can also try to bend the feet on the lid so there is more pressure on it when you cam the handle over.
William’s brewing has the oversize o-rings.
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/KEG-LID- ... G-P58.aspx