discooby
Well-Known Member
Ive got a leak somewhere in my keg (co2) system and havent had time to find it; instead Ive just turned the tank valve on and off (see pic) after gassing up the kegs before pours. The tank is only 2 years old (still a baby) and Ive had it filled about 5 times; so far no problems (w/the tank).
Two days ago I went to the welding / gas shop to get it refilled and there was a massive leak where the tank valve screws into the aluminum tank (5# tank). Long story short, the guy went out, filled it, left it outside, I paid, went out and noticed the loud SHSHSHS sound, called him over, he checked it out, said it needed servicing (which they do not do) and basically too-bad-so-sad. By the time I got home the tank was just about empty and I was out $14.
Yesterday I took it to get serviced (thinking it was gonna cost me$$$) and today it was ready. I picked it up and was only charged $3.45 much to my delight! Apparently, the tank valve had come ever so slightly loose, so slightly that it wasnt noticeable - not even to the guy at the welding shop filling it up - and when he filled it up (as explained to me by the servicing company) the O-ring (or pressure seal) inside basically mushroomed out and deformed preventing a good seal. I went back to the welding shop and they actually gave me a free refill which made my day.
Im wondering if by constantly opening and closing the tank valve I inadvertently loosened (or slightly unscrewed) the valve (yoke?) connection to the tank? Im thinking turning the valve open and closed shouldnt loosen the valve from the cylinder; I usually grab the bottom of the valve (not the tank) when doing so. Anyone else have a similar case study?
Two days ago I went to the welding / gas shop to get it refilled and there was a massive leak where the tank valve screws into the aluminum tank (5# tank). Long story short, the guy went out, filled it, left it outside, I paid, went out and noticed the loud SHSHSHS sound, called him over, he checked it out, said it needed servicing (which they do not do) and basically too-bad-so-sad. By the time I got home the tank was just about empty and I was out $14.
Yesterday I took it to get serviced (thinking it was gonna cost me$$$) and today it was ready. I picked it up and was only charged $3.45 much to my delight! Apparently, the tank valve had come ever so slightly loose, so slightly that it wasnt noticeable - not even to the guy at the welding shop filling it up - and when he filled it up (as explained to me by the servicing company) the O-ring (or pressure seal) inside basically mushroomed out and deformed preventing a good seal. I went back to the welding shop and they actually gave me a free refill which made my day.
Im wondering if by constantly opening and closing the tank valve I inadvertently loosened (or slightly unscrewed) the valve (yoke?) connection to the tank? Im thinking turning the valve open and closed shouldnt loosen the valve from the cylinder; I usually grab the bottom of the valve (not the tank) when doing so. Anyone else have a similar case study?
