First Time Kegging - ?

Me: Well what do ya think?
Friend: It's good.
Me: Why is it good?
Friend: Well it just is.

That kind of feed back is why I started entering competitions. My friends don't have trained palates and can be jerks at times.

 

Alright so I filled that little growler for my buddy at 6 psi. Same rate that I sampled. All is good. Turned it up to 10 psi just to store thru next few days to New Years for the party. Came home after the football game and fridge has beer throughout. Did it leak from serving hose and it as simple as I should've just removed it? It's decent amount.

 

Well I removed the serving hose. I should've taken it off in the first place since I will not need it until New Years Eve, but now it's got me questioning what I have done.

You do keep the CO2 connected and valves open while it is just hanging out in the fridge right? I mean... You don't set it to the desired PSI and then turn it off, correct? Just hoping I do not come home after work to an empty keg and lots of explaining to do.

 

The tap can get squeezed easily in there. Or you might have a leak at the keg or tap end.

 

Or the tap unscrews at the top.

 

Now that I think of it, when I unhooked the tap hose there was some foam and bubbles on the pin connection. I don't know if that was just because of a little release when removing the hose or if that was the source all along. I guess we will see when I'm home in a few hours if there was any further leaking.

 

My guess is it leaked from the picnic tap. They can be sensitive at times.
I've learned I get a better seal if I allow the handle to snap shut at the end of the pour instead of slowly closing it. Plus I tap to on the edge of the glass to make sure it's seated. You might get one or to drops out, then it should quit.

 

Right on, thanks man. I was just worried, I lost a decent amount in the span of probably 2-3 hours when I left to watch the Steelers game.

 

Yikes. I lost more than I thought, but I didn't seem to lose any today. It must've slow leaked with the tap on it. Hopefully there is enough left to not disappoint at the party.

 

Once it's fully carbonated I usually, not always, keep the tank valve closed and just open it when pouring. Extra insurance against keg lid leaks or bumped faucets, things like that.

 

Ok guys quick question:

I just cleaned my keg after its first use. It will be about two weeks before it is refilled.

Should I leave sanitizer in it while it waits or just empty it?

 

I usually leave a little sanitizer in my clean empties. When you're ready to keg, shake em real good before draining to coat all inside sufaces just to be sure.

 

Really doesn't matter if you cleaned it well. I tend to clean sanitize and flush with C02 all at once and that way next time I have to rack it's ready to go.