Corny Keg - Airtight but not watertight?

[audioa84]

Hi guys,
I recently purchased 2 used ball-lock kegs online to start my kegging adventure. When the kegs arrived, I unpacked them and started to clean them. I took off the lid, put in some oxyclean and hot water and put the lid back on. When I started to shake, water started leaking from the lid. Since I'm a new to kegging, I have no idea if this is normal. I took the lid back off and inspected the o-ring. It looks ok but I decided to replace it just to be safe. The keg still leaks around the lid. When I put co2 to the keg, it is airtight. No liquids leak and I don't hear any CO2 leaking. This makes some sense to me but I am still thrown off by the lid leaking water. Is this normal or should I return the kegs(that could be a pita).

Thanks in advance,
Audioa84

 

[jrcrilly]

The kegs are designed to seal under pressure.

 

[TechyDork]

Perfectly normal. They don't fully seal up until you hit them with a little co2 to pressurize them.

 

[Yooper]

Perfectly normal. They don't fully seal up until you hit them with a little co2 to pressurize them.

Right! And once you put a little gas on them, turn them over. They will be liquid tight then, and that's what you want!

 

[-CHRIS-]

If you buy the red silicone gaskets from McMaster and your lids are worn out (most are) they will seal no problem without pressure. Like everyone else said, a little pressure will make any keg seal. Don't forget the keg lube either.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#9396k926/=11gz88k

Chris

 

[audioa84]

Thank you all for the replies. I planned on using lube when I put it back together. I'm just glad to have confirmation that everything is ok. Cheers