How long does a 5lb co2 bottle last for kegs?

[JadeMonkeyStang]

If your local gas supplier doesn't swap your cylinders out and just refills them, then hydro testing of your cylinders will come into play. I believe a a steel cylinder is good for 10 years before it needs to be re-hydro tested while an aluminum cylinder is only good for 5 years. Hydro testing is really cheap though (normally $10-$25 depending on who does it) so it's not really a big deal.

 

[mattldm]

Wow, where was that?

California Tool and welding supply, Riverside

 

[Scimmia]

I believe a a steel cylinder is good for 10 years before it needs to be re-hydro tested while an aluminum cylinder is only good for 5 years.

They are both 5 years.

 

[sdcharger]

So far I have found that Keg-n-Bottle near SDSU is the best place to refill in San Diego. It was $15. Plus the are open until 2am.

 

[starrfish]

Had A 5lbr last 3 kegs one hose that leaked at 13lbs psi and wasted a 2 pints and a ton of gas. all in all force carbed 3 kegs had a fast pour (which I liked) restricted with epoxy mixer but just too much for 2 types of hose clamp. running back up 20 oz paint ball until I can fill / exchange 5lb this week. always nice to have the 20oz and adapter in reserve!!!! I drained pressure before I checked tank! I wanted to drop to 7lb but my gas was 0000. $13 to exchange. nice to still have paint ball to get me by

 

[NebraskaBrewer]

At my local welding supply it's $20 to fill a 5,10 or 20 lb tank, I guess they see it as a service. I have 2 kegerators each with a 5 lb tank, I just fill those off my 20 pounder by freezing the small tank, hooking up the transfer fittings, invert the 20 and open the valves. I also have a small 16 oz cylinder that is handy for purging head space or pushing cleaner or sanitizer when cleaning up. It's nice to be able to fill your own small tanks.

 

[JackSmith]

I would imagine that this is a bit of an anomaly and I hope that it does not happen anywhere else but:

...

I called around and talked to another distributor that has always been a go to for some of the harder to find craft beers (about 25 minutes away from my work). They said that they fill tanks and ensure that they will be full. I'm gonna check them out when my current 1 lb of CO2 runs out.

I realize I'm replying to an old post, but I'm new to kegging and am also in Pgh. Is it typical for beer distributors around here to refill CO2?

 

[kpr121]

I realize I'm replying to an old post, but I'm new to kegging and am also in Pgh. Is it typical for beer distributors around here to refill CO2?

Sure, I know of at least two places (I'm SE of the 'burgh) that do fill CO2. Save-mor and Green Valley Distributors. Just dont expect to get 5 lbs of it. I would take it to an actual gas place. I've heard good things about Valley Gas, although I think they are a little expensive.