Most connections on my co2 kegging set up leak

[idiot]

I just bought the keg co2 regulator and all. I tightened all the connections by hand, also I don't have any thread locker.

The connections on the regulator leak so bad I can feel it just by putting my finger there. Thought maybe I'd keg the beer today but it seems like I am missing something, wrenches, thread locker.

Any suggestions folks?

ipe:

 

[bjhbrew]

No thread locker. Use teflon tape on any npt connections (pipe thread) but not on flare fittings. Speaking of flare fittings, make sure you have the nylon washer in there or it will leak. And yes a little snug up with a wrench but no need to go crazy.

 

[Smellyglove]

Do you have a nylon washer between the regulator and co2 flask? If its gas-gas connections then there should not be necessary to use tape or thread locker as they shall seal themselves since theres supposed to be nylon or plastic (like on ball locks) in between.

If its a DIY connection you might want to use teflon tape, like mentioned above, a nylon flare washer, unless you connect it straight to a proper produced ball lock which has plastic ends.

 

[idiot]

nylon washer, I don't think I have one. i don't have Teflon tape either. I might be paranoid about the leak. I closed the gas to see if the pressure is dropping, gonna check on it in a few hours.

I found 2 washers I think they are probably from there.

How does something seal itself, that I don't understand.

It's been about 15 minutes and the pressure is the same, I'm still going to put the washer in there and get thread locker. Gonna wait a couple more hours to see if the pressure drops any if not than i guess it's safe to use.

Also I don't feel the leak with my fingers anymore but the gas is shut off, yet the system is still under 1 psi. This is confusing but at least I stopped panicking.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

DO NOT use thread locker locktight ETC. There is no need and if you ever want to adjust anything or have any issues youll need to replace the whole system...bad idea. Spray starsan around all connections and look for bubbles and tighten more. Youd be surprised how tight you need to get on the connections sometimes.

You could plug the gas out port on the reg first to make sure the entire reg setup isn't leaking. After your good there connect gas line and keg and check for leaks there, its easier to separate upstream and down stream when hunting for leaks

 

[Smellyglove]

Go over your system. Shut off the gas on the flask and take off the regulator.

#1 there should be a washer between your flask and regulator.no.need to use sealant or tape since this washer makes tht connection tight.

#2 this is at the far recieving end. If you have ball locks with threads, and and a flare nut/nipple attatched to those, you do not need to do anything, as those ball locks should have plastic tips which works the same way as the nylon washer between the flask and regulator.

#3 use hose clamps around hoses, not the cheap ones, but those which tightens evenly around the hose. Ifyou have ball locks with nipples you need to use a hose clamp. The hose should have a smaller ID than the nipple. Stick the hise in hot or boiling water if its PVC and cram it onto the nipple, lock it with a hose clamp.

#4 if you have used any nipples with barbs ETC which are not made for gas to gas connection (both ends must be made for gas to gas) (no nylon washer, or no plastic tip etc) like NPTs or something, you need to use teflon tape.

 

[beernutz]

According to the employees at the gas company where I get refills you are supposed to replace the nylon washer between the tank and regulator after every refill. That may be overkill but I bought 5 at one time and always change mine out and since they were $.50 each and my 20# tank lasts about 18 months it is very cheap insurance.

Agree with everyone else about not using thread locker anywhere and appropriately using plumber's tape.

 

[william_shakes_beer]

When I refill my tank ( exchange ) there is always a new tank-to-regulator gasket attached to the tank with a rubber band.