Think I'm Leaking CO2!

[crypt0]

Hey all, I'm a kegging newbie, kegged my first batch of Pale Ale yesterday.

My concern is with the CO2. I have a 5# tank that was filled at about 650PSI, overnight it dropped to just over 500PSI. Keep in mind that it was at room temperature, and it was in the fridge overnight with the keg.

I made sure my gas hoses were pretty tight, i was a little paranoid so I already squirted some soap/water on top of the keg and nothing seems to be leaking there.

The other thing it might be is included with my regulator was a white wax/plastic ring just sitting in the box. I assumed it went between the regulator and CO2 bottle, and shoved it in there. I've since removed this piece and didn't notice any leaks, could this be the culprit?

 

[Scimmia]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/what-pressure-does-co2-tank-become-after-cooling-135354/

And yes, that washer goes between the regulator and the valve on the bottle.

 

[SpanishCastleAle]

A quick and easy test to see if you're leaking CO2 is to let everything equalize (meaning the temp and pressure at that temp) and close the valve on the tank. If the reg high-side stays pressurized you don't have a leak...if the reg high-side drops relatively quickly to zero you have a leak.

 

[crypt0]

Thanks guys. I turned off the valve and left it for 30 minutes or so - no change whatsoever. I will continue to leave my tank valve closed through the day just to be sure, but it sounds like this is entirely temp causing pressure change.

Better put the washer back.