I am new to kegging and seem to be going through Co2 a lot quicker than my research indicates that I should. I have been checking for leaks by spraying with star san and have found 2 that do not seem to completely resolve by tightening. They are at a connection from the regulator to a 2 way manifold and at a connection coming off the manifold. Is there another solution for small leaks like these other than tightening? I have read not to use teflon tape. Would keg lube on the threads work?
why no teflon tape? I’ve used that at that connection with no ill effects. in fact mine came that way.
Teflon plumbers tape
+1
Tape it up! ;D
Ive been using liquid plumbing teflon to good effect.
Yes, but first take the fitting off. Well, first turn off the co2, purge pressure, then take fitting off. Wrap about 3 or 4 wraps of teflon tape, then put it back together. Don’t over tighten.
There are reasons to not use teflon thread. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826326 But they don’t seem to apply to connections downstream of the regulator.
This comment in the other sites thread makes the most sense to me.
“Teflon tape is not meant to be used with compressed gas. The theory is that small pieces can break free (and DO while tightening the threaded fitting) and become lodged in the regulator. There are specific plastic rings that are meant to be seated in the female portion of the regulator, and then the regulator is tightened with a correct-sized spanner. The plastic ring allows you to tighten the fitting down properly, and upon compression, provides a leak-free seal.”
It’s still a bit of a reach but I do agree with the general logic of it. The seal should be created by the plastic washer (or the rubber one built into the regulator) so no tape should be needed on the tank threads.
Teflon tape is your saving grace on the manifold connections. I would not want to use pipe goop on connections to my kegs.
Paul
This^^ I find it odd that people put tape on threads when the actual seal is on a plastic washer or an o-ring. Teflon tape is for pipe threads, which look tapered, not machine threads, which do not.
Reading other comments on the internet, the problem with using teflon tape relates to the high pressure provided by the tank upstream of the regulator. Downstream of the regulator at the much lower pressures used for dispensing and carbonating beer, teflon tape doesn’t seem to be an issue for pipe threads.
My manifold has tape on all of the metal to metal connections. I do not use tape gas side otherwise.
Tape alone has still resulted in leaks for me.
I prefer using washers, as previously mentioned. Like these:
I do use those on metal to metal flare connections. My manifold is barbed, but if the manifold is flare fittings, these are 100% required.
Metal to metal pipe thread connections should be ok with just tape.