Step by Step: Finding and Fixing Keg CO2 Leaks
A leaky keg can be an issue, a big issue. That nice, full CO2 tank can go away in short order. It’s frustrating, costly and inconvenient. This post should help you them and fix them.
Category Archives: Tips
Checking for Draft System CO2 Leaks – Using The Pressure Gauge Method
For the most part, checking for keg liquid and CO2 leaks is pretty straightforward. Is beer leaking? Then you’ve got a liquid leak. Is there six inches of beer in your kegerator? That one’s really easy to spot. If beer is shooting out like a geyser, you’ve got a… fast leak. 🙂
For kegerator CO2 leaks, it’s a generally a little more work, but still pretty easy… spray everything with Star San solution (diluted of course) and look for bubbles.
Related: Step by Step: Finding and Fixing Keg CO2 Leaks
A Problem Spot…
Use Goo Gone to Remove Old Adhesive From Kegs
Used Kegs often have old stickers. After removing these we’re often left with sticky, hard to remove adhesive. Goo Gone to the rescue!
Short On Time? Time Saving Homebrew Tips!
Time can be a big factor when it comes to homebrewing. Sure, it may be nice to spend sunrise until sunset carefully hand crafting a batch (or batches) of beer, but the practicalities of life can and do factor in when we’re deciding if we can brew a batch of beer. For your stage of life, time may not be a factor. If so, that’s awesome. For others, time saving tips and techniques could help you brew more often.
With those thoughts in mind, I put the call out to the HBF community [8 Ways to Connect with HBF] to get some time saving tips and tricks. A selection of those along with some of my own thoughts follows. Thanks to all who participated! A full list of contributors is at the end of this post.
How do I save time home brewing?
Use a Carbonation Cap To Assist with Closed Transfer Racking
Thank you to Twitter Follower Josh @beardlywine for this tip! Let’s be Friends! – 8 Ways to Connect
Josh uses carbonator caps to assist with closed transfer racking to kegs. If you look at the photo he shared, he’s putting a small length of tubing on the cap and then feeding that through the airlock grommet hole of his fermenter. This same process could be adapted to work with other styles of fermenters.
Carbonator Caps
- Ferroday Stainless Carbonation Cap Counter Pressure Bottle Filling With 5/16″ Barb – I’ve used this one and I can confirm the one I received worked with both liquid and gas QDs – Hands on Review
- Stainless Carbonation Cap with 5/16″ Barb Ball Lock Type, Fit Most Soft Drink PET Bottles
- UP100 Line Cleaning Cap Stainless Carbonation Cap Counter Pressure Bottle Filling,w/ 5/16″ Barb
- New offerings regularly pop up. Search Amazon for “stainless steel carbonation cap” to see what’s out there.
Use a Wallpaper Prep Tray for Cleaning, Sanitizing and Storage of Longer Brewing Items
Pictured: Zinsser 98030 30-Inch Wallpaper Prep Tray – via Amazon
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts
I use a wallpaper try to clean and sanitize longer items like racking canes, auto-siphons, spoons, tubing and beverage out dip tubes. It works great.
These also work well for storing longer items. If you’re going to store things in these, I would recommend stacking a couple together to give them some extra strength.
Another similar option are planter boxes. They are generally sturdier than wallpaper prep trays and they’re about the same length. Since you can get away with one your total cost may end up being less.
Zinsser 98030 30-Inch Wallpaper Prep Tray – via Amazon
Also:
- Search Amazon for “wallpaper prep tray”
- Bloem 20-52430 Fiskars TerraBox Planter, Thyme Green, 30″ – via Amazon
- Search Amazon for “planter box” – consider total length when deciding
Related Resources and Categories
- Related Top Post: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle
- Related Top Post: Bus Tubs for Brew Day – Save Time and Effort
- Related Categories: Cleaning, Sanitation, Storage
Do Not Soak In Star San
Five Star recommends limited contact time with ALL plastics. See: Star San Tips – Materials Compatibility + Do Not Soak.
Star San Tips and Tricks
More Homebrew Finds!
- Last 50 Finds!
- Top Deals – a curated list of the best deals
- Homebrew Reviews – one of the largest libraries of homebrew reviews in existence!
- Our Top Posts – tips, how-tos, resources posts and more
- Let’s be Friends!
Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd toppost:wptray rp:tips#32 tag:tpru
Use Heat Resistant Gloves for Minding Yeast Starters & On Brew Day
Pictured: G & F Heat Resistant Oven Glove via Amazon
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts
- I use a heat resistant oven glove when I’m making yeast starters in an Erlenmeyer Flask. It’s really handy (pun intended) to swirl around the flask or to quickly remove to keep the flask from boiling over.
- These are also handy on brew day for handling hot, (but not wet) ball valves and such.
- A lot of these types of gloves, including the pictured model and the ones I use are not waterproof. As such, they should not be used with hot liquids.
- Some silicone models are available that may offer some water resistance. Generally speaking silicone gloves are going to be less flexible. That may make it harder to pick things up. You’re trading off some water resistance for grip.
- Safety Note: Always use caution when handling hot items or ingredients and always read and follow manufacturer directions.
- StirStarter Stir Plate – Hands on Review
- Hands on Review: Propper Starter Canned Starter Wort
- Search Amazon for “heat resistant oven glove”
- Search Amazon for “heat resistant waterproof silicone gloves”
- Ove Glove HH501-18 Hot Surface Handler Oven Mitt Glove – via Amazon
- G & F Heat Resistant Oven Glove via Amazon
- Top Post: Use Heat Resistant Gloves for Minding Yeast Starters & On Brew Day
- Same material used by fire fighters
- Maintains integrity and strength at high temperatures
- Thermal regulating
- Ambidextrous, fits right or left hand
- Soft and pliable for easy grasp
$9.39
- Made of DuPont Nomex and Kevlar
- Both side silicone palm provide extra heat resistant and griping
- Quality cotton and poly lining for perspiration free
- One piece fits either right or left hand
- Extended 13.5" Extra Long cuff for extended protection
$13.99
- THE 'OVE' GLOVE: Comes with 2 machine washable, hot surface handler The 'Ove' Glove.
- FLAME RESISTANT: Made from heat & flame resistant material used by firefighters. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
- FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!
$18.90 ($9.45 / Count)
- OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable, USA manufactured, hot surface handler Comoke Ove Glove
- FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!
- Fabric Type: kevlar
$15.29
-$0.5
$14.79
- EXTRA LONG SLEEVE for extra protection when reaching into BBQ grills, fireplaces, and more!
- MADE FROM HEAT & FLAME RESISTANT MATERIAL USED BY FIREFIGHTERS. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
- OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable hot surface handler. Machine washable up to 140 degrees F (60C)
- FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!
$18.90
Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd toppost:oveglove rp:tips#31 tag:tpru
Bar5F Heavy Duty Spray Bottles, 2 Count + Star San Tips & Tricks
2 x Spray Bottles
More InfoHighlighted Features
- Leak Proof - Proven and reliable no leak venting system primes quickly and stay primed
- Ergonomic Design - Ergonomic Design - Spray bottle lets the sprayer rest comfortably in your hand and lessening hand fatigue
- House, Commercial, Industrial Uses - All purpose. Our multi purpose spray bottles have an excellent chemical compatibility
- Durable - Our 16 ounce heavy duty impact resistance spray bottles are made from HDPE plastic. Hold up against harsh chemicals, service and any cleaning solutions
- Refill, Clean and Disinfect with BAR5F. Manufacturer Product ID: B10H21. Bottle made in USA
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.
Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottles, Leak Proof, Empty 16 oz. Value Pack of 2 for Chemical and Cleaning Solutions, Adjustable Head Sprayer Fine to Stream – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon
Regular Replacement:
I recommend regularly replacing non-glass bottles used to store acidic solutions like Star San.
Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant bottles are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. Glass and stainless are exceptions. I can’t tell you an exact time frame, but personally, I’m now aiming to replace spray bottles every six months. See: Star San Tips and Tricks
2 x Bar5F Heavy Duty Spray Bottles + Star San Tips & Tricks
2 x Spray Bottles
More InfoHighlighted Features
- Leak Proof - Proven and reliable no leak venting system primes quickly and stay primed
- Ergonomic Design - Ergonomic Design - Spray bottle lets the sprayer rest comfortably in your hand and lessening hand fatigue
- House, Commercial, Industrial Uses - All purpose. Our multi purpose spray bottles have an excellent chemical compatibility
- Durable - Our 16 ounce heavy duty impact resistance spray bottles are made from HDPE plastic. Hold up against harsh chemicals, service and any cleaning solutions
- Refill, Clean and Disinfect with BAR5F. Manufacturer Product ID: B10H21. Bottle made in USA
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.
Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottles, Leak Proof, Empty 16 oz. Value Pack of 2 for Chemical and Cleaning Solutions, Adjustable Head Sprayer Fine to Stream – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon
Regular Replacement:
I recommend regularly replacing non-glass bottles used to store acidic solutions like Star San.
Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant bottles are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. Glass and stainless are exceptions. I can’t tell you an exact time frame, but personally, I’m now aiming to replace spray bottles every six months. See: Star San Tips and Tricks
Bar5F Heavy Duty Spray Bottles, 2 Count + Star San Tips & Tricks
2 x Spray Bottles
More InfoHighlighted Features
- Leak Proof - Proven and reliable no leak venting system primes quickly and stay primed
- Ergonomic Design - Ergonomic Design - Spray bottle lets the sprayer rest comfortably in your hand and lessening hand fatigue
- House, Commercial, Industrial Uses - All purpose. Our multi purpose spray bottles have an excellent chemical compatibility
- Durable - Our 16 ounce heavy duty impact resistance spray bottles are made from HDPE plastic. Hold up against harsh chemicals, service and any cleaning solutions
- Refill, Clean and Disinfect with BAR5F. Manufacturer Product ID: B10H21. Bottle made in USA
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.
Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottles, Leak Proof, Empty 16 oz. Value Pack of 2 for Chemical and Cleaning Solutions, Adjustable Head Sprayer Fine to Stream – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon
Regular Replacement:
I recommend regularly replacing non-glass bottles used to store acidic solutions like Star San.
Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant bottles are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. Glass and stainless are exceptions. I can’t tell you an exact time frame, but personally, I’m now aiming to replace spray bottles every six months. See: Star San Tips and Tricks
Bar5F Heavy Duty Spray Bottles, 2 Count + Star San Tips & Tricks & Hands on Review
2 x Spray Bottles
More InfoHighlighted Features
- Adjustable nozzle - from a fine mist to a jet stream
- Chemical resistant bottle and sprayer
- All Purpose
- Clear Body
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.
Use for homebrewing, around the kitchen for BBQ-ing and more.
I have a hands on review of these bottles from a BBQ perspective on my BBQ site… BBQ Finds
Bar5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottles 16 oz, BPA-Free Food Grade, Crystal Clear PETE1, Red/White M-Series Fully Adjustable Sprayer (Pack of 2) – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon
Regular Replacement:
I recommend regularly replacing non-glass bottles used to store acidic solutions like Star San.
Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant bottles are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. Glass and stainless are exceptions. I can’t tell you an exact time frame, but personally, I’m now aiming to replace spray bottles every six months. See: Star San Tips and Tricks
Bar5F Heavy Duty Spray Bottles, 2 Count
2 x Spray Bottles
More InfoHighlighted Features
- Leak Proof - Proven and reliable no leak venting system primes quickly and stay primed
- Ergonomic Design - Ergonomic Design - Spray bottle lets the sprayer rest comfortably in your hand and lessening hand fatigue
- House, Commercial, Industrial Uses - All purpose. Our multi purpose spray bottles have an excellent chemical compatibility
- Durable - Our 16 ounce heavy duty impact resistance spray bottles are made from HDPE plastic. Hold up against harsh chemicals, service and any cleaning solutions
- Refill, Clean and Disinfect with BAR5F. Manufacturer Product ID: B10H21. Bottle made in USA
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.
Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottles, Leak Proof, Empty 16 oz. Value Pack of 2 for Chemical and Cleaning Solutions, Adjustable Head Sprayer Fine to Stream – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon
Regular Replacement:
I recommend regularly replacing non-glass bottles used to store acidic solutions like Star San.
Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant bottles are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. Glass and stainless are exceptions. I can’t tell you an exact time frame, but personally, I’m now aiming to replace spray bottles every six months. See: Star San Tips and Tricks
Bar5F Heavy Duty Spray Bottles, 4 Count + Star San Tips & Tricks
2 x Spray Bottles
More InfoHighlighted Features
- Easy one-hand trigger action and mid-size 16.9 ounce (500 ml) capacity
- Heavy-Duty for Home or Commercial every day usage
- Low force-to-actuate trigger with excellent chemical compatibility
- BPA-Free and is safe for food preparations, garden, pets & personal care
- Equiped with strainer for clog-free usage and is Leak-Proof
- Fully adjustable nozzle for safe usage, storage and travel
- Dispences 1.4mL for fine mist setting, greater for spray-to-stream setting
- Made in USA from virgin HDPE plastic and is BPA-Free & Food-Safe
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.
Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottles Empty 16-Ounce for Chemical and Cleaning Solutions Adjustable Head Sprayer Fine to Stream 4-Pack – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon
Regular Replacement:
I recommend regularly replacing non-glass bottles used to store acidic solutions like Star San.
Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant bottles are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. Glass and stainless are exceptions. I can’t tell you an exact time frame, but personally, I’m now aiming to replace spray bottles every six months. See: Star San Tips and Tricks
Putting Together a “Brew Day Box”
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts
Why a Brew Day Box?
Over the years I’ve homebrewed, I’ve utilized a number of storage and organization strategies. Some could be defined less as strategies and more as “piles”. These strategies have ranged from, cardboard boxes, to big totes that I threw everything under the sun into to using smaller shoe box size containers and breaking everything out into categories. The shoe box size organization method has worked well and other than a few large totes for bigger items, it’s what I’ve settled on. At some point after going to that, I realized that when brew day rolled around, I had to collect items from a number of these containers. I usually forgot something and had to look around, multiple times per brew day trying to find whatever I needed. That evolved into putting together a container just for brew days. I cleverly 🙂 call that my “Brew Day Box”. This container houses nearly all the small odds and ends that I use when brewing. I’ve also tried to make sure those things don’t really need removed at other times. For example I use a refractometer regularly, not just on brew day, so… I bought another refractometer. Everything that’s in my Brew Day Box generally… stay in my Brew Day Box. This keeps everything in one place and I’m not wasting time trying to find stuff when I should be brewing.
Fix It! Repairing Loose Cornelius Keg Handles and Bases
Pictured: Loose Handle/Bottom Ball Lock Keg via Adventures in Homebrewing
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts
A loose corny keg handle or base can be an annoyance. If your keg is in otherwise good shape, it may make sense to repair a loose handle or base.
Finding Loose Handle Kegs, How-To Continues Below:
Why would you want to find a loose handle or base keg. The answer is… they can be a great deal!
Adventures in Homebrewing is the one shop I know of that periodically sells loose handle or base kegs.
- Availability of these is touch and go.
- When they’re available available, these are generally one of the best Ball Lock keg deals around.
- If you’re interested, based on past experience, I’d suggest picking these up sooner rather than later.
Loose Handle/Bottom Ball Lock keg w/PRV Lid
This technique comes via Facebook friend Jason Connect with HBF on Facebook]. Thank you Jason!
Use Goo Gone to Remove Old Adhesive From Kegs
Used Kegs often have old stickers. After removing these we’re often left with sticky, hard to remove adhesive. Goo Gone to the rescue!
In my experience, Goo Gone is harsh on my skin so I’m using nitrile gloves. Glove are… handy. Did you see what I did there? 🙂 I just work my way around the keg a few times. That gives the Goo Gone a chance to chemically break down the adhesive while I provide some periodic agitation. In this case the adhesive dissolved pretty quickly and the small pieces of sticker that were left came right off. TIP: I recommend using Goo Gone sparingly. You really don’t need that much and you certainly WOULD NOT want to use enough that it gets on the handle or base of your keg. Goo Gone acts as a solvent for many adhesives. It could potentially loosen up rubber handles or bases. Then you’d need to use our Fixing Loose Handles Tip. So, just put a little on a paper towel or rag and add a little more if you need to.
A look at the used paper towel with dirt, adhesive residue and small bits of stickers on it. Whammo!
Search Amazon for “Goo Gone” to shop around for available options
This write-up is part of my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To This Section – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.
It’s Summer… Tips and Gear for Growler Filling
Filling a growler or small draft dispenser from your draft setup is an easy and straightforward process. Here are some tips and tools for making this as easy and efficient as possible.
Tips and Gear for Growler Filling!
UltraPro Outlet Power Switch [Keg, Carboy and Draft Line Cleaner Pumps]
Grounded On/Off Power Switch
More InfoHighlighted Features
- Power Switch – Create an on/off switch in an electronic without one with the UltraPro Grounded Outlet Power Switch
- Easy Install – Plug the desk lamp, indoor string lights or Christmas lights on the tree into the adapter and then plug into your outlet for quick installation
- Compatibility – This outlet switch works with lamps or other small electronics that have no on/off switch or the switch is hard to reach
- Rating— The outlet adapter is UL Listed, and has an electrical rating of 15A, 120VAC, and 1800W
- Trusted Brand – UltraPro is a top brand in power strips, surge protectors and outlet adapters
From HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
I use a similar switch for switching on and off my Mark II Keg and Carboy Cleaner and Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Pump. You could also use it to control your March Pump on brew day. Always read and follow manufacturer’s directions. Always exercise caution when dealing with electricity or hot objects and materials.
What are others saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “pump” – may include reviews for other sizes or variations
UltraPro Grounded Power Switch, Outlet Extender, 3-Prong, Easy to Install, for Indoor Lights and Small Appliances, Energy Efficient Adapter, Space Saving Design, UL Listed, Gray, 45203 – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Removing Keg Labels… A Trick That Makes it Easy
As you can see from this photo, this keg had one sticker on it. It mostly goes around the keg. Trying to peel this sticker off yielded… 0 positive progress. It was stuck on the keg, presumably for years. The actual printing itself is completely warn away. I was only able to get very small bits of this sticker off.
I wrapped my Fermwrap heater around the keg and let it warm up for several minutes. The idea here is to warm up the sticker and the old adhesive to make sticker removal easier.
After just a few minutes of warming the sticker came up very easily.
A minute later, I had the entire sticker removed in three chunks.
The only thing that remains of the sticker is residual adhesive
This write-up is part of my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To This Section – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.
Using a CO2 Detector in Your Kegerator
Pictured: INKBIRD WiFi Indoor Air Quality Monitor, CO2 Detecto
Losing a tank of CO2 because of leak is frustrating. It’s a waste of time and money. Adding a CO2 monitor can help warn you of leaks minimizing loss, wasted money, wasted time and frustration.
A CO2 Monitor Alarm in Your Kegerator
Placing a CO2 Monitor with alarm inside of your kegerator can serve as another line of defense to protect against co2 leaks and loss. CO2 should not be building up in your kegerator. A CO2 monitor with alarm can alert you of this condition.
Options with WiFi and a companion app are nice because you can get notifications on your compatible phone.
- Pictured: INKBIRD WiFi Indoor Air Quality Monitor, CO2 Detector, Accurate NDIR Sensor, Temperature and Relative Humidity, Indoor CO2 Meter with Data Logger, for Cars, Wine Cellars, Grow Tents, Homes (INK-CO2W) – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
- INKBIRDPLUS Indoor CO2 Detector, Air Quality Monitor, Tester for Carbon Dioxide, Temperature and Relative Humidity, Indoor CO2 Monitor with Alarm, for Grow Tents, Wine Cellars, Homes, Cars(PTH-9C) – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
- LSENLTY WiFi CO2 Detector, 5s Refresh High Accuracy Smart CO2 Monitor, App Control Indoor CO2 Meter with Alert, 1 Year Data Storage Air Quality Monitor for Home, Office(Only Supports 2.4G WiFi) – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
- CO2 Carbon Dioxide Detector, 4-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor Portable CO2 Monitor, Tester for Carbon Dioxide, Temperature and Relative Humidity, CO2 Meter with Alarm – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
- More: Search Amazon for CO2 monitor with alarm
Beyond CO2 Levels…
Some models display additional information that can be helpful information about your kegerator. These vary model to model and can sometime include temperature and humidity.
- Temperature – monitor your kegerator temperature
- Humidity – Help judge whether your Eva Dry (or similar) needs recharged for the purpose of handling excess kegerator and fermentation chamber wetness. See: Damp Kegerator? Fix Kegerator Condensation
Not A Replacement for Checking for Leaks…
A do not consider a CO2 alarm as replacement for thoroughly checking for and addressing leaks. Rather this is another layer that could save you a trip to swap out a CO2 tank.
- Step by Step: Finding and Fixing Keg CO2 Leaks
- Checking for Draft System CO2 Leaks – Using The Pressure Gauge Method
- Why Won’t My Homebrew Carbonate? Fixing Beer Carbonation Problems
The Biggest Trouble Spot
Color coded post o-rings. From our Keg Rebuild Post – Jump To: Replace O-Rings
In my opinion the most difficult spot to check and the cause of many a lost CO2 tanks are… gas post o-rings.
Testing at this point using the “spray bottle method” (spray Star San everywhere and check for bubbles) is impossible or at the very least difficult and messy. Leaks will only surface here when a gas QD is actually engaged. The problem is, you can’t easily see that spot when a QD is on.
The problem stated more simply… You need a QD on to see if it’s leaking, but you can’t see it if a QD is on. You can use what I call the pressure gauge method to check for overall leaks. But even using that method you know that you have a leak but it gives no indication where it’s at.
Be quick to replace gas side o-rings… I’m quick to replace gas post (and gas dip tube) o-rings. Beyond slow and no-carbing beers, a bad gas side o-ring can lead to empty tanks. That’s a waste of time and money and it’s frustrating.
These o-rings cost pennies each when you buy them in bulk. Liberally replacing these can save time, money and frustration.