[flbrewer]

I'm pressure testing out my new keg and see a gas leak coming from the lid (soapy water test). It's still there when I switch directions. It does however hold pressure as indicated from the relief valve. Is this ever normal or should I keep repositioning the lid until it doesn't bubble?

[HoosierBrew]

Did you use keg lube on the o-ring?

[toby]

Also, 'new' as in brand new or new to you?  Maybe the lid O-ring is due to be changed.

[flbrewer]

Yeah, brand new. No, didn't use lube. Didn't know that I had to "seat" it by applying 10 PSI. Once I did this, no leaking. Thanks for the quick replies!

[Joe Sr.]

Did you use keg lube on the o-ring?

How many people do this on a regular basis?  Maybe I should post a poll.

I hate keg lube.  It's impossible to clean off anything.

I don't use it on my o-rings, haven't really had any issues.

[HoosierBrew]

Did you use keg lube on the o-ring?

How many people do this on a regular basis?  Maybe I should post a poll.

I hate keg lube.  It's impossible to clean off anything.

I don't use it on my o-rings, haven't really had any issues.

I never used to, but I noticed that when I change o-rings every year and use keg lube every time, I refill CO2 less often. I assumed that, even though my kegs passed leak tests with a spray bottle, I might've had very low level leaks.  The difference in how long my CO2 tanks last is noticeable to me. I'd be curious to see how other people feel, too.

[brewday]

Did you use keg lube on the o-ring?

How many people do this on a regular basis?  Maybe I should post a poll.

I hate keg lube.  It's impossible to clean off anything.

I don't use it on my o-rings, haven't really had any issues.

I've never used it.  I buy my kegs new, seat the lids with 30 psi and never have any leaks.  At least nothing noticeable.  If I do get one eventually I'll just buy a new ring.  Actually now that I think about it my kegs each came with an extra ring.

[Joe Sr.]

I've got lots of extra o-rings.  Maybe that's a reason I haven't worried.

I also only hook up the gas when I need it.

I tend to have more leaks from bad poppets than from anything else.

[hopfenundmalz]

Did you use keg lube on the o-ring?

How many people do this on a regular basis?  Maybe I should post a poll.

I hate keg lube.  It's impossible to clean off anything.

I don't use it on my o-rings, haven't really had any issues.

I never used to, but I noticed that when I change o-rings every year and use keg lube every time, I refill CO2 less often. I assumed that, even though my kegs passed leak tests with a spray bottle, I might've had very low level leaks.  The difference in how long my CO2 tanks last is noticeable to me. I'd be curious to see how other people feel, too.

Rubber will creep under load, and takes a set after a period of time. I have bought used kegs with o-rings that had set and were no longer round. If you twirled between the thumb and fingers you could feel the out of roundness. I always have some fresh ones on hand.

[duboman]

I prefer not to use keg lube either but is does tend to solve many leak issues:)

[HoosierBrew]

Rubber will creep under load, and takes a set after a period of time. I have bought used kegs with o-rings that had set and were no longer round. If you twirled between the thumb and fingers you could feel the out of roundness. I always have some fresh ones on hand.

I've bought several kegs with out of round rings, too. One of my first used kegs was in new condition, but the lid ring was almost square, no exaggeration. I keep several sets on hand, I just seem to change at ~ a year normally.

[brewinhard]

I will only lube every few keg fills (mainly when the ring has lost it's suppleness, unless it needs replacing..), and then blast around 25 psi to seat the lid.  No leaks or issues.

[flbrewer]

I just read you should seat the keg and then close the bail. Is that correct?

[duboman]

I just read you should seat the keg and then close the bail. Is that correct?

Yup, that's correct, if you clamp down first you can impede the lid from seating properly

[Hooper]

I use it every time prior to filling the keg.