Beer Forum

Recently bought a used keg from a friend of mine for $15. It's in really good condition except that the lid leaks from the pressure relief valve. I took it to my LHBS to get a new relief valve. They put a new valve in, but it still leaked. So, they then took my existing valve and put it into a different lid, and it held pressure.

I'm at a loss. Looking at the lid, without the pressure relief valve in it, there doesn't seem to be any visible defects. I ran water through it to rinse it out, but I was wondering if it was possible that there might be some sort of build-up in there that would cause the valve to not seal properly.

Suggestions? . .. besided finding a new lid.

Beef up the PSI and spray something foamy (Windex is fine) all around the lid.

That should give you some bubbles where the pressure is leaking. Did you try a new O-rings?

I can see where it's leaking. It comes out of the pressure relief valve where it normally would if you vented it. I just don't know why. I know it's not eh valve or the gasket because it worked in a different lid. It has to be something in the chamber that houses the valve.

Break out a magnifying glass and check for hairline cracks in the lid that might be hard to spot unless lid is under pressure. Take out the relief valve inspect threads and seat, if threads are messed up plumbers tape might fix it

Take out the valve and make sure the spring isn't broken or too short.
if you still have the old valve, maybe try and double up the little rubber seal and see if that works.
lids aren't really that hard to find though. Just go to a keg supplier, i'll bt that they have a few old spares.

you should be able to find a lid for 5 bucks or so. Seems like that would fix the prob right away

Sean

Yep, it sounds like you'll need a new lid. (or some way to plug the pressure relief valve).