Leaking

jossef · Apr 24, 2012

Awoke this morning to the wouderfull strong smell of brewing beer...Hang on a minute that shouldn't happen. :wha:
I found that the tap was leaking from the washer and the tap itself. (This being only the second time the barrel has been used)
It was fair tight, obviously not tight enough?
I came to the conclusion that it was due to pressure... So I undid the top cap to release some.
It stopped the leaking ( I suppose untill the pressure builds up again? )

Will this have affected the brew because air has been allowed in?
Also, now dont laugh at me... Is there a perticular way to pour from these barrels? As I took off 3-4 glasses of foam, or is that due to too much pressure?

Hawks · Apr 24, 2012

Is this from a budget barrel ?

Mine used to do the same and the tap would leak before the PRV would release any pressure. I just had to keep an eye on it, you could see the barrel bulge before it would start. Also started priming less to try and keep the pressure levels down to stop it happening ( yes, this is why you have foam ).

I eventually gave in, gave it away and bought cornies

jonnymorris · Apr 24, 2012

Assuming its been in there a while you should have a protective layer of CO2 on the top so letting air in won't be a problem. Sounds like you need to tighten the tap somehow as you don't want to keep having to ease the pressure.

I find pouring from my barrel to be a bit of a pain. The only way to do it is VERY slowly and even then I can end up with 50% head. You might consider buying a dalex tap if you can't make it work.

jossef · Apr 24, 2012

Umm Im not sure if its a good or bad one. Its White hard plasstic with A brass valve on top (for gassing i presume) it cost me around Â£40
And I appologise for my ignorance but I've no idea what cornies are? Sorry

Hawks · Apr 24, 2012

Here you go - cornelius keg info

Also - your beer will be fine despite your leak as the other poster has said - just keep an eye on it so you don't lose more.