Leaky barrel tap

[samthor.]

Can anyone kindly tell me what they use to fix a leaky pressure barrel tap? I cannot find any silicone that is both waterproof food grade safe and suitable for plastic? Any advice would be lovely chaps and ladies

 

[Buffers brewery]

When you say “leaky….tap” what kind of tap is it and where is it leaking from? Or is it leaking around the thread where the tap fits in the barrel?

 

[samthor.]

When you say “leaky….tap” what kind of tap is it and where is it leaking from? Or is it leaking around the thread where the tap fits in the barrel?

Hi marra, its a plastic barrel and tap wich is leaking around the threads

 

[Tanglefoot]

PTFE (plumbing) tape, wound counterwise to the thread.

 

[samthor.]

PTFE (plumbing) tape, wound counterwise to the thread.

Sorry, im just an auld lass here! Is that the white stuff plumbers use? I've abit of that in the shed

 

[RichardM]

Sorry, im just an auld lass here! Is that the white stuff plumbers use? I've abit of that in the shed

Yes, that's it. Also know as Plastic Tape For Everything

 

[samthor.]

Yes, that's it. Also know as Plastic Tape For Everything

Whey aye bonnie lad? Got yer mate

 

[Stevieboy]

Vaseline around the washer

 

[RichardM]

Vaseline around the washer

And/or two washers, one inside, one outside

 

[Buffers brewery]

Hi marra, its a plastic barrel and tap wich is leaking around the threads

One more question, does the barrel have
1. a threaded port you screw the tap into or
2. a clear hole and the tap has a nut on the inside to secure it?

If 1 then PTFE tape, several turns, around the tap thread should work.
If 2 make sure all the outer mating surfaces of both tap and barrel are clean and free from scratches or damage. The rubber washer should be pliable with no cracks, if not, replace it. A smear if vaseline on the rubber washer faces and tighten the nut as tight as possible on the inside of the barrel.

 

[RichardM]

One more question, does the barrel have
1. a threaded port you screw the tap into or
2. a clear hole and the tap has a nut on the inside to secure it?

If 1 then PTFE tape, several turns, around the tap thread should work.
If 2 make sure all the outer mating surfaces of both tap and barrel are clean and free from scratches or damage. The rubber washer should be pliable with no cracks, if not, replace it. A smear if vaseline on the rubber washer faces and tighten the nut as tight as possible on the inside of the barrel.

It shouldn't be necessary to "tighten the nut as tight as possible" . Tight, without straining is enough.
Vaseline, or silicon grease, and a washer, or o ring, on the outside will help.

 

[Clint]

Also...ensure the tap,when closed sits at 90° to the barrel do not set it in an "over closed" angle thinking its more secure...its not,it'll leak!

 

[Buffers brewery]

Tight, without straining is enough.

It's all a bit subjective @RichardM . I ended up making a 3-d printed box spanner to tighten the nut on my King Kegs as my arthritic fingers weren't up to the job...and you know how I like an excuse to make a gadget

 

[Rodcx500z]

I ended up making a 3-d printed box spanner

3D printed metal gawd things have moved on

 

[Buffers brewery]

3D printed metal gawd things have moved on

No, plastic.