Wilko Barrel issue

[Martin1209]

Hello,
I recently transferred the contents of a fermenter into a Wilko pressure barrel. I had no issues with the fermenter, but the barrel was letting out pressure(and soon to be beer..!) from around the seal of the tap. We have been unable to seal it using parafilm or by tightening it, so the solution so far has been to turn it on it's side and relieve the pressure - this is ofcourse far from ideal.
My question is, is it worth getting it replaced and taking some kind of extra precaution(less priming sugar or something?) or is there a way it could be 'fixed' as such, with minimal expense/hassle.

Much appreciated,
Martin

 

[Orval62]

Martin, I've had two barrels with the same issues and on removing the taps both have been split on the threads. To rectify I have purchased a new tap from the LHBS and applied a small amount of PTFE tape to the tap threads and a small amount of Vaseline to seal and threads. When you tighten the tap be very careful not to over tighten,as it will damage the tap again on the threads. I have done this to both my kegs and fingers crossed it seems to have done the trick.

The taps to the budget kegs such as the Wilko kegs are of poor quality. I am continually looking for a quality tap, no luck so far. Will post if and when I locate one.
Tony

 

[Martin1209]

Thanks very much for your reply! I'll probably get this one replaced after we have salvaged as much as possible and then I'll make sure I have a look at the tap before and try and strengthen it. Thanks for your help!

 

[Sandimas]

Maybe you've just got too much pressure in there? I know mine leaks there when pressure builds up too much - it finds the weakest point. If you haven't got a pressure relief valve, or a faulty one, there's no where else for it to go. To test this, draw off a half or three and see it it stops.

I really like my Wilko barrel, had 3 years good service from it, but does take a bit of getting used to regarding seals / leaks.

 

[Martin1209]

Thanks for your reply, it seems it might be a problem with the valve, or rather that there are other weaker points. Is there any way to actually test the valve/barrel under pressure with ordinary house hold things, before actually putting beer in?
Thanks

 

[WER]

I asked much the same question here a while back and the answer was as simple as fill it with water and gas it up using a CO2 cylinder. If there are any leaks then they should be evident and you won't risk losing a brew to the floor.