Here at Seasons Of The Brew, I am launching a new "Brewery Maintenance" section where I plan on going over basic stuff like keg maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing, and a calendar for when it's time replace various pieces of brewing gear..
Today, I wanted to discuss keg O-rings. After looking around the web for a bit, it seems most agree that the smaller rubber o-rings on your keg should be replaced once (or even twice) per year. However, the large O-ring at the keg opening may last up to 2 years according to HomeBrew Finds. Finally, the gray PRV value should be replaced annually as well.
According to the article:
Keg manufacturer AEB says to replace o-rings yearly. AEB produces some of the best kegs on the market and I agree with the one year in most cases. Because of their very low cost, I suggest changing high contact, high risk leak o-rings more often.
High Risk:
Post o-rings: Especially gas. Leaks originating from gas post very difficult to detect.
Gas dip tube o-rings: Leaks here are easier to detect, but I also classify these as high risk. A leak at either the gas post or gas dip tube is invisible and has frustrating consequences… heading to your CO2 source to swap or fill a tank. Better safe than sorry.
High Contact: Internal QD and Universal Poppet O-Rings. These touch every ounce of beer that’s poured.
I suggest using Daylight Savings dates as a reminder. Something like this…
Daylight Savings Begins (Spring): Replace high leak risk and high contact o-rings – Post O-Rings (especially gas), Gas Dip Tube, Internal QD O-Rings and Universal Poppet O-Rings.
Daylight Savings Time Ends (Fall): Replace all keg, poppet and QD o-rings.
So each year in the fall, I will try to send out a reminder that it's time to change out your O-rings. Cheers!
Here are the Amazon links I use to replace these items:
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