Seem to be going through a lot more helium than normal? This is likely due to helium microleakage, which is usually from a damaged O-ring.
The O-ring is a small, rubber ring that creates the air-tight seal between your helium inflator and your helium tank.
If there is any damage to the O-ring at all, even a minor chip or chunk missing from it, you will experience some level of helium microleakage.
Here’s how to find and check your O-ring:
1. Unscrew inflator from tank. On the end of the threads should be a black, rubber O-ring.
2. Examine the O-ring extremely carefully. Is it frayed, cut, or chipped? Is it missing entirely?
3. If there is any damage to the O-ring or if it’s missing, replace it immediately.
While helium microleakage doesn’t sound like a big deal, the amount of helium lost will quickly add up, as will your refill costs. So make sure that O-ring is in perfect shape and replace it regularly. Helium microleakage left you dry? Refill! Get a free helium quote here!
Here’s how to replace your O-ring and stop potential helium microleakage:
1. Examine the new O-ring and make sure it does not have any defects.
2. Place the O-ring at the tip of the inflator threads.
3. Roll the O-ring onto the threads until it snugs into place in its slot.
4. Reattach your inflator to the tank.
Here’s a detailed video we put together that shows you each step of the process:
The O-ring. It’s a tiny, inexpensive part that can make all the difference in your helium costs.
For more tips on how to get the most out of your helium (read: Save more money with the same amount of helium), check out our Maximizing Helium Checklist.
