Following up on our micro-bulk guide from last week, we’ve compiled a checklist for troubleshooting CO2 cylinders for you and your staff.
The following are the most common issues that people run into with their CO2 cylinders. If you can’t find a solution in the following guide for troubleshooting CO2 cylinders, call your gas supplier. Or, give us a call any time at 1-877-ASKZEPHYR — whether you’re our customer or not. Safety is always our priority and we’re more than happy to lend our assistance.
Zephyr provides food- and beverage-grade CO2 to corporations all around North America and is a certified expert in the proper handling, storage, and usage of CO2.
Troubleshooting CO2 cylinders
I’m not sure if I have a CO2 cylinder or something else
If you are not sure of the difference, is the tank smaller like an oxygen or helium tank, or is it so big that it looks like it would need to be brought in by a major piece of equipment? If it’s small, you have a cylinder. If it is large enough to have to be brought in by a major piece of equipment, you have a micro-bulk tank.
If micro-bulk, consult our micro-bulk troubleshooting page here.
My CO2 cylinder is low/empty and it was just delivered/filled
First, check the twist valve at the top. Is it open? If so, your CO2 has escaped and your tank will have to be refilled.
If it’s not, you may have a faulty piece of equipment. If there is some gas left in the tank, you can do a simple test: Mix equal parts soap and water and put it into a spray bottle. Spray and soak the regulator and valves at the top of the cylinder. If bubbles start to form in the solution, you’ve found your leak. Call your supplier for service.
There is frost on the tank
Frost on the outside of the tank is normal during periods of high CO2 draw (i.e., lunch or dinner rush). If frost appears continuously however, there may be a leak in the cylinder.
I’m not sure what my pressure gauges should read
The amount of CO2 in the tank is determined by reading the contents gauge located on top of the tank knuckle.
Your normal tank operating pressure is between 100-200 PSIG, but may be as high as 300 PSIG after a CO2 delivery.
I hear a hissing/popping noise
If you hear a hissing or popping noise and you are certain it is coming from the cylinder, vacate the room and call your CO2 supplier for service and further instruction.
The drink tower is not functioning
This is not a problem caused by your CO2 system. Please contact your fountain soft drink service agent for assistance.
Only carbonated water is dispensing from my drink tower
You are out of syrup. Replace your syrup bag in the box.
Before calling for service on your cylinder
Please check and record the following:
1. Tank contents
2. Supply pressure
3. Vessel pressure
In case of emergencies
If you have an emergency, immediately shut the CO2 supply off and close the valve labeled GAS USE.
Don’t see your issue in the above troubleshooting CO2 cylinders guide? Call us – we’d like to hear about your situation, and we’d be happy to help you figure out the fix.
Download these and other troubleshooting tips as a PDF in our resources section, here.
