Sealing connections in CO2 system?

[DelawareJim]

Basic question...

I know most CO2 kits come pre-assembled now, but does anyone still seal all the brass connections with plumbers putty anymore?

I've got an old Dupla system from back in the day that came as individual components. It's suddenly started going through CO2 at an incredible rate; like 5# in 4 days at 2 bps...clearly a leak somewhere.

I'm just trying to diagnose what my problem might be and don't want to overlook something really stupid/basic. I Teflon tape the threads of the tank and did the old soapy water on the joints trick to look for leaks but came up empty except for a small leak at the bubble counter tubing barb I need to seal.

Thanks.
Cheers.
Jim

[PaulS]

Jim,
I used plumber's thread sealant when I connected the splitter/manifold to my CO2 regulator. I'm not sure if it was entirely necessary but I did it anyway just as an added meaure...
Paul

[Aaron]

Yeah, I use the plumber's putty too. It's a nice extra piece of mind. Make sure to use the stuff that never sets up.

[PaulS]

Yeah, I use the plumber's putty too. It's a nice extra piece of mind. Make sure to use the stuff that never sets up.

Plumber's putty? Are you sure you don't mean thread sealant?

[Aaron]

Maybe, pipe dope, whatever you want to call it.

[SCMurphy]

Did you check the bubble counter?

[PaulS]

Jim,
For your brass connections, you want to apply thread sealant (also referred to as pipe dope) to the threads. It has a consistancy similar to tootpaste. As Aaron mentioned, get one that remains pliable and that does not harden. You don't want to use plumber's putty which has a clay-like consistency and is used for other purposes...
Paul