If you're not getting bubbles (or not as many as usual), it's usually something small and easy to sort. We weigh our cylinders to check they're full before they ship, so here's a checklist that should get you back to fizzing in no time.
Is it empty?
- Weigh it. A full cylinder weighs around 1.15kg or slightly more. If it's down to 700g to 800g, it's likely empty and ready for exchange. Weights vary a little between brands.
- Test for gas. Take the cylinder out and press down on the valve at the top with the end of a spoon or screwdriver. If it's hard to press and gas escapes, there's still gas inside. If it's easy to press and either no gas escapes or you just get a quick burst, the cylinder is likely empty.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Screw in the cylinder properly, and give it a half turn more. Screw it in until it makes contact, then give it another half turn so it's firmly connected. You should feel it tighten naturally. Don't overtighten it, but it does need to be snug, or gas could be slowly escaping. For Aarke carbonators, screw the cylinder in with the machine standing upright, as it can fail to seal if it's lying on its side.
- Try another cylinder. If you have another one, try it in your machine. If you see the same issue, it's likely the machine rather than the cylinder.
- Check the gasket (rubber seal). Inside the space where the cylinder fits, there should be a rubber gasket or ring that seals the cylinder to the machine. If it's missing, damaged or out of place, the machine won't work properly. Damaged or missing gaskets are one of the most common issues we see. Aarke carbonators have a spare gasket underneath the sticker in the base.
- Listen for leaks. A faint hissing sound after putting in a new cylinder can mean it's leaking. Unscrew it and check the gasket, the cylinder and the machine's threading for any visible damage or misalignment.
- Check the valve is clean. Dirt or debris can block the cylinder's valve. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth or small brush, and make sure it's clean and dry before putting it back in.
- Check for damage. If the cylinder has been dropped, or has dents or looks out of shape, it could be affecting performance.
- Check it's the right type for your machine. Most screw-in cylinders work across brands. The exception is Quooker cylinders, which look similar but use a different valve. Check the engraving around the cylinder neck for the manufacturer. If it says Quooker, it may not be compatible and we'll replace it for you. See "Which CO2 cylinder fits my machine?"
- Clear the nozzle. If the gasket is in place and undamaged and everything in the cylinder compartment looks as it should, try clearing the nozzle with compressed air from a bike pump or air compressor. Important: remove the CO2 cylinder first, for safety.
Got an Aarke? See "My Aarke carbonator isn't working" for Aarke-specific checks.
Store your cylinders properly
Store CO2 cylinders upright in a cool, dry place. High temperatures, temperature changes or dropping a cylinder can lead to pressure loss or leaks.
Still not working?
If you've tried all of the above and still aren't getting any bubbles, the cylinder might simply be empty, even if it's new to you. Get in touch and let us know:
- the weight of the cylinder (a photo of the scales is perfect)
- a photo of the gasket in your machine, taken with the flash on
- whether it worked at first and then stopped, or never worked
- whether other cylinders from the same order are working
If it's faulty, we'll arrange to collect it and either replace it or refund you, whichever you prefer.