Sorry to hear that. If you're not getting bubbles (or not as many as usual), it's usually something small and easy to sort. Here's a checklist that should get you back to fizzing in no time.
Check the gasket (rubber seal)
The most common issues we see are damaged or missing gaskets. Remove the CO2 cylinder and look inside the machine, in the compartment where you screw the cylinder in. There should be a rubber gasket or ring there. It forms the seal between the cylinder and the machine, so if it's missing, damaged or out of place, the machine won't work properly. It sometimes gets left out after cleaning.
While you're checking it, please take a clear photo of the gasket using your phone's flash. We'll need this photo to see that the gasket is in place and undamaged before we can look at a replacement, so taking it now saves time later.
If the gasket is worn or damaged, there's a spare one underneath the sticker in the base of your Aarke carbonator.
Screw in the cylinder properly, and give it a half turn more
With the carbonator standing upright, screw the cylinder 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. If the cylinder isn't tightly screwed in, gas could be slowly escaping. If the unit is lying on its side when you screw in the cylinder, it can fail to form a proper seal.
Listen for leaks
If you hear a faint hissing sound after putting in a new cylinder, or a hiss that keeps going until you unscrew it, it might be leaking. Unscrew it and check the gasket, the cylinder and the machine's threading for any visible damage or misalignment.
Check the cylinder
- 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.
- 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.
- Try another cylinder if you have one. If you see the same issue, it's likely the machine rather than the cylinder.
- Check for damage. If the cylinder has been dropped, or has dents or looks out of shape, it could be affecting performance.
- Check the valve is clean. Dirt or debris can block the 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 it's compatible. 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.
Check the bottle
The Carbonator 3 takes the stainless steel or PET bottle. Glass bottles only work in the Carbonator Pro.
Clear the nozzle
If the gasket is undamaged and in place and everything in the cylinder compartment looks as it should, one more step is to clear the nozzle with compressed air from a bike pump or air compressor. Important: remove the CO2 cylinder first, for safety.
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 we'll help you get sorted. To speed things up, please send:
- your Faerly order number
- the photo of the gasket, taken with the flash
- the serial number from underneath the base of the unit
- a short video showing the problem (by email, or by WhatsApp if that's easier)
- the weight of your cylinder(s), and whether you've tried a second cylinder
If the unit is faulty, we'll arrange a replacement and book DPD to collect the faulty one, usually a day or two after the replacement arrives. You can send it back in the box the replacement comes in. Keep the water bottle as a spare, and it's worth taking the spare gasket from under the sticker on the base of the old unit before it goes.