How can I make sure my bottle cap is sealed tightly?

Question

I have concerns over why our beers are not carbonating properly. One suggestion was to check and make sure the bottles are sealed properly. What might be a good way to do this?

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 10 '10 at 18:13

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A quick check would be to stretch a rubber balloon over the neck of your bottle after capping. If the cap is not sealed the balloon will slowly inflate.

answered Nov 10 '10 at 18:13

sgwill

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score 4 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 10 '10 at 18:19

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If you're using a butterfly capper, check to make sure you're pressing hard enough. There should be a slight ring-shaped indentation in the cap after capping a bottle.

An easy way to check once they're capped is to simply store a few upside down. If there's a leak, the gas will bring some beer with it as it leaks out the cap.

answered Nov 10 '10 at 18:19

Jeff L

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I've heard that storing beer bottles tipped or upside down can cause strange tastes due to the cap deteriorating. – Joe Phillips Nov 14 '10 at 17:10

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 31 '11 at 04:49

There are Go / No-go guages that are used in industry for online checks to ensure a tight crimp on a crown. Failing this immerssion on a a water bath will quickly show if you have leakers. The folks who make the crowns will provide the data on what a tight crimp should be. hope this helps

How can I make sure my bottle cap is sealed tightly?

3 Answers3