Skip to content
Spicy Water

Spicy Water Guide

These instructions describe how to make a sparkling/carbonated water dispensing system at home.

In summary, you run a water line from a sink, through an inline filter, then into a keg with a specialty lid. CO2 is continuously connected to the keg. The output goes to a faucet or beer tap. The system will refill and recarbonate itself as you dispense cold, refreshing sparkling water!

You’ll need a refrigerator to put this system in, and the supplies listed below.

Shopping and shipping time: Varies, <1 week

Assembly time: 3 hours

Shopping

I’m assuming you’ll be buying products from the US, mostly from MoreBeer, but also from Amazon. You’d be welcome to buy all the components from a preferred vendor. The Soda Carbonator Lid is originally distributed at the lowest cost by KegLand in Australia, and is the only vendor-limited option.

Shopping Overview

  • Cornelius Keg (or similar, 2.5-5 gallon size for compact storage and easy carbonation)
  • Soda Carbonator Lid (Kegland Soda Carbonator Carbonation Keg Reactor Lid)
  • CO2 Regulator (compatible with your CO2 cylinder and keg system)
  • CO2 Tank (5-10 lb capacity recommended, SodaStream works as well)
  • Tubing Kit (food-grade tubing for connecting gas and liquid lines)
  • Quick-Disconnects (for gas and liquid, compatible with the keg)
  • Tap Faucet (to dispense carbonated water easily)
  • Keg Post Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies (optional but recommended for upkeep)
  • Refrigerator Line Adapter Kit (to tap into your sink’s water supply line)
  • Inline Water Filter (sized for refrigerator or under-sink systems; ensures clean water)
  • Additional Tubing and Fittings (to connect the water line adapter to the keg)

Components (Amazon)

Sodastream CO2 tank

Keg, Tubing, and Tools

From https://www.morebeer.com/

Keg Components

Regulation & Connection

Tubing & Adapters

Tools

Dispensing

Optional

Note: Prices and availability may vary.

Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Install the Water Line Adapter

  1. Turn off the water supply under your sink.
  2. Use the refrigerator line adapter to tap into the cold water line. Follow the adapter kit instructions to attach the T-valve securely.
  3. Connect tubing from the adapter to the inline water filter inlet. You could route this into your fridge.
  4. Connect tubing from the inline water filter output to a flare connector smaller side
  5. Connect tubing from the flare larger size output. If you have not yet, route into your frige.
  6. Connect the tubing to the liquid post of your Soda Carbonator Lid or keg inlet.

Step 2: Prepare the Keg (Probably not that important, but a rinse is helpful)

  1. Clean the Keg thoroughly using a cleaning solution like PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash). Rinse well.
  2. Attach the Soda Carbonator Lid to the keg as per instructions.
  3. Ensure the keg is empty and the lid is sealed securely.

Step 3: Fill and Carbonate

  1. Open the refrigerator line and allow the water to fill the keg. Eventually it will stop filling.
  2. Vent some of the remaining air by pulling the vent pin. Stop if water comes out.

Step 4: Set Up the CO2 System

  1. Use food-grade tubing to connect the CO2 regulator to a one-way check valve. Arrow should face the keg. You want to prevent water flow back toward the CO2 tank, especially for when you swap tanks.
  2. Use tubing to connect the check value to the gas quick-disconnect fitting.
  3. Attach the gas quick-disconnect to the gas post on the keg. Press hard until it clicks.
  4. Attach the CO2 regulator to your CO2 tank.
  5. Set CO2 regulator to about 40 PSI

Step 5: Dispense Still Water

  1. Connect tubing to a liquid quick disconnect and attach it to a valve.
  2. Connect another tube between value and the tap faucet.
  3. Attach the liquid quick-disconnect to the liquid post on the keg. Press hard until it clicks
  4. Dispense some water to ensure the water system is working. It probably won’t be sparkling yet

Step 6: Wait!

  • It can take some time for the CO2 to dissolve in a full keg
  • If the water is colder, it will dispense faster.

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly clean the keg, tubing, and faucet.
  • Replace the water filter every 6-12 months (or as recommended by the manufacturer).
  • Inspect all fittings and seals to avoid leaks.
  • Check CO2 levels periodically.

Put it in a fridge

Fridge

Sparkling water available on tap

Fridge

About

SpicyWater is a open source project dedicated to promoting sustainable living by empowering individuals to create carbonated water at home. Our goal is to reduce single-use plastic waste and carbon emissions associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of store-bought carbonated beverages.

Further reading