Safety Guidelines

Home carbonation systems are generally very safe when properly assembled. This page covers good practices to keep in mind.

CO₂ Safety

Small CO₂ tanks (SodaStream or 5lb) used in normal living spaces pose minimal risk. Even a complete tank discharge in a typical kitchen would dissipate quickly. That said, here are some sensible precautions:

Leak Detection

Signs of a CO₂ leak:

• Hissing sounds from fittings or connections
• Tank emptying faster than expected
• Frost forming on tank, regulator, or lines (indicates rapid gas escape)

To check for leaks: Apply soapy water to connections and look for bubbles. Do this after initial assembly and occasionally thereafter.

Pressure Safety

Your system operates at approximately 40 PSI, which can cause injury if not handled properly.

Pressure Relief

• Never exceed the recommended pressure settings (40 PSI for carbonation)
• Your keg has a built-in pressure relief valve - never tamper with it
• Always depressurize the system before disconnecting components
• Release pressure slowly when venting the keg

Tubing and Connections

• Use only pressure-rated tubing designed for carbonation systems
• Inspect tubing regularly for cracks, kinks, or wear
• Replace any damaged tubing immediately
• Ensure all push-fit connections are fully seated

Check Valves Are Critical

The check valves in your system prevent:

• Water backflow into CO₂ equipment - Can damage regulators and cause dangerous reactions
• CO₂ backflow into water supply - Could contaminate your home’s water

Never omit check valves from your build.

Refrigerator Safety

Electrical Safety

• Ensure your refrigerator is properly grounded
• Don’t run water lines near electrical connections
• Check that door seals aren’t compromised by tubing pass-throughs

Water Damage Prevention

• Install a drip tray under the keg
• Regularly check connections for slow leaks
• Consider a water leak detector near the refrigerator
• Know where your water shut-off valve is located

Food Safety

Materials

• Use only food-grade components throughout your system
• Ensure tubing and fittings are NSF-certified or equivalent
• Never use materials not designed for beverage contact

Cleaning and Sanitation

• Clean and sanitize your system before first use
• Follow the cleaning schedule in the Best Practices guide
• Use only food-safe cleaning solutions (PBW, Star San, etc.)
• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning

Water Quality

• Always use the inline filter to remove contaminants
• Replace filters according to manufacturer guidelines
• If your water supply has known issues, consider additional filtration

Pre-Flight Checklist

Before first use, verify:

• All connections are tight and leak-free (soapy water test)
• Check valves installed with arrows pointing in flow direction
• CO₂ regulator set to ~40 PSI
• You know where to shut off water in an emergency
• All components are food-grade
• System has been sanitized

If Something Goes Wrong

If You Suspect a Major Leak

1. Turn off the CO₂ at the tank valve
2. Open a window if you’d like, though it’s unlikely to be necessary for small tanks
3. Fix the leak before turning the tank back on

If Water Leaks

1. Shut off the water supply valve
2. Disconnect CO₂ to depressurize the system
3. Clean up water to prevent damage
4. Identify and fix the source before restarting

If System Loses Pressure Unexpectedly

1. Check CO₂ tank - it may be empty
2. Inspect all connections for leaks
3. Check for damage to tubing or components
4. Do not re-pressurize until the cause is identified

Additional Resources

• OSHA CO₂ Safety Guidelines
• Compressed Gas Association Safety
• NSF International (Food-Safe Certification)

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Remember: When in doubt, turn off the CO₂ and water, then troubleshoot.