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How to Stop a Wooden Keg From Leaking

Coopers construct traditional wooden kegs from "staves," curved lengths of a timber such as oak. Iron hoops or bands hold the staves together. A well-made keg should be completely watertight. However, over time, the staves may dry out, causing them to shrink and loosen inside their iron bands. Gaps appear between the staves, creating leaks. You can successfully repair a leaky keg in just a few days, using simple household tools and materials.

Things You'll Need

Garden hose
Stick of chalk
Hammer
Old towel
Beeswax
Tin can
Saucepan of water
Old paintbrush

Instructions

Fixing Leaks
- 1
  Carry the wooden keg outside and put it in a place where any leaks can drain harmlessly away. Fill the keg to its brim with cold water from the tap, using a garden hose.
- 2
  Check the keg for visible leaks. Use chalk to mark any places where you spot a leak so you can keep track of how successful you are at sealing the keg.
- 3
  Leave the keg with water inside it for two to four days. Use the hose to top up the keg from time to time, to keep it full. The wooden staves will absorb water and gradually swell, closing up the gaps between them, until the keg stops leaking.
- 4
  Check the keg for leaks. If you spot any, pound the iron bands around the center of the keg with a hammer, to tighten them against the staves. Check the keg again for leaks, paying close attention to the areas you marked with chalk. If any small leaks remain, empty the keg of water.
- 5
  Dry the keg inside and out with an old towel.
- 6
  Put a block of beeswax into a tin can. Stand the tin can in a saucepan of water. Place the pan on the stove and turn on the heat. Hold the pan over a gentle heat until the wax has melted.
- 7
  Brush the melted beeswax over the keg, inside and out, using an old paintbrush. Pay close attention to the leaky parts you marked with chalk. Make sure you cover these areas thoroughly with wax and use the bristles of the brush to work it well into the joins between the staves.
- 8
  Fill the keg once more with water. Check again for leaks. If you spot any, repeat Steps 2 to 7, until the keg is completely watertight.

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