When Your Barrel Tap Throws a Tantrum (and How to Fix It)

When Your Barrel Tap Throws a Tantrum (and How to Fix It)

If you’ve had a home fortified wine barrel for long enough, you’ll know this truth: taps have a knack for causing drama. They drip, they leak, they crack — and usually right when you’re trying to impress your mates with a pour. Don’t panic. A stuck, leaky, or broken tap isn’t the end of your barrel dreams. With a few simple steps (and the right tools), you can fix it and get back to pouring liquid gold without the mess.

What You’ll Need

A replacement tap (if yours is truly beyond saving)
Teflon or plumber’s tape
Food-grade silicone sealant
Wrench or pliers
Clean cloth
A bucket (to catch those precious drops)

How to Fix a Stuck or Leaking Barrel Tap

Find the problem. Is it cracked? Just loose? Seal worn out? Identifying the issue tells you whether to reseal or replace.
Empty the barrel. Pour your wine into a clean container. Yes, it’s annoying, but it’s also less heartbreaking than watching litres leak onto the floor.
Remove the tap. Gently unscrew it with a wrench or pliers. Don’t go full Hulk — the bung hole is delicate.
Inspect everything. Check the tap for cracks or worn threads, and the bung hole for debris or damage.
Give it a clean. Warm water, a small brush or pipecleaner and a cloth are your friends here. No shortcuts.
Wrap it up. If the tap itself is fine, wrap the threads in Teflon tape. Always in the same direction you’ll screw it back in.
Seal the deal. Add a dab of food-grade silicone around the threads for extra protection.
Reinstall carefully. Tighten it back in snugly — but don’t overtighten unless you want a new barrel.
Leak test. Fill with water and watch. If it’s dry, hooray! Empty and refill with wine.
Replace if needed. If the tap is cracked or mangled, it’s time for a new one. Install as above with tape + sealant.
Keep an eye on it. Taps need the occasional check-in to avoid flare-ups.