Homemade Carbonated Water

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water, at one time was delivered directly to homes just like milk. Today, we have to purchase sparkling water at the store. Sparkling water can run over $1 per bottle depending on where you live. Building and using a machine at home will save you money and save the environment by not discarding used bottles. The parts required to build a machine can be purchased online through home brewing sites or through local soda distributors and the local hardware shop.

Instructions

CO2 regulator
CO2 tank
Carbonator cap with ball lock fitting
1/4" threaded full port ball valve
1/4" braided vinyl tubing
Hose barb adapters 1/4" by 1/4"
9/16" hose clamp
3/4" plastic pipe clamps
1/2" teflon tape
Rubberized snap in tire valve
Crescent wrench

Making Carbonation Machine
- 1
  
  Wrap Teflon tape around three barb adapters in the same direction as they will be screwed in. Screw two of the adapters into each end of the full port ball valve (which is the shut off valve) and tighten with a crescent wrench. Screw the remaining barb in the carbonator cap. Depending on where the shut off valve is to be placed, cut the braided tubing into two pieces. Place the hose clamps about 1/4 inch from the ends of the hoses. Tighten the clamps so they will not slip. Push each end of the tubes onto each end of the shut off values. Each end of the value should be connected to a different tube. Push the other ends of each tube into the regulator and rubberized snap in tire valve. Tighten all hose clamps.
- 2
  
  Connect the regulator to the tank. Each regulator comes with its own wrench for connecting to the tank. Make sure the flat washer is in place before putting on the regulator. If the regulator states not to use a washer when connecting, remove the washer from the tank. This will depend on the regulator used.
- 3
  
  Turn the shut off valve perpendicular to the hose, which should turn it on to full. Adjust the regulator screw, located on the CO2 regulator, until the pressure showing on the gauge is between 45 and 50 psi. Listen for any leaks from the machine. If needed immerse the system in water to find any leaks.
- 4
  
  Install the system into your home. The tank can be stored anywhere. The only requirement is it cannot be stored horizontally.
Using the Machine to Make Carbonated Water
- 1
  
  Fill 2 liter bottle 3/4 full of cold water. The colder the water the better the CO2 will dissolve into the water. Attach carbonator cap and push out all the excess air from the bottle.
- 2
  
  Attach rubberized snap in valve. Turn the shut off valve to the on position. The bottle will fill back up. While still attached to the tubing, shake bottle quickly back and forth to aid in CO2 dissolving for 20 seconds. Remove snap in valve. Shake bottle for another 20 seconds. Shaking again will dissolve more CO2 and lower the psi within the bottle.
- 3
  
  Pour and enjoy. Tightly cap the remaining sparkling water.