If the pointer on your liquid filled pressure gauge has wandered away from reading 0 PSI, it doesn’t mean it’s broken.
There is a way to reset it back to zero. Let’s go over how to do that.
But first, let’s talk about how it might have gotten off track in the first place.
HOW LIQUID FILLED PRESSURE GAUGES GET OFF TRACK
During shipping, the gauge may have experienced high temperature and altitude changes. This causes the internal pressure to build inside the gauge, thus resulting in inaccurate readings.
Don’t worry. The gauge can be re-calibrated.
It’s unlikely that there was permanent damage done to your gauge and it should get back to a factory level reading (0 PSI).
HOW TO FIX THE GAUGE
Liquid filled pressure gauges come with a variety of different stoppers that keep the liquid inside. It may have a rubber stopper, a rubber stopper with a brass pin, or a closed pressure release tube.
Although they look a bit different, the key to resetting them is the same. You want to relieve pressure by venting the cap.
Rubber Stopper
Fit your fingernail under the cap to release the pressure and the pointer will return to normal.
It’s normal for some of the glycerin to escape a bit. Just wipe it off with so that no dust or debris builds on your gauge.
The DuraChoice liquid-filled pressure gauges we carry are filled with food grade glycerin, so they are non-toxic.
Rubber Stopper With a Brass Pin
Gauges with a brass pin are even easier to fix. Simply pull the pin to release the pressure. It should set itself back to zero. After that, you can push the pin back in place.
Other Tips
Once you have vented your liquid filled pressure gauge, it is unlikely that it will happen again.
That is, as long as the gauge isn’t exposed to high temperature or pressure drops. (This is not often the case.)
The gauge should be installed vertically, especially if it’s capped by a pressure relief tube at the top. This prevents the glycerin from leaking and makes it easier to vent the gauge later on, if needed.
There you have it, all set!