This happens when the balloon is not properly placed over the filling outlet. If you hold the neck of the balloon with two hands over the filling outlet, the helium flow entering the balloon will cause vibrations and make a loud noise. The balloon should be held in one hand between your thumb and index finger.

It is possible that Hi-Float is in the outlet and the outlet will need to be replaced. When gas leaks from the tip of the outlet, it is necessary to replace the tilt valve. See the Replacement Parts tab on the left for a replacement outlet.

Conduct a leak-check test to confirm the exact location of the leak. See the “How to perform a leak-check test” tab below for instructions.

If the inflator leaks at the cylinder connection, close the cylinder valve, bleed the pressure out of the inflator, and firmly tighten the cylinder connection. Repeat the leak test.

If the inflator continues to leak, remove the inflator from the cylinder and try it on another cylinder. Repeat the leak-check test. If the inflator does not leak on the new cylinder, we recommend returning the original helium cylinder to the supplier for credit. (In some cases, the cylinder valve will have bad threads that cause the inflator to leak.) If it is not the cylinder valve, replace the O-ring for the cylinder connection. See the Replacement Parts tab on the left for replacement O-Rings.

If the inflator leaks somewhere other than the cylinder connection, return the inflator for service.

If the pressure gauge goes up and down every time a balloon is inflated, this is an indication that the cylinder valve is not fully open. Make sure that the valve is open completely to correct the problem.

If the pressure reading on the gauge is inaccurate, it is more than likely that the inflator has been dropped or bumped during transit. The gauge cannot be re-calibrated and must be replaced. See the Replacement Parts tab on the left for a replacement outlet.

This is caused by the pressure alert valve being activated by a sudden change in pressure. We recommend trying the inflator on a cylinder that has less than 2400 PSI. First, close the cylinder valve and release the pressure from the inflator, then slowly reopen the cylinder valve. This will avoid the extreme pressure spike from opening the valve too quickly. If the problem persists, return the inflator for service.

Use a spray bottle filled with soapy water and spray around the area where you suspect the leak is located. If large bubbles appear in one area, then you may have a leak. Be sure to thoroughly clean your inflator immediately after testing to avoid water damage.