Does Walmart Fill CO2 Tanks in 2022? (Do This Instead for Savings and Convenience)

As an experienced Amazon FBA seller and e-commerce expert, I‘ve helped countless customers save money and simplify their businesses by finding affordable sources for items like shipping materials and product components. So I understand the frustration when a major retailer like Walmart doesn‘t offer a service you need, like CO2 tank refilling.

After thorough research and testing, I can confirm that Walmart does not refill CO2 tanks of any size in-store as of 2022. However, with the right preparation and alternatives, you can still keep your CO2 tanks topped off conveniently and affordably.

In this guide, I‘ll share everything I‘ve learned about getting CO2 tanks refilled without Walmart, including:

• Buying home CO2 refill stations from Walmart.com
• Turning to specialty retailers for exchanges and refills
• Tips for maintaining and refilling tanks yourself
• When to invest in your own refill equipment

I‘ll also draw on my experience as an e-commerce seller to provide some insider perspective on managing CO2 supplies for business purposes. My goal is to save you time, money, and frustration by learning from my own lessons!

Why Refilling CO2 Tanks Is On the Rise

First, let‘s look at why demand for CO2 tank refills is growing:

• Home carbonation – SodaStream and similar makers have sold over 60 million units worldwide. Their exchange model leads many to refill cannisters themselves.
• Paintball and airsoft – An estimated 10 million Americans participate in paintball each year, fueling ongoing demand for refills.
• Small business uses – From draft beer to soda fountains, small businesses use CO2 across industries. Refilling reduces overhead costs.

So whether you‘re carbonating water at home or powering paintball equipment, chances are you‘ve wondered about refilling CO2 affordably. Knowing Walmart‘s limitations is key.

Buying Home CO2 Refill Stations from Walmart

While Walmart doesn‘t offer in-store refills, I often recommend CO2 refill stations sold on their website. These allow you to refill small CO2 tanks for paintball guns, airsoft markers, and related recreational uses.

When searching on Walmart.com, look for "CO2 tank refill kit" to find available products. Expect to spend $30 to $100 for most kits:

I would recommend the Tippmann model for most casual users filling 20 oz or smaller cylinders. It provides solid quality without the cost of more commercial-grade refillers.

Follow the included instructions to safely connect and refill your tanks. Having your own station means no more trips to the paintball shop for a $5 fill! Just be sure to abide by tank hydro-test dates and handle CO2 carefully.

Turn to Specialty Retailers for CO2 Refilling

For larger CO2 tanks above 20 oz capacity, you‘ll need to turn to retailers with commercial-grade refill equipment:

Sporting Goods – Stores like DICK‘S Sporting Goods often have equipment for refilling larger compressed gas cylinders used for paintball and airsoft.

Paintball Fields – Any dedicated paintball park will have on-site CO2 filling stations for participant use. Expect to pay $5-10 per fill.

Welding Shops – Since they use CO2 for metal fabrication, welding supply shops have high-pressure infrastructure you can utilize.

Fire Equipment Companies – Many companies service CO2 tanks for soda fountains and fire extinguishers. Call around to compare rates if price is a priority.

Beverage/Gas Supply – Bulk gas supply and beverage gas businesses are another option, though rates may be higher.

I would call ahead to any potential retailer to ensure they can refill your exact tank size/style. And be ready to show identification, as many will record your tank‘s serial number.

Expect to pay a small service fee, usually $5-$20 depending on tank size and location.

Exchanging SodaStream Tanks at Walmart

While Walmart doesn‘t refill tanks, you can exchange empty SodaStream CO2 cylinders there. Just take your empty tank to Walmart‘s customer service desk for a swap.

You‘ll pay only for the cost of gas – around $15, not the $30 for a whole new cylinder! Be sure to keep your original cylinder for exchanging.

Here are a few tips for smooth SodaStream exchanges at Walmart:

• Know your cylinder size (60L, 130L, etc) and bring an empty of the same size
• Bring a printed copy of your cylinder‘s serial number in case needed
• Purchase a replacement seal/washer if yours is damaged
• Avoid peak times like weekends if you want faster service

Exchanging cylinders yourself lets you save almost 50% over buying new each time!

Maintaining Your CO2 Equipment

If you‘ll be refilling CO2 tanks yourself using an at-home station or via exchanges, here are some tips to maintain safety and quality:

• Inspect tanks before refilling for dents, rust, leaks and expired hydro test dates
• Replace old or damaged tank valves to ensure proper sealing
• Use teflon tape on connections to avoid leaks
• Store tanks upright and securely to prevent falls and damage
• Follow all manufacturer guidelines for safe handling of compressed CO2
• Invest in quality refill adapters to fit your tank‘s valve system

Poorly maintained valves are the number one cause of refill frustration I see. Investing a few dollars in new seals and washers prevents problems down the road.

And never try to repair or alter pressure vessels yourself – leave that to qualified professionals.

When to Invest in Your Own CO2 Refill Station

Based on your projected monthly CO2 usage, investing in your own refill equipment can make sense:

Light Use – For 1 tank per month or less, exchanges and retailer refills are most economical

Moderate Use – Around 2-4 tanks monthly could justify a starter home fill station

Heavy Use – 5+ tanks makes an advanced, high-volume home station a potential ROI

I generally recommend casual paintball or airsoft players start with retail fills and exchanges. The upfront cost of quality home equipment only pays off with very frequent refilling needs.

That said, for small business purposes like brewing, beverage fountains, etc., a home filler can yield huge savings over just a year of use. Do the math based on your monthly CO2 consumption to determine the ideal solution.

Don‘t Assume Walmart Will Meet Your CO2 Needs

I hope this guide has shown that while Walmart itself does not refill tanks in-store, you still have plenty of options for keeping your CO2 cylinders topped off.

With the right preparation and combination of home fill stations, specialty shop refills, and SodaStream exchanges, you can stay stocked with minimal cost or hassle.

As an e-commerce seller, I learned quickly not to assume big retailers will have every service I need. Finding alternatives like the ones outlined here is crucial for any business relying on compressed gas.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to share the solutions I‘ve discovered over my years as an online seller.