OMG Bureaucrats can mess up ANYTHING!
Not too many years ago, it was required by law that each County Extension Office provide free testing of gauges on pressure canners...
Well, I did some more checking today and they have loused that up now too... In 2005 they changed things to:
“Canner testing in counties is optional. It is not a required activity for a county. Testing of dial gauge pressure canners, and safety checks of canners, does offer an educational opportunity. FNP and EFNEP grant guidelines do not allow FNP/EFNEP professionals to conduct gauge testing on grant-funded time.”
AND
“Charging for this service is recommended. From one to five dollars appear to be reasonable fees. Educators have the option to vary the cost or seek sponsors. This fee can be used to cover the cost of a new tester unit, postage for mailing the testing unit, employee’s time/travel or to have needed forms and fact sheets printed. All monies collected remain in the county.”
ALSO
“Pressure Canner Inspection and Dial Gauge Inspection forms. They both must be completed fully, signed by the person conducting the testing, copies given to the client, and also kept in an office file. If there is any question of reading ability, read the results to the client. The forms not only record the gauge testing results, but also prompt the tester to conduct a safety and sanitation check of the entire canner lid/unit. Keeping copies of the inspection forms is one form of protection for you if questions should be asked related to your advice, the date of the testing or the results. Although the form does not request it, writing the name of the person who requested the testing is highly recommended.”
I was so ticked off, that I called my County Extension Agent. I have known him for quite a few years, and worked closely with him when I was with DHIA. He said he has been saddened over the past 15 years at how the Gov’t. has diminished the real purpose of Extension, and put all the emphasis on social programs. Everything from specialists to educate people on how to use car seats for children to welfare counseling. He then said he can hardly wait till next year when he is able to retire and get away from the morass that they have created for them. (Yes, he does do the pressure gauge checks - free - on his own time and says he will continue that until he retires!)
So, I guess my suggestion at this time is to invest about $20 in a new gauge (they just screw in) That way you have a tested gauge to start with. (They do test each one before packaging)
Red Hill General Store carries a full (and I mean full) line of parts for just about any cooker/canner you can imagine. They have several websites related to canning and I bought my canner from them - and to date have been very pleased with their service.
http://www.pressurecooker-outlet.com/parts.htm
You should be able to match your model number with one of their charts. (They even listed the old one I have from the 40’s as well as my new one)
They will also have the gaskets and safety valves if you need them.
Sorry for you having to make the trip to the Extension Office to no avail...
Thank you for the link to find parts. The lady at the office said the gauge looked fairly new, but it might be worth checking with my MIL to see when she got it. A new one might be in order. The lady also wasn’t sure if my canner had a flat bottom or if her counter was wobbly ( I think it was her counter) She said if it wasn’t flat it wouldn’t heat properly. Any comments? Is this something I should be concerned with?