Scepter and LCI water cans are my favorite backcountry water container.
Like any water container, one of the most common issues is leaks.
Scepter water cans are durable – most leaks relate to the cap.
If your Scepter, LCI, or Skilcraft is leaking on its side or when water is sloshing around while driving, this article will provide solutions to fix it.
Read the full scepter water can review.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you buy from related marketplaces.
Identify the Jerry Can Leak
If your Scepter or LCI is leaking, you first need to identify the source.
- Primary cap
- Pour hole
- Vent cap
Check the threads
Make sure the threads are clean and check the inside of the caps for dirt or damage. Also, look for any burrs or damaged plastic that may be preventing a tight seal.
Sensitivity Test
Fill your container with water. Try slightly loosening and tightening the cap to see if there is a spot where it doesn’t leak.
Sometimes you’ll find that you were over-tightening it or not tightening it enough.
Scepter Cap Wrench vs JAGMTE Cap Wrench
Sometimes hand-tightening isn’t enough to create the seal for scepter water cans.
Many use this water cap wrench to tighten the cap slightly past hand-tight. This is a common way to prevent it from leaking.
Be careful not to force it, otherwise you risk damaging the cap entirely.
JSP Water Can Wrench
This wrench works for Scepter and Skilcraft military water cans.
Not only can it tighten your cap, it can also tighten the vent and pour spout.
Typically, only the large cap needs to be tightened, so the vent and pour spout tightener probably won’t be super useful and adds bulk.
JAGMTE Water Can Wrench
The JAGMTE water can wrench is typically all you’ll need for tightening the cap. It’s small and compact and fits great.
This can also be useful for various jerry can water pumps and dispensers.
This is from JAGMTE's Amazon store. "The JAGMTE MWC cap wrench fits exactly as it should, is easy to use, and less bulky. It is the superior MWC cap wrench."
It’s worth noting since this wrench is not a circle like a scepter fuel can wrench, you will need to switch sides for tightening / loosening.
Scepter O-Ring Kits
Newer Scepter models (I believe 2018 and on) come with an o-ring in the cap.
Make sure the o-ring is still in there and you didn’t lose it sometime.
If you did or it looks damaged, get a replacement. Unfortunately, the reviews on the replacement o-rings on Amazon are mixed.
If you try those and it doesn’t work, return them and get a new cap.
O-ring for main cap – You need a size 238 o-ring. Someone on Reddit used this one on eBay.
O-ring for pour cap – You need a 116 like this one.
For the vent cap, it’s easier to get a new vent cap from JAGMTE.
Surface Melting the LCI Venting Cap
This method is specific to the LCI, a Scepter doesn’t have this issue.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, one of these solutions will help fix your leaks in your Scepter, LCI, or Skilcraft.
If your Scepter threads are shot and it’s not the cap, new Scepters have come down in price and can be found for ~$50 on Amazon.
I use two of these on most trips along with a few Nalgenes. It typically will last me up to 8 to 10 days for one person.
