Using a beer line cleaning kit is one of the most important processes for maintaining a beer system. Depending on the type of kit you purchase, the process differs slightly. Generally speaking, the following steps should be taken when using a beer line cleaning kit.
1. Disconnect all the couplers, faucets, and components that are part of the system. Make sure to also disconnect any tubing that is still connected.
2. Clean each component using a soft brush and warm soapy water. Rinse and dry each component separately before re-connecting it to the system.
3. Prepare the cleaning solution by filling the provided keg or jug with the correct amount of solution and water. Follow the instructions of your kit to mix the solution properly.
4. Connect the cleaning solution hose to the keg or jug and to the coupler on the beer line. Turn on the faucet to fill the beer line with the cleaning solution, then allow the solution to sit for about 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, rinse the line thoroughly with clean water. Monitor the flow of water to ensure it is flowing through the line properly.
6. Allow the beer line to completely air dry before re-installing all components. If the system will not be used immediately, store the components on a clean, dry surface.
Following these steps when using a beer line cleaning kit will help maintain your system and keep your beer at its freshest.
What should you do once line cleaning fluid is in the beer lines?
Once you’ve had line cleaning fluid in your beer lines, the first step is to flush the entire system with hot water to remove the cleaning fluid. It’s important to flush the system a few times, leaving the water running through it for several minutes each time.
Once you have flushed the system, you will need to re-proof your lines. Re-proofing is a process of filling the lines with a mixture of water and food grade sanitizer, running it through the system for a few minutes, and then measuring the ppm (parts per million) of sanitizer that exited the system.
If the sanitizer is around 25ppm, the lines are considered to be sanitary and ready for use. However, if the ppm is too low, you’ll need to re-proof the lines again with a higher concentration of sanitizer.
Be sure to monitor your reports regularly and check for discoloration or odd odors that could indicate bacteria or mold growth. If you find any issue that could be caused by unsanitary beer lines, contact a professional to help with your commercial beer line cleaning needs.
Do you turn gas off to clean beer lines?
Yes, it is necessary to turn off the gas when cleaning beer lines. This is important for safety reasons and to prevent damage to your equipment. When cleaning beer lines, all components of the beverage system must be turned off.
This includes the gas supply. Turning the gas off ensures that no gas can enter the beer line and that the pressure is released so that you can safely clean and dispose of any debris or build-up. Additionally, leaving the gas on while cleaning can damage the equipment, so it is important to shut it off beforehand.
Be sure to wait until the pressure is released before beginning your cleaning process and that everyone in the area is aware that the gas is turned off.
How long should a line clean take?
The amount of time that it takes to clean a line depends on the size, complexity, and the types of components involved. Generally, it will take a least an hour, but it could potentially take longer than this.
For example, if you are dealing with larger and more complex equipment lines it might take multiple hours to clean them properly. Generally, before starting the line cleaning process the team will first need to do a thorough inspection of the components and machines to ensure that no potential hazards are present.
Once everything is inspected and secured, a methodical approach should then be taken to clean each part of the line. They should make sure to thoroughly clean all surfaces and parts of the equipment and everything that might have come in contact with the product.
Ultimately, the time it will take to clean a line depends on the specific set-up and should be determined before the process begins.
Where should line cleaning procedures be recorded?
Line cleaning procedures should be recorded in a log book and kept on-site in a designated area. The log book should contain all the details of the cleaning procedures and any changes made to them over time.
This should include the type of cleaner used, the date and time the cleaning took place, the person responsible for the cleaning and any equipment or tools used. It should also include a record of the results, such as clarity of the pipes or lines afterwards.
Having a record of the cleaning procedures available on site is helpful in case of future issues or health and safety inspections. It can also be used to follow up on any issues that arise and ensure that lines are cleaned regularly and correctly.
Should you leave water in beer lines?
The answer to this question depends on the type of beer lines you have and how they are being used. For lines that are used regularly and are well-maintained, it is generally a good idea to leave water in them.
This helps prevent line-buildup that can cause off flavors or clogged lines. However, if the beer lines are going unused for a long period of time, it is best to flush out the lines with a solution of water and citric acid or brewery approved cleaning solution.
This should be done regularly to avoid the buildup of germs and fungus in the lines. Flushing should also be done after each keg is changed. Another thing to consider is the temperature of the beer lines.
If the temperature of the beer lines is too cold, leaving water in the lines can cause pipes to freeze, which can cause damage. So it is important to make sure that the temperature of the beer lines is properly regulated.
Why does beer line cleaner go green?
Beer line cleaner typically turns green after sitting in the beer lines for a while. This is caused by a compound called copper sulfate that’s often used in beer line cleaning solutions. The copper sulfate is an ion that exists in a compound form and can react with beer’s organic material over time to create a greenish color.
The good news is that this green color does not indicate a bad or dangerous product, it simply means that the cleaner is doing its job and the copper is doing its duty to help keep your beer lines clean.
The green coloring can be reduced or avoided by utilizing shorter run times when using a beer line cleaner, this keeps the reaction time minimal and will reduce and avoid the green color.
How do I know if my beer lines are dirty?
First, check for a buildup of bacteria or residue on the inside of the line. This can cause sediment in your beer, cloudy beer or a foul-tasting beer. Additionally, compare the physical condition of the line to what it looked like when it was first installed.
If the line looks darker than before, has a buildup of gunk, or is discolored due to sediment, it is likely in need of cleaning. Finally, take a sample of your beer and check the taste. If the beer is sour, tastes different than usual, or has a twang, this could be a sign of bacteria in the line which may need cleaning.
How do you clean dirty beer lines?
To properly clean dirty beer lines, there are a few steps you need to take:
1. Start by disconnecting the line from any taps or faucets, then completely shut off the most upstream regulator.
2. Remove the tailpiece, dip tube, and couplings from the line and clean them with a mild soap and warm water solution.
3. Next, flush the line with a cleaning solution. It is recommended to use a sanitizing beer line cleaner, but you can also use vinegar or a mixture of hot water and citric acid in a 5:1 ratio. This solution should be pushed through the line with a beer line cleaner pump to remove any remaining beer residue.
4. Finally, flush the line with hot water until it runs clear. This ensures any residue from the cleaning solution has been completely removed.
Once the line has been cleaned, it is important to reconnect all components and thoroughly check the line for any leaks before use.
What is in beer line cleaning solution?
Beer line cleaning solutions typically contain active ingredients such as sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, phosphoric acid, and sodium carbonate. The combination of these ingredients creates a caustic solution that effectively cleans the beer lines and remove any buildup of bacteria, yeast, or other contaminants.
The goal of beer line cleaning is to ensure that the taste of the beer remains consistent and is free of any sediment or off-flavors. This is important for the commercial beverage industry as having a consistently good product is key to a successful business.
It is important that beer line cleaning solutions only be used as directed and in the proper concentrations. Each product should come with instructions on how to properly use them, and some may require the use of specific safety measures.
Furthermore, line cleaning should only be done every three weeks to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Is beer line cleaner acid or alkaline?
Beer line cleaner comes in two forms: acid-based and alkaline-based. Acid-based line cleaners, like the traditional PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) widely used for cleaning kegs and lines in craft breweries, are generally composed of a combination of relatively strong acids, including sulfamic acid, citric acid, and phosphoric acid.
On the other hand, alkaline beer line cleaners generally contain strong bases like sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or sodium metasilicate. Alkaline cleaners are known to be more effective against organic debris like proteins, fats, and sugars.
Whichever type of beer line cleaners you choose, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully, especially in regards to concentrations, as high levels of acid/alkaline can be damaging to your lines.
Remember that it is generally easier to contact the manufacturer prior to use in order to figure out the best cleaning routine for your beer line.
What happens if you drink beer line cleaner?
Drinking beer line cleaner can be extremely dangerous and result in severe health complications. Beer line cleaner is a mostly chlorine-based commercial cleaning product containing caustic materials like sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and ammonium bifluoride, which are highly toxic in nature.
Consuming this type of product can cause burns to the mouth, throat and esophagus, as well as ulceration and tissue damage to gastrointestinal tissue.
Other potential symptoms include nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and inner ear and eye irritation or damage. Overdosing on beer line cleaner can lead to liver and kidney failure, metabolic acidosis, respiratory depression, and even death.
Therefore, it is important to treat beer line cleaner as a cleaning product and not a consumable substance.
How much does it cost to clean a beer line?
The cost to clean a beer line depends on several factors, such as the length of the beer line, the type of cleaning solution used, and the complexity of the cleaning job. Generally, a basic beer line cleaning job can cost anywhere between $25 – $60 depending on the length of the line.
More complex and lengthy beer line cleaning jobs can cost $100 – $200 or more. Furthermore, different cleaning solutions may have additional costs associated with them, as well as labor costs if you have a professional do the job.
