Cleaning the Beer Lines - 1
Another important factor in serving quality draught is having clean beer lines.
All beer lines, regardless of the volume of draught, need regular cleaning and rinsing.
- How often? At least once every two weeks. Be guided by your local/state guidelines.
- Why clean them? A sediment adheres to the inside of beer lines that can result in an off-taste condition. Thorough cleaning gets rid of any sediment so you can draw fresh-tasting draught.
Who cleans the lines?
In many states, beer distributors clean lines. But some states require an outside line cleaner. If you use an outside service:
- Monitor its cleaning methods and chemicals.
- Ensure that faucets and tapping equipment are taken apart, examined and cleaned.
- Assure faucets receive a thorough cleaning. Occasionally they can get immersed in beer when improperly poured.
Materials for Cleaning the Lines
- Fresh water, buckets, towels
- A brewery-required line cleaner (see list below)
- Spanner wrench to remove faucets
- Faucet cleaning attachment, twin male coupler
- Tools/wrenches for disassembling tapping equipment
- Brush, electric pumps, cleaning pots or hand pumps
Brewery-approved beer line cleaners
The following chemicals have been laboratory tested by Anheuser-Busch for their effectiveness in removing bacteria. The manufacturers can refer you to distributors in your area for additional information or for placing an order.
- Penetrate Cleaner and Double Alkaline Cleaner
National Chemicals, Inc.
800-533-0027
- Richco Coil Clean Beer Line Concentrated Cleaner
Richardson Chemical Products Co.
800-743-6417
- AB 401 Line Cleaner Concentrate
LW Chemicals, Inc.
877-88DRAFT (883-7238)
or direct to LW Chemicals
217-999-4444
- Draftec Liquid Beer Line Cleaner
EPC Consulting/BDT Innovative Chemicals
877-642-0245
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