| Know you're serving the best - keep your draft beer system clean! |
Regular cleaning of the beer line, faucet, and keg coupler is extremely important. If this is not done, bacteria, yeast, mold, and beer stone will build up and quickly degrade the quality of draft beer. A few minutes spent cleaning on a regular basis will greatly add to your draft beer enjoyment!
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| Cleaning |
Information |
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Do I need my system cleaned ... and how often? |
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YES ...
Jim's Tap Cleaning uses an "Electric Coil Cleaning System" ... the most efficient method of cleaning lines!
For long draw systems it is recommended to circulate the cleaning solution in the beer/wine line for at least 10 minutes. This method of cleaning requires a motorized cleaning pump. Circulating the cleaning solution is 80 times more effective than static (soaking) line cleaning.
As a maintenance issue, after cleaning it is always a good time to make sure the probe o-rings and bottom seal on the keg coupler are in good condition. We provide the replacement of friction washer, coupling washer, faucet washer and shaft seat as needed. We also make sure the probe o-rings on the keg coupler are properly lubricated (with a food grade lubricant) to allow the keg coupler to work freely and prevent wear and tear that can occur when the keg coupler is tapped and untapped to the keg.
For residential beer/wine applications, cleaning should be performed after every keg or at a minimum of every two weeks. Routine cleaning is essential to maintain quality and fresh taste.
For commercial beer/wine applications, cleaning should be performed at least every two weeks or following brewery/winery recommendations and/or state guidelines.
For commercial soda applications, cleaning should be performed at least every month or following the soda companies guidelines.
PLEASE NOTE:
Jim's Tap Cleaning ONLY uses cleaning chemicals specifically manufactured for beer/wine line cleaning. Only chemicals specifically manufactured for beer/wine line cleaning will dissolve the buildups of bacteria, yeast, mold, and beer stone that occur with draft beer. |
Making the world safe for draft beer: there's a lot of bad draft out there ...
and Jim's Tap Cleaning is doing something about it! |
Unfortunately, draft beer has not been getting its fair share of attention. Thirty years ago, about 70% of beer was served on-premise, and 30% off-premise. Now things are reversed, with 70% of beer sold off-premise and 30% on. Currently, about 9% beer sold in the U.S. is draft.
The gradual decline in draft volume has meant that brewers and wholesalers have been less likely to spend time and attention on draft beer. Less time and attention means more draft beer pushed through dirty lines by obsolete air compressors. All too often, there's something amiss in a retailer's draft system, and it shows up in the glass. |
Do all brands of beers use the same keg tapping equipment? |
Not all brands of beer use the same type of valve in the keg. Each distinct "system" requires matching the appropriate keg coupler to the keg valve. In the US , there are eight different "systems" in use. These are:
- "D" System (American Sankey)
Most North American beers. Breweries: Budweiser, Coors, Miller, Labatt and Molson.
- "S" System (European Sankey)
Many import beers. Breweries: Heineken, Becks, and Amstel Light.
- "A" System (German Slider)
Many German beers. Breweries: Spaten, Warsteiner, and Paulaner.
- "M" System
Is recently introduced to the U.S. market. Body is the same as the German Slider, but the probe configuration is unique.
Breweries: Schneider, Aventinus, and Einbecker.
- "G" System
This system gets its name from the English developer, Grundy. Breweries: Bass, Boddingtion’s, Caffrey’s and Anchor
Steam (50 liter kegs)
- "U" System
This system takes its name from the English manufacturer UEC. Breweries: Guinness and Harp.
- Twin Probe
Limited use by some craft breweries.
- Home Brew Coupler
Ball lock fittings used for home brew tanks.
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What do I need to do if I’m not going to use a beer keg for a while? |
| Make sure the keg remains at the proper temperature and proper pressure. It is not an issue if the keg coupler remains tapped into the keg, or is untapped. But be sure to clean the faucet, beer line, and keg coupler with beer line cleaning chemicals before dispensing again. And keep in mind that all draft beer has a shelf life, and should be consumed before the flavor diminishes.
If you are going to be shutting off the refrigerator and putting it in storage, be sure to thoroughly clean the unit beforehand. This includes cleaning the faucet, beer line, and keg coupler with beer line cleaning chemicals. Cleaning the drip tray, and wiping the entire unit clean and drying the interior thoroughly. And lastly place an open box of baking soda inside the refrigerator to absorb any moisture that may cause mildew. Then when it is taken out of storage, the faucet, beer line, and keg coupler should be cleaned once again before dispensing beer. |
Where can I find replacement parts for my regulator, keg coupler, and faucet? |
Jim's Tap Cleaning can provide sales, service and support for your all of your beer dispensing system needs.
Simply contact Jim's Tap Cleaning for sales and service. |
I'm having a problem ... What Do I Do? |
Almost all dispensing problems are the result of:
- Improper temperature
- Improper pressure
- Cleaning issues
Quick checklist:
- Is the keg is stored between 36-38 ° F, and the same temperature is maintained all the way to the point of dispense?
- Is the CO 2 pressure between 12-14 Lbs?
- Have the Faucet, beer line, and keg coupler been cleaned (with chemicals specifically manufactured for beer line cleaning) on a regular basis?
WILD BEER: Beer, when drawn, is all foam, or too much foam and not enough liquid beer.
- Beer temperature is too warm.
- CO2 pressure is set too high.
- Faucet in bad, dirty, or worn condition.
- Kinks, twists or other obstructions in the beer line.
- Beer drawn improperly.
FLAT BEER: Foamy head disappears quickly; beer lacks brewery fresh flavor.
- Beer temperature is too cold.
- CO2 pressure is set too low.
- Dirty glassware.
CLOUDY BEER: Beer in glass appears hazy, not clear.
- Frozen or nearly frozen beer.
- Beer that has been un-refrigerated for long periods of time.
- Old beer.
- Dirty faucet, beer line, and/or keg coupler.
- Dirty glassware.
FALSE HEAD: Large soap-like bubbles, head dissolves very quickly.
- Dry glasses.
- Improper pour.
Contact Jim's Tap Cleaning for an inspection and possible service
to assure proper operation of your Beer Dispensing System.
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