Most Essential Maintenance for Draft Beverage Systems
In any draft beer system, organic and inorganic deposits build up and they can become exposed to the drinks running through the lines. If harmful substances like bacteria, mold, or yeast form, they can negatively impact a beverage’s taste and pose a health risk to guests. Here, Northwest Draft Technicians discusses the most important draft beer maintenance and cleaning practices to follow, so establishments can consistently provide customers with fresh, flavorful drinks.
Inspect System Parts Constantly
Through regular inspections, business owners and staff members take note of cracks, leaks, or corrosion. To take the responsibility of routine maintenance of your hands, it can be helpful to trust Northwest Draft Technicians to perform maintenance services. While different beverage units may include unique parts, common components in systems that are maintained include:
- Gas source and lines: These structures deliver gas from the keg coupler to an air tank.
- Beer lines: Beer travels from a keg through these pathways to faucets to serve customers.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) tank: Pressurized carbon dioxide fills a keg’s headspace, creating a force to push beer through beer lines and faucets.
- Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas cylinders: These tools pressurize kegs by storing carbon dioxide that pushes beer out of a keg.
- Draft tower: Also called a beer tap tower, this is the place where faucets connect to the beer lines.
- Faucets: Beer flows from these instruments through a connection to beer lines from a draft tower.
- Keg: The aluminum and stainless-steel composition of these beer containers helps keep drinks cool.
- Keg coupler: This device allows carbon dioxide to enter a keg and adds pressure that allows the beer to come out.
- Primary and secondary lines and regulators: These are controls of the high-pressure gas produced by a carbon dioxide tank which allow establishments to serve drinks with different carbonation levels.
- Refrigeration unit: Different styles of these cooling systems allow drinks to stay at their ideal serving temperature.
- Tailpieces and connectors: These instruments attach wall brackets, shanks, and other pieces of equipment to beer lines.
Regularly Clean All System Equipment
Monitor a System’s Air Pressure and Temperature
When hearing complaints of a drink appearing too foamy or tasting flat, the unit probably has an air pressure issue. It’s important to watch the carbon dioxide levels in beverage systems, especially for beer, which should be set at the right applied pressure based on carbonation level, serving altitude, and temperature.
The best pounds per square inch (PSI) ranges for different beer styles are:
- Stouts and Belgian beer: 8-10 PSI
- Ales, ambers, American sours, IPAs, and pale ales: 10-12 PSI
- Lagers, pilsners, and wheat beer: 12-14 PSI
Effective draft beer maintenance includes watching its temperature, as well. Cool beer stays fresher, more carbonated, and flavorful. Many consider 38°F to be the best temperature for it. At Northwest Draft Technicians, we can ensure towers have ample insulation and the cooling capabilities to the tap aren’t disrupted, lowering the risk of major temperature changes.
Keg Maintenance
If your system has a keg, consistently check O-rings around kegs and see that they’re properly coated with lubricant. Prevent leaks by making sure all connections to a keg are tightened, particularly around the lid and posts. Keep a temperature control because a keg with any type of liquid in it can burst from freezing. You can access maintenance services at Northwest Draft Technicians, so you don’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to check your equipment.
Trust Northwest Draft Technicians with Your Draft Beer Maintenance Needs
Implementing effective draft beer maintenance habits is the best way to keep a beverage system in the ideal condition and deliver quality drinks consistently. Northwest Draft Technicians in Portland, Oregon, is here to assist you with beverage unit care and maintenance. We also provide customization for draft beer systems, trays, and towers. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
