Getting Started With Kegs

[ben_harvey]

Hi guys,

Sorry for the newbie post but I've had a look around and can't seem to find all the answers I'm after.

I'm going to get in to kegging (hooray!) and would like to check I have the right idea. My set-up will most likely be:

- 4 x 19 L kegs (deal from Craftbrewer)
- Regulator (single pressure out)
- gas bottle (not sure whether I'll hire or buy yet)
- 4 x beer line disconnects
- 4 x gas line disconnects
- non-return valve
- T-pieces as required for the gas line (probably 3) or a 4-way manifold
- font and taps
- beer and gas lines


Am I missing anything?


Now some questions:

Will the kegs hold pressure if disconnected from the gas line?
Where is a good place to get a font? ebay?
If you haven't served a beer in a while does the beer in the line go bad/flat?


Thanks for any help.

Ben

 

[Mayor of Mildura]

As long as your kegs seal properly they will hold pressure when you disconnect the gas.

I've just tried some beer from my system that has been sitting in the lines for a few weeks. it tasted a little yeasty and stale. I tipped the first glass and all is good now.

Your list looks pretty right. If you're buying kegs from craftbrewer give them a call. they'll let you know if you're missing anything.

cheers

 

[DU99]

don't forget the cleaning & sanitizer

 

[michael_aussie]

Hi guys,

Sorry for the newbie post but I've had a look around and can't seem to find all the answers I'm after.

I'm going to get in to kegging (hooray!) and would like to check I have the right idea. My set-up will most likely be:

- 4 x 19 L kegs (deal from Craftbrewer)
- Regulator (single pressure out)
- gas bottle (not sure whether I'll hire or buy yet)
- 4 x beer line disconnects
- 4 x gas line disconnects
- non-return valve
- T-pieces as required for the gas line (probably 3) or a 4-way manifold
- font and taps
- beer and gas lines


Am I missing anything?


Now some questions:

Will the kegs hold pressure if disconnected from the gas line?
Where is a good place to get a font? ebay?
If you haven't served a beer in a while does the beer in the line go bad/flat?


Thanks for any help.

Ben

i haven't had any problems with bad beer in my lines... but i drink every night

you could get some picnic taps if you don't want to go the whole hog and get a 4 tap font.
i'd suggest a tap cleaning brush .. for getting the little nooks and crannies, and a long keg line brush for cleaning the liquide dip tube for your kegs
some sort of lube.. i use KY but have ordered some cheap lube.....
teflon thread tape for any dodgey connections
keg/line cleaner
some buckets
a 7/8" ring spanner (or is it 3/4"??) .. I'm pretty sure it's 7/8"
a squirt bottle and some detergent for checking for leaks
a fridge or freezer ... doh!!
some glasses .....
a chair to relax and enjoy

 

[Ross]

Ben,

I've sent you a pm.

Cheers Ross

 

[ben_harvey]

Cheers for the help guys.


Ross - thanks for the PM, I might give you a call tomorrow.


I assume that I will need the CO2 before I start putting beer in the kegs (i.e. if I want to use the fermenter for another batch) as I'll need to purge the oxygen somehow.