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BigHead33 · 02-12-2013, 09:34 PM

I own 4 ball lock corny kegs and I have in the past just poured sanitizer in through the ball lock valves to clean/sanitize them. I am wondering if it is possible and perhaps a better idea to remove the valves temporarily from the kegs to sanitize them. Thanks

MachineShopBrewing · 02-12-2013, 09:46 PM

Yes, you should be removing them to clean and sanitize unless you build a pump type CIP system as some have built on the forum.

**Bernie3761** · 02-12-2013, 09:47 PM

I remove the valves every other beer and give them a good cleaning and then sanitize and lube. When I don't do that I just fill the keg with hot water and run it through the lines followed by oxy and then finally starsan. Never had a problem doing it this way.

**b-boy** · 02-12-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernie3761

I remove the valves every other beer and give them a good cleaning and then sanitize and lube. When I don't do that I just fill the keg with hot water and run it through the lines followed by oxy and then finally starsan. Never had a problem doing it this way.

I generally do this as well. If you have a few kegs to clean you can setup an assembly line and run cleaner/water/sanitizer through them one at a time from keg to keg.

**PrestonShed** · 02-12-2013, 09:51 PM

I remove the posts and dip tubes for every second beer. You can clean everything and then replace/relube all the washers that way.

I often find little bits of hops and other stuff trapped in the valves.

BigHead33 · 02-13-2013, 11:46 AM

Thanks for the input. I tried to remove the valves with a wrench but I couldnt budge them. Can anybody recommend a good way to get those loose? Also, what is it exactly in these valves that need lube? Thanks

**MalFet** · 02-13-2013, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHead33

Thanks for the input. I tried to remove the valves with a wrench but I couldnt budge them. Can anybody recommend a good way to get those loose? Also, what is it exactly in these valves that need lube? Thanks

Are you using a 7/8" deep socket wrench? If they get really stuck on there, sometimes you need a longer ratchet bar for more torque.

**sctocinci** · 02-13-2013, 12:02 PM

Try putting the wrench over the post and hitting the end of the open end with a hammer. Or probably a rubber mallet might be better if you have one.

MachineShopBrewing · 02-13-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sctocinci

Try putting the wrench over the post and hitting the end of the open end with a hammer. Or probably a rubber mallet might be better if you have one.

Yep. Do this. I squeeze my kegs between my legs and tap a 7/8" box wrench to loosen them.

BigHead33 · 02-13-2013, 02:42 PM

Thanks guys, I will try it with a socket instead of a wrench. What exactly needs lubrication inside these valves once I have them apart?