Length of tubing

xhcadamx · 11-11-2009, 06:59 PM

I am going to be building a 4 tap keezer soon and I am trying to find out how long of tubing I will need from the ball lock to the faucet. I know if you go too short too much foaming is a problem and I am sure there are problems if the tubing is too long. I have tried a google search and searched other threads here without any luck. Any references / advice would be greatly appreciated.

Suthrncomfrt1884 · 11-11-2009, 07:02 PM

I use 6ft. on mine. I get lots of foam on the first pour, but after that it's fine. I'd suggest about 6-10' per keg. I know that's a ton of line, but you'll be glad you used it.

maida7 · 11-11-2009, 07:11 PM

It depends on the serving pressure, diameter of tubing, style of beer, temp in the fridge, height difference between the beer and the faucet, etc...

6'-10' should work fine. 6' will be fast pouring but foamy. 10' will be slow pour and no foam. make sure you get the thick wall high quality tubing. 3/16" inside diameter works great.

KUbrew · 11-11-2009, 08:46 PM

This is a good article from balancing your kegging system.

wildwest450 · 11-11-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maida7

6'-10' should work fine. 6' will be fast pouring but foamy. 10' will be slow pour and no foam. make sure you get the thick wall high quality tubing. 3/16" inside diameter works great.

No, no, no,no. There are a lot of factors that cause foaming and 6ft line isn't one of them. I would start with 8ft, you can always trim them(to speed pouring if necessary) after everything has been adjusted.

Don't skimp on tubing, the best is from micromatic, it's awesome stuff.

maida7 · 11-11-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwest450

No, no, no,no. There are a lot of factors that cause foaming and 6ft line isn't one of them. I would start with 8ft, you can always trim them(to speed pouring if necessary) after everything has been adjusted.

Don't skimp on tubing, the best is from micromatic, it's awesome stuff.

What's the deal? You disagree with me then repeat everything I just wrote

wildwest450 · 11-11-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maida7

What's the deal? You disagree with me then repeat everything I just wrote

No, it's just that 6 feet of line should work fine in most setups, my lines are 5' and 6'. Most homebrewers aren't willing to balance or tinker with their systems in order to get them properly set. I'm conceding when I suggested 8ft of line, it's just is a pet peeve of mine when people suggest 10ft of line. I mean how much free time do people have to wait 5 minutes for their glass to fill up?

I know i'll get blasted for it, but i'm tough I can take it.

**BargainFittings** · 11-12-2009, 01:07 AM

I'm going to suggest an alternative.

I've successfully utilized mixers in my out tubes on kegs and cut the tubing down to just long enough to reach the taps with just a bit of slack to make them easy to unhook.

mcmaster.com part number 74695A12

I also use them on my portable keg setup and have a 12 inch "whip" picnic tap on them.

**MultumInParvo** · 11-12-2009, 01:23 AM

Sometimes people just like it longer. I've heard that others don't mind it short, but if I were you I would risk being too long that being too short.

**greenbirds** · 11-12-2009, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BargainFittings

I'm going to suggest an alternative.

I've successfully utilized mixers in my out tubes on kegs and cut the tubing down to just long enough to reach the taps with just a bit of slack to make them easy to unhook.

mcmaster.com part number 74695A12

I also use them on my portable keg setup and have a 12 inch "whip" picnic tap on them.

+1, see this post: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/cure-your-short-hose-troubles-100151/

I have not cut down my 5 foot lines, but I have found 1 mixer for pale ales, porters, stouts, and 2 for more carbed stuff like hefes works very nicely.