Picnic tap- cleaning

kmlavoy · 07-08-2008, 07:23 PM

So, I have a picnic tap/hose attached to a ball lock connector. I used it over the weekend to check my beer pressure (it was flat, as a I had a leak in the keg). Fixed the leak, all is well.

Now how do I clean the picnic tap/tubing? It's connected with one of those Oetiker connectors that you need a special tool to clamp. Should I just dunk the thing in a cleaning solution, and then dunk it in a rinsing solution? It doesn't seem like any water goes in when I just open it. Maybe I'm just weird.

**ShortSnoutBrewing** · 07-08-2008, 07:26 PM

Take your disconnect apart, connect auto-siphon end to picnic tap, open tap, push cleaner through line.

homebrewer_99 · 07-08-2008, 08:55 PM

I take the QD apart (screwdriver), rinse parts, open tap and run hot water through it...place on a hook to dry and reassemble...

**EdWort** · 07-08-2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homebrewer_99

I take the QD apart (screwdriver), rinse parts, open tap and run hot water through it...place on a hook to dry and reassemble...

I do the same, but add a little soak in some hot BLC to it. It takes care of beer stone.

**fishnfever** · 07-08-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homebrewer_99

I take the QD apart (screwdriver), rinse parts, open tap and run hot water through it...place on a hook to dry and reassemble...

Sorry to ask but QD is the Quick disconnect? What is the easiest way to get these apart? the last time I tried I could not get the line of the barbed part. Should I have soaked it in warm water to soften the hose?

**ShortSnoutBrewing** · 07-08-2008, 09:26 PM

You are not taking the beer line off. If you look at the top of your QD there is a slot, perfect for a flat head screwdriver.

**fishnfever** · 07-08-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kilted Brewer

You are not taking the beer line off. If you look at the top of your QD there is a slot, perfect for a flat head screwdriver.

Oh.... I have seen the slot and always wondered what is was for lol. Once I was going to try a screw driver to open it but then thought maybe I shouldn't lol. I will have to tyr that next time.

**FSR402** · 07-09-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishnfever

Oh.... I have seen the slot and always wondered what is was for lol. Once I was going to try a screw driver to open it but then thought maybe I shouldn't lol. I will have to tyr that next time.

There is a small spring and vavle and also a small o-ring seal in there. Don't lose them.

**Bobby_M** · 07-09-2008, 04:22 PM

Oh, the picnic faucet top also threads off and you'd be surpised how gross it can get in there.

abracadabra · 07-09-2008, 08:00 PM

When I'm cleaning and sanitizing cornies, once I've finished with one:
I'll pressurize the cornies with compressed air and then transfer the cleaning solution or sanitizing solution from one cornie to the next using my picnic tap.