Line Length for Picnic Tap

I am setting up my kegging and was going to use the standard 5' of 3/16" bev line. In reading up , it seems some find even this length foamy and have moved to 10' of 1/4" line. Recommendations for the best pour with just a picnic faucet?

That would be 10' of 3/16"line, I have never had any problems with 5 or 6 foot taplines.

all depends on pressure

7-8psi (low carbed beers): 5' is fine
12-15psi: 10'

all 3/16

I'd use 10' of 3/16" line, I might even start at 12'.

IMO, if it pours a little slow it's no big deal and if the hose is too long you can always cut it shorter. But if it pours too fast and the hose is too short you're kinda screwed.

I see all kinds of claims that this length works and that length works but for me, dispensing @ 12-14 psi, I cannot go any shorter than 10' of 3/16" line or it pours too fast. I don't notice much difference between picnic taps and Perlicks regarding required line length.

You could go with the standard party taps and this...works great.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/cure-your-short-hose-troubles-100151/

Cool, another reason this site is so cool! I will get some of those to try. Anyone have extras?

Kayos said:

Cool, another reason this site is so cool! I will get some of those to try. Anyone have extras?

Click to expand...

Those insert-things are very cheap. I have some but have never actually used them. For me, they are for super highly carbed beers being served on my 'standard' line lengths. It's way easier for me to just have plenty of line length and not have to futz with those inserts. If a tap flows too slowly it's just a couple more seconds to fill a pint and I can always 'make' foam.

SpanishCastleAle said:

Those insert-things are very cheap. I have some but have never actually used them. For me, they are for super highly carbed beers being served on my 'standard' line lengths. It's way easier for me to just have plenty of line length and not have to futz with those inserts. If a tap flows too slowly it's just a couple more seconds to fill a pint and I can always 'make' foam.

Click to expand...

OK, then back to my original questions.....5'? 10'?

Kayos said:

OK, then back to my original questions.....5'? 10'?

Click to expand...

OK, then back to my original answer:

SpanishCastleAle said:

I'd use 10' of 3/16" line, I might even start at 12'.

Click to expand...

Better to error too long then too short, I vote 10'

Kayos said:

OK, then back to my original questions.....5'? 10'?

Click to expand...

motobrewer said:

all depends on pressure

7-8psi (low carbed beers): 5' is fine
12-15psi: 10'

all 3/16

Click to expand...

lol

Hammy71 said:

You could go with the standard party taps and this...works great.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/cure-your-short-hose-troubles-100151/

Click to expand...

I find it takes 2 or 3 of these per keg for my system. If you order a dozen they get cheaper, and its cheap shipping so just stock up on em.

They are AWESOME. I keep forgetting to take one to my brew club meeting to show others how to balance with short short line lengths.

SpanishCastleAle said:

OK, then back to my original answer:

Click to expand...

Touche!

I will start there....thanks all!

The amount of foam is going to depend on
1. Keg pressure
2. Line Diameter
3. Line Length
4. Height above liquid level in keg

To reduce foam you decrease numbers 1 and 2 and increase 3 and 4.

Obviously it is best to try 1 at a time

Kayos said:

OK, then back to my original questions.....5'? 10'?

Click to expand...

I used 6' and have been pleased...next time replacing lines I might go up to 7'...10' seems a little long unless you want to pour some real fizzy brew.