How do you sanitize the valves on corny keg?

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BigHead33

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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
 
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.
 
Bernie3761 said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
BigHead33 said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
BigHead33 said:
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?
Click to expand...

The lubrication just serves to allow the pieces to tighten down properly to get a good seal. I haven't used any kind of keg lube in ages, but some kegs need it occasionally.
 

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