Draft line diameter

[tommybrew]

I need to replace my draft line, as the one I have now is way too short. I cut the barbed swivel nut off the end so I could measure the inside diameter to see what size line I need to buy. When I measure the inside diameter (inside wall to inside wall) of the hose, it's 1/4", however when I measure the inside diameter of the swivel nut, it's 3/16". Do I need to buy 1/4" or 3/16" tubing?

 

[BrewerBrad82]

If it is a standard fridge/freezer style keggerator with the bev lines on the inside, you are best off with ~6 feet of 3/16" ID beer line, provided your temperature is right around 38F with a serving pressure of about 12 psi. Perfect pours every time.

 

[tommybrew]

Yeah, that's right on par with what I've read other places. Will I be able to fit 3/16" tubing on the current swivel nut and the part that connects to the back of the faucet?

 

[BrewerBrad82]

You sure can. The tubing will stretch enough to make the connections. To make it really easy, fill a coffee mug with some water and pop it in the microwave for a minute or so to get it quite hot. Dip the ends of the beer line in the hot water for 20 seconds to really soften it, and then press it onto the barbs. Easy peasy!

 

[day_trippr]

Before you make the mistake of 6 foot long 3/16" ID beer lines, check out the only beer line length calculator worth using. It might change your mind...

Cheers!

 

[gnef]

Yup, when I was using 3/16" ID PVC tubing, I settled on 10ft. I much prefer a slower pour than a faster pour.

 

[whoaru99]

I'm using 3/16" too, @38F, 12-13 psi, 12-15ft works good for me.

 

[ScrewyBrewer]

I have 2 Perlick Perl taps and connected one with 8 feet of 3/16 inside diameter thick wall beer line and the other with 10 feet of 3/16 inside diameter thick wall beer line and they both pour perfect drafts. I usually carbonate between 12 - 15 psi depending on the style of beer.

I just checked the lengths using the calculator mentioned at http://www.mikesoltys.com/2012/09/17/determining-proper-hose-length-for-your-kegerator/ and it calculated what I have been using too. Thanks for sharing that.