How often do you take apart the bleichman ball valve?

[Beernewb]

and clean it on the kettle?

I just usually run pbw through it and then water. i ahve never taking it apart...it has to get pretty darn hot in there during the boil, so I assume that sanatizes it too? Looks like a lot of nuts and bolts...nuts and bolt scare me, i usually have extra after a job like this...

 

[moonbrew]

Ive had mine a year or more and I have taken mine apart once. It's not that complicated, just pay attention as you take it apart as to where everything goes. If you are really scared about it take a few pics with your phone as you tear it down. Really its not that big a deal. If your using PBW and then a good rinse, then is not that often you would need to tear it down anyway.

alright then

 

[schweaty]

It's really easy to disassemble and reassemble. If you know you're not going to be brewing for a prolonged period of time its always a good idea to take apart the valve and give it a good soak and sanatize. I try to do that about once every 3 months.

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

I clean it when it tells me too...Meaning, after 3,4,5 batches if you really take a look inside you may start seeing some buildup in there. That's when it's time to clean.

 

[bendavanza]

How about the 2 piece valves?

 

[ScubaSteve]

I've NEVER done it. Never had a problem, either! Nonetheless, the 2-piece valves can be disassembled.

 

[MSUConrad]

I took mine apart after about a year, and did a 24 hour soak in PBW. I run PBW through my system to clean it, and the valves looked very clean.

But after that soak, I will start doing it more often. I don't know where that stuff hides, but it was gross! On the flip side, with all the heat it gets subjected to during the boil I doubt anything was living.