Picnic tap- cleaning

[kmlavoy]

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]

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

 

[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...

 

[EdWort]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[abracadabra]

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.

 

[fishnfever]

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

I wanted to say I just did this same method over the weekend and it was very easy. I had some old brew in the tap line for a few weeks . Well after I took the QD and tap apart, drained what was left in the line and thought that I would never get the "stains" out. To my surprise after a soak in warm BLC and gave a good rinse the line was completely spotless :rockin:


Great tips!!!!!

 

[mhaugan]

This info help immensely. I knew I had mold in the keggerator and was managing it, but the unholy mess that was in my picnic taps was incredible. Can't imagine it wasn't causing some incredibly bad off flavors.

 

[Homercidal]

Huh. . . I never even thought to clean those things. I guess that will be on my list next time I get the cleaning supplies out!

 

[dunleav1]

Huh. . . I never even thought to clean those things. I guess that will be on my list next time I get the cleaning supplies out!

Huh, I never noticed the quick disconnects come apart.
I'll be adding that to my cleaning regime.

 

[BeerPressure]

before this thread i had no idea how to take apart the quick disconnects to clean.

I am a kegging newb though.

 

[TorribleBrew]

good info...thank you!

 

[day_trippr]

Occasionally I'll tap one of the kegs in the pre-keezer queue for a taste using my picnic faucet. I immediately clean it out using one of these...

It's not just for kleening keezers!

Cheers!