Remove ball lock fitting?

[jermillion]

As you can tell from my question, I'm new to kegging. But I refuse to be embarassed and will go ahead and ask my newbee question.

Do I have to remove the ball lock fitting from the end of my line to use a handpump cleaning system for my beer lines? I thought it would be easy. I poured in the cleaning solution. Screwed it into the spot were I unscrewed my tap handle and began to pump. But nothing would go through.

I was hoping I wouldn't have to unclamp my hoses and remove the ball lock fitting each time. They are a pain to reconnect, especially when using ear clamps instead of regular screw clamps.

 

[thatjonguy]

Just unscrew the top of the ball lock fitting with a flat head, but be careful there is a small spring and an o-ring in addition to the plastic plug thing. Then put the disassembled fitting in a small container to catch the cleaning solution. Also, I would put the spring and other components in the container but don't dump them down the drain

 

[jermillion]

That did the trick. I appreciate the info.

Cheers!

 

[zachattack]

Alternatively, attach the ball lock fitting to your (just emptied) keg, with the lid removed. This will push the cleaner/sanitizer through the dip tube.

I really like having MFL fittings for this purpose. That, and the fact that it makes it very easy to switch to a Sankey coupler.