Sticky Faucets. How do I correct this?

[bmckee56]

I have two tap faucets and both get hard to open after sitting a few days without use. I took them apart when I purchased them, cleaned them and sanitized them. I did not lubricate them when I put them back together and maybe this is my problem.

I have poly-lube (I think that is the name). It is food grade lube I use on my wine making equipment. If I need to lube it up, can I use this stuff?

Can anyone advise me on this problem?

Salute!

 

[drunkatuw]

It's a fact of life if you have regular faucets. To prevent it, you need to purchase forward sealing faucets (they're on my Christmas list )

Perlick Stainless Steel Beer Faucet - Superior Products

 

[WBC]

Use food grade lube. Apply when you assemble the faucet.
Get some faucet caps or make your own. It keeps out the bugs and will not let them dry out.

ref: Faucet Plug :: Midwest Supplies Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies

 

[BierMuncher]

Applying lube products to your dispensing system will play havoc with your head retention.

Hardening sugars are a common problem for beer taps.

I just make a habit of grabbing that tap handle (with a glass underneath) and giving it a good rapid back and forth to break the gunk up. Even if I'm not drinking (which is rare), I still try to do this once every day or so to stay on top of the sticking issue.

 

[WBC]

Biermuncher, I did not realize the head on the beer problem if using a lube. Thanks for the tip.

 

[homebrewer_99]

I spray mine down (inside the spout) with Starsan (and wipe dry the outside)before heading off to bed. It keeps "some" of the sugars from crystalizing.

 

[bmckee56]

So, forward sealing faucets will not cause stickiness or hard to operate taps. Good to know, but a little late for me as I have already invested in two regular taps.

Positive note, however is that I will be receiving a Stout Faucet for Christmas. Will this experience similar problems with stickiness or are these units typically forward sealing?

Salute!

 

[McKBrew]

but a little late for me as I have already incested in two regular taps.

This is one case where hitting the letter next to the correct one really makes a big difference in the whole post. You really shouldn't treat your taps that way.

 

[MoRoToRiUm]

My tower came with regular taps... I still invested in the perlicks (also from superior products). It's worth it for me not having to hassle with them.

 

[bmckee56]

This is one case where hitting the letter next to the correct one really makes a big difference in the whole post. You really shouldn't treat your taps that way.

Oops! Corrections made!

Salute!