What ID Line are you Using for Beer and Gas?

[blackcows]

My kegerator has evolved from 2 taps to 5 over the last several years. It has been put togeather at different times with different parts. I should probably leave it alone becuase it works but I think I have a small gas leak and also it's probably time to change the lines since they have been in place for so long.

Gas Lines:

I want to use solid color lines for my gas so that I can quickly identity them. Right now some of my gas lines are 1/4 and some are 5/16...probably what I had or what I could find when I added on. Is one size better than the other for gas? Does the OD matter for a gas line?

Beer Lines:

Right now I have one line that is 1/4 and the others are 3/16. They vary in length from 4.5 feet to 6 feet....again not really sure why the differences, probably what I had or could find when I was putting it togeather. NB catalog says 3\16 or 1\4 for beer....either one prefered?

Mike

 

[Yooper]

My kegerator has evolved from 2 taps to 5 over the last several years. It has been put togeather at different times with different parts. I should probably leave it alone becuase it works but I think I have a small gas leak and also it's probably time to change the lines since they have been in place for so long.

Gas Lines:

I want to use solid color lines for my gas so that I can quickly identity them. Right now some of my gas lines are 1/4 and some are 5/16...probably what I had or what I could find when I added on. Is one size better than the other for gas? Does the OD matter for a gas line?

Beer Lines:

Right now I have one line that is 1/4 and the others are 3/16. They vary in length from 4.5 feet to 6 feet....again not really sure why the differences, probably what I had or could find when I was putting it togeather. NB catalog says 3\16 or 1\4 for beer....either one prefered?

Mike

For gas lines, size doesn't matter. I use the "red" gas line from the automotive supply store, the line for things like air compressors I guess.

For beer lines, though, it does matter! You need the right resistance for dispensing pressure. Generally, unless you have a bar or someplace with a super long run, you want 3/16" line with about 8-10'. That gives a perfect pour at fridge temps with about 9-18 psi.

 

[audger]

agreed with above. i like using the clear 3/16" 'beer' line with 1/4" barbs for gas as well as for beer, so that when you get the line over the barb (put the tube in some boiling water for a minute to soften) it will often not even need a clamp once it cools back down. if you use 1/4" line on 1/4" fittings, it will require a clamp, but it will be removable if you need.

 

[JRems]

I use 10' of 3/16" per faucet, and 1/4" for gas line.