HOW TO PROPERLY SHUT DOWN A DRAFT LINE SYSTEM
Here are a few tips how to properly shut down a draft system when preparing to close down your operation for the season. Please reach out to us or your third-party draft company if you are not comfortable or familiar with how best to shut down your draft system.
Inside the keg cooler: ideal scenario
1. Disconnect couplers from kegs
2. Have local line cleaner (Clean Beer or Lenox) flush the lines with HOT water and blow lines out with air. This should NOT be done by CO2 unless they have the proper equipment and detectors.
3. Make sure there is no standing beer in the body (neck) of the keg – rinse body with water, then dry
4. Turn off CO2 gas regulators for each beer line
5. Turn off main CO2/Nitrogen gas supply if draft system is only user
6. Only if beer lines are blown out, you can turn off glycol power pack. You can also opt to raise the temperature and run power pack at 40°F+
7. Place keg couplers (handle upwards – disengaged position) in a mild food grade sanitizer & water solution
Inside the keg cooler: when blowing out beer lines is not an option
1. Disconnect couplers from kegs
2. Have local line cleaner (Clean Beer or Lenox) flush the lines with water and fill the lines with a mild caustic soda solution (0.5% - 1.0% concentration level). NO SUBSTITUTION – don’t fill lines with a sanitizer of sorts as they contain chlorine – bleach agents which could be absorbed into the lines and potentially harm the integrity of the beer lines.
3. Make sure there is no standing beer in the body (neck) of the keg – rinse body with water, then dry
4. Turn off CO2 gas regulators for each beer line
5. Turn off main CO2/Nitrogen gas supply if draft system is only user
5. Do not turn off glycol power pack – you can raise temperature and run power pack at 35 - 40°F
6. Place keg couplers (handle upwards – disengaged position) in a mild food grade sanitizer& water solution
Shutting Down Draft Lines At the Bar
1. With a bar towel immersed in sanitizer, wipe down faucets (inside as well), to clean off any beer residue to eliminate bacteria growth
2. Keep the tap faucets in the closed position; wrap plastic wrap around the faucets/tower
3. Ensure bar drains have been flushed with hot water and approved cleaning solution; when completely dry, cover drain hole with plastic wrap