How to Tap a Keg
American domestic beer kegs have a holding capacity of up to 15.5 gallons, while imported brands may treat a large get-together or local watering hole with up to 13.2 gallons of suds. A beer keg container features a cylindrical shape and may weigh up to 160 pounds when full. Setting up and improperly taping a keg can result in many undesirable effects which could result in personal injury, damaged tapping equipment and unhappy party patrons or party-goers.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Place the keg bucket in the desired serving area. Always set the keg bucket on a flat even surface.
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2
Line the keg bucket with an appropriate size trash bag.
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3
Fill the trash bag with at least two inches of ice.
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4
Place the keg into the keg bucket. Avoid agitating or rocking the keg as much as possible. Solicit the help of an assistant to move the keg, using the hand grip holes on the top sides.
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5
Center the keg in the keg bucket. Fill the trash bag completely full of ice. Pull up on the top of the trash bag throughout the filling process to pack in as much ice as possible.
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6
Place the keg tap on the exposed ice. Cooling the keg tap cylinder will reduce the likelihood of rapidly heating the beer, causing foam to form when serving.
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7
Allow the keg and keg tap to chill for a couple of hours. Periodically replenish the ice as needed.
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8
Examine the beer tap and place the flange collar or locking lever to the "UNLOCKED" position.
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9
Place the circular pump opening of the tap on the corresponding keg opening. Do not exert a great deal of downward force on the tap, causing the pressurized beverage to erupt from the keg.
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10
Turn the tap clockwise, until it locks into place. Slightly jiggle the tap to ensure proper installation. Do not force the tap if it does not appear to fit the keg; return the tap to the appropriate establishment and obtain a proper replacement.
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11
Press the locking lever down, or turn the flange collar clockwise to the "LOCKED" position.
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12
Lift and lower the pump handle on the tap two or three times. Examine the base of the tap that mates to the keg. Reinstall the tap to the keg if you notice any heavy leaks or apparent bubbles near the base.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always unlock the locking lever or collar before removing the tap from the keg.
