How to Disconnect Beer Lines From a Cooler

Beer tap lines have to be disconnected to replace kegs in the cooler.

Beer lines that come from a beer keg through a cooler have to be disconnected periodically to replace kegs and to clean. Ideally, beer lines should be cleaned each time a keg is switched out with a new one, so that bacteria doesn't build up in the beer line system. Effectively maintaining beer lines also requires disconnecting the lines in a way that doesn't distort the lines or any parts that connect the lines.

Instructions

1. Turn off the CO2 gas, which pressurizes the beer and pumps it through the lines. Close the cylinder valve located on top of the cylinder by turning it clockwise. Flip the CO2 shutoff valve switch located on the regulator.

2. Remove the keg coupler from the keg by pulling up the locking handles, turning it counterclockwise and lifting up from the keg.

3. Unscrew the wing nut holding the beer line hose onto the keg coupler by turning it counterclockwise. The hose will come off as the nut loosens and you pull the hose away from the coupler.

References

• Realbeer: This Old Kegerator
• Make Beer at Home: Draft Beer System Components
• Beverage Factory: Common Beer Line Cleaning Questions