From the Brewer’s Association:

“Clean beer lines are integral to maintaining the quality of craft beer.

Small and independent craft brewers devote a lot of time, effort and resources to make the best possible beer for consumers. Ingredients are handpicked, the latest technological advances in brewing are used and batches of beer are tested throughout the process to ensure superior quality. That hard work can be ruined in the time it takes the beer to travel from the keg to the glass if the draught system/lines have not been properly cleaned and maintained.”

• At a minimum, you should clean your draught line every two weeks with an alkaline detergent cleaner to remove protein and films that build up quickly.
• The cleaning chemical should be recirculated through the product line for a minimum of 15 minutes at a velocity up to two gallons/minute. Soaking product lines is not recommended, but the cleaning solution should be left in-line for at least 20 minutes if recirculation is not an option.
• All faucets should be completely disassembled and cleaned every two weeks. Make sure to replace any damaged seals or gaskets.
• Acid cleaning should be performed quarterly to remove inorganic compounds such as “beer stone,” which are mineral deposits.
• All vinyl jumpers and vinyl direct draw lines should be replaced annually.
• Couplers should be replaced based on condition. Inspect the coupler bottom seal and O-rings, to make sure they are properly lubricated with a food-grade lubricant.
• Good quality, well-maintained couplers, faucets and shanks can last a lifetime. Parts that are 100 percent stainless steel are the most reliable and will provide the best quality experience for your staff and customers.
• Always make sure to rinse lines with clean water after cleaning!
• Draught lines may need to be replaced after pouring root beer, fruit or pepper-flavored beers, sour beers, margaritas or ciders in order to avoid permanent flavor influence.

Read the complete article: THE IMPORTANCE OF DRAUGHT BEER LINE CLEANING

Note that those guidelines are written from the commercial perspective, although all concepts still hold true, with a little tweaking as it makes sense to your setup.

Check out my Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Build.  That makes cleaning your homebrew kegerator draft lines.

Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

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