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Author Topic: Keg maintance  (Read 872 times)

Offline nightwing14

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Keg maintance
« on: October 23, 2011, 03:16:44 PM »
So I just got a keg for free from a friend and it had been neglected for sometime so it is kind of crody on the outside and there was some wine in it that was quite old.  What should I do to get ready to put a brew in it.  Also I have no experience in kegging maintance at all so anything will help.
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Online mabrungard

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Re: Keg maintance
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2011, 03:58:46 PM »
A hot soak with PBW will help.  Disassemble all the posts, poppets, and dip tubes.  Make sure the o-rings are replaced if you're concerned that the previous use will impart flavor to your beers.  Sanitize with StarSan.
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Martin Brungard, P.E. D.WRE
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Offline hopfenundmalz

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Re: Keg maintance
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2011, 04:12:43 PM »
You might want to get the long skinny brush that can be used in the dip tube.  Same as a .22 caliber rifle cleaning brush I have been told.

Martin has good advice for the rest of the procedure.
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Jeff Rankert
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Offline aviking427

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Re: Keg maintance
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2011, 05:57:03 PM »
I would suggest getting some keg lube and putting it on the new gaskets. It helps keep them from getting dry and allows for a nice seal.
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Offline boapiu

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Re: Keg maintance
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2011, 05:36:18 AM »
You said you had no experience in keg maintenance. Do you have experience kegging? I ask because I just got started kegging and was surprised at the associated expenses - Co2 tank and regulator, faucets, etc. There was a back issue of BYO that addressed getting started and I thought was pretty good. Pressure testing your cleaned and refurbished keg is a good idea before you trust your brew to it.
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Offline tumarkin

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Re: Keg maintance
« Reply #5 on: October 24, 2011, 06:20:20 AM »
good advice above for the functional aspects. just for appearance, if you want to get rid of the "crody" look; Bar Keepers Friend (it's non-abrasive) and a green scrubby pad work wonders.
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Mark Tumarkin
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Offline wingnut

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Re: Keg maintance
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2011, 07:55:04 PM »
I have also used my oscilating sander with 400 grit sand paper followed by 1000 grit automotive paint sandpaper.  They sparkle and shine now!
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Offline bluesman

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Re: Keg maintance
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2011, 04:45:20 AM »
I also agree with Martin and Jeff...

hot rinse
disassemble all parts
brush out dip tube
hot PBW soak overnight
hot rinse
starsan
pressure check
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Ron Price
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