[Philbrew]

Most of the made up picnic tap assemblies from online HBSs have a 4 ft. hose.  Can I use a shorter length (like 2') ?  I'm using it inside a fridge temporarily until I get some real taps set up in a different fridge.  Or is there something magic about 4 ft.?

[toby]

Generally speaking, it's a formula between line inner diameter and line length to reduce foaming.  That being said, I've seen people with shorty picnic taps (some probably only a foot) that work fine in a pinch.

[a10t2]

Even 4' is pretty short assuming it's 3/16" ID tubing. I'm surprised you're getting a good pour. If you have to go shorter, you'll probably want to reduce the line diameter to prevent foaming. You can also put a little restriction in the line or dip tube: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=20654.0

[euge]

I believe I was issued 5' of bevlex initially to run the a keg off a cobra tap. Worked fine at normal co2 vol ranges.

[Philbrew]

Even 4' is pretty short assuming it's 3/16" ID tubing. I'm surprised you're getting a good pour.

I ain't poured nuthin' yet...I just hate the thought of all the spagetti on top of the keg(s).  Yup, 3/16" tubing.
Will reduced pressure help?

[Philbrew]

Generally speaking, it's a formula between line inner diameter and line length to reduce foaming.  That being said, I've seen people with shorty picnic taps (some probably only a foot) that work fine in a pinch.

Do they reduce pressure to make that work??

[a10t2]

Yeah, you can carbonate at the normal pressure, then reduce it for a short period (a couple hours) to serve at lower pressure.

[Philbrew]

Then there's this from that other thread:

how about no lines at all:
http://fermentap.com/products/faucet-quick-disconnect-assembly.html

i exclusively use these now. doesn't get any more "direct draw" than this. east to take apart and clean. simple design.

Now I'm really confused.  Though I don't think I'd have space (height) for these.

[Stevie]

Those require dispensing at low pressure or the addition of restricters in the beer side dip tube. They are handy.

Epoxy mixer restricter hack. - http://myadventuresinbrewing.blogspot.com/2009/07/too-much-foam.html?m=1

[Philbrew]

Those require dispensing at low pressure or the addition of restricters in the beer side dip tube. They are handy.

Epoxy mixer restricter hack. - http://myadventuresinbrewing.blogspot.com/2009/07/too-much-foam.html?m=1

BINGO!  great info!  I just ordered four of those.  Thanks so much Steve.

Edit:  A whole $5.64 (+shipping) for four of the buggers.  That's a cheap/easy solution if they just halfway work.

[Stevie]

I've never used them personally, but I know a handful of folks that have and they seem to like them.

[kramerog]

Those require dispensing at low pressure or the addition of restricters in the beer side dip tube. They are handy.

Epoxy mixer restricter hack. - http://myadventuresinbrewing.blogspot.com/2009/07/too-much-foam.html?m=1

That is interesting.  I wonder how easy it is to clog one of those things with hop debris.

Is it possible to get picnic taps for 1/8" line?

[BrewBama]

I have cobra valves and the standard four or five foot tap line in my set up. I serve at the same ~12 PSI I carb at. I simply cycle the CO2 line valve open/close depending on too much or lack of pressure. Low tech solution. Works great.

[bassetman]

Slightly tangential , does any one make a picnic tap that actually works? The ones that came with my air keg set will not seal even at four psi. At about half a glass you start fiddling with them to stop the flow. Ten days to ordering Perlicks.

[tommymorris]

Slightly tangential , does any one make a picnic tap that actually works? The ones that came with my air keg set will not seal even at four psi. At about half a glass you start fiddling with them to stop the flow. Ten days to ordering Perlicks.

Mine work at 30PSI. Only been there a few times to unstick a clogged dip tube.

Yours could be cracked. Also, You can take them apart and clean a reseat the plunger. That may help.