How to Change a Keg: Transform Your Tap Skills

Keg is an important piece of equipment that helps beer enthusiasts enjoy a fresh and cold brew without any hassle. However, changing it can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the beer dispensing systems. So, understanding how to change a keg helps you know how the system works and ensure fresh brew.

How to Change a Keg

The first step in changing a keg is confirming that it is empty. You don’t want to change a keg containing the beer, which could be a waste. Next, turn off the gas supply and detach the beer and gas lines from the coupler. You will then want to relieve the pressure by pulling the pressure relief valve.

Once disconnected, lift the empty keg out of the kegerator or keezer. Now, it’s time to prepare the new keg. Sanitize the top thoroughly to maintain the quality of beer. After sanitizing, connect the gas and beer lines to the new keg using the keg coupler.

Changing a Keg Step by Step

Changing a keg is a process that requires proper attention to ensure everything is done correctly. Here is a step by step guide:

Step 1: Confirm That Your Old Keg Is Empty

Many people ignore this step because they think the keg is completely empty when beer has stopped flowing. Your beer may have stopped flowing due to certain reasons. For instance, the keg may have run out of gas or was not connected correctly. Another reason is an electrical fault if the system uses a pump to aid in serving beer to the tap.

So, before changing the keg, make sure it is completely empty. A keg monitoring system can help you do the work. It works by monitoring the level of beer inside a keg. Another way is rocking it back and forth to release any remaining liquid. You can also go by weight if you’re able to differentiate the weight of an empty keg from a full one.

Step 2: Turn off the gas

Remember that a keg is always connected to gas (Carbon dioxide or Nitrogen) to help it pump beer to the tap. Now, before changing the keg, make sure the gas is turned off. The process is simple: locate the gas regulator attached to the keg and turn it off.

In most cases, when the gas is on, the switch will be in line with the horse. So, to turn it off, the switch must be toggled against the horse.

Step 3: Remove the Keg Coupler

A keg coupler is a device connecting the beer keg to the tap. It helps regulate the flow of beer. It is usually located at the top of the keg and has a valve that releases pressure before removing it. To remove the coupler, lift it up and away from the keg. Ensure it is 100% up so it does not spit the remaining beer at you.

Next, turn it counter clockwise (quarter to half turn) to unlock it from the keg. You will need a bucket to tap the beer that will be flowing from the horse attached to it. This will ensure the beer does not spill on the ground.

Remember that removing the coupler can expose its groves to bacteria. These bacteria may later interfere with the flavor of your beer after connecting the new keg. So, after removing the coupler, you can clean or sanitize it using a food-grade sanitizer to curb bacteria infection.

Step 4: Install the New Keg

The first thing to do in this step is to identify the keg you want to attach. It is important to check your stock rotation using the label at the top. Keg rotation is important to ensure beer is served fresh and to prevent any spoilage or degradation of quality. Make sure you attach the oldest keg.

Next, remove the plastic sealant at the top of keg, where you will fix the coupler. Still, you can apply a non-rinse sanitizer after removing the sealant to help eliminate bacteria. After sanitizing, line up the groves on the coupler and the keg connector. Next, twist the coupler one-and-a-half clockwise and depress its handle until it clicks into position.

After attaching the coupler to the keg, turn on the gas. Next, bleed the fob detector by opening the bleed valve until beer fills the chamber. As the chamber fills, the flow should rise to the top. If it does not, use the button at the base to release it and ensure it is left in the down position (Dispense Mode). That is it. You have successfully changed your keg.

What to Do After Changing a Keg

Now that you understand how to change a keg, there are things you need to do so that your beer tastes better. The following tips and tricks will help you out:

Test the beer Flow: Immediately after changing the keg, you need to test the beer flow. If the beer is not flowing as required, check for any leaks or obstructions in the lines.
Check Carbon dioxide pressure: Pressure is vital in preventing beer foam. Therefore, ensure your dispensing system has an ideal pressure (10 to 16 Psi). Low pressure may make the beer become flat. On the other hand, too high pressure can lead to too much foam.
Sanitize the Lines: Keg changing exposes most of the components to bacteria. Keg lines and coupler’s Groves are the most exposed. This can cause excessive foam or lead to off-flavor. It is essential to sanitize the keg line using a food-grade sanitizer. This will ensure you enjoy a perfect pint every time.

Keep the keg cold: Generally, a cold beer is less foamy and flavorful. So, after changing your keg, store it in a cool and dry place. You can store the keg in a kegerator or a keezer.

How to Change a Keg Tap

A keg tap is part of the beer dispensing system that can be changed anytime. You may want to change it due to a malfunctioning tap, a change in beer type, or simply to clean the tap thoroughly. No matter the reason, here is the step-by-step guide to changing a keg tap:

Turn off the CO2 tank and unplug the beer line from the keg tap

Use a faucet wrench to remove the old keg tap from the keg. You can also twist counter clockwise. Don’t use force when twisting, as this could damage the valve.
Clean the keg valve with a sanitizing solution and let it dry. This will help kill bacteria that can affect your beer. Ensure you use a food-grade sanitizer.
Attach the new keg tap using the faucet wrench or twist it clockwise until it locks in place.

Connect the beer line to the new keg tap and tighten the clamp securely.
Turn on the CO2 tank and check for any leaks or irregularities.
Test the new keg tap by pouring a small amount of beer into a glass and adjusting the pressure and flow rate as necessary.

How to Change a CO2 Tank on Keg

A gas tank is one of the most critical components of a beer dispensing system, and it’s essential to know how to change out a CO2 tank on a keg. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Turn off the CO2 valve on the regulator and disconnect the gas line from the keg. Ensure you do this whether the tank is empty or not.
Use a wrench or adjustable pliers to unscrew the old CO2 tank from the regulator.

Remove the old tank and check for any signs of damage or corrosion.
Wrap the threads of the new CO2 tank with Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal.
Carefully screw the new CO2 tank onto the regulator, ensuring it’s properly aligned.

Tighten the coupling nut using a wrench or pliers. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the regulator.
Turn on the CO2 valve on the regulator and slowly increase the pressure until it reaches the desired level.
Check for any leaks by spraying soapy water on the connections. If bubbles appear, tighten the connections or replace any damaged parts.

Everything is done. Simple, right? You can now enjoy your freshly carbonated beer.

Conclusion

Changing a keg may seem daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the beer dispensing system. However, with proper preparation and technique, it can be a quick and easy task. Always ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies, and follow the required steps to make your work easier.

How to Change a Keg: Transform Your Tap Skills