line cleaning

[stevietenbears]

I am a member of a rugby club,and a number of the members are complaining they won't drink our draft any more because it makes them feel ill the next day. Now I know the obvious answer is to reduce the amount imbibed and while this is pherhaps the culprit sometimes, if you have three pints I don't think a hangover should occur.We have currently installed a walk in beer cooler done professionally, but I am suspicious that our lines are not being cleaned often enough. We do have a service that comes in every six to eight weeks and have been told that is sufficient. Is this acceptable and where would I find do it your self draught line maintenance.

[wineglow]

Draft beer lines should be cleaned atleast every two weeks!! In locations where the volumn is low they should never be left that long.

What you describe is typical in some college taverns where they are not cleaned frequently. Students think they have a hang over when in fact they may have a reaction to excessive yeast and bacteria.

Micro Matics has cleaning pots that you can use yourself.

[Scott Zuhse]

Most bacteria that grows in a system will not make you ill. Unless you have a system that is dispensed with air.

Draught systems require cleaning every two weeks to keep the bio level at which the flavor of the beer will not be changed. Possibly the disenfectant you are using is causing problems. Be certain to use a detergent and disenfectant designed for beer glasses. Always allow the disenfectant to dry off the glass before dispensing.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[stevietenbears]

thanks I will arm myself with this info and show the bar staff

[bill]

i agree 100% with scott, so many times people think that in order to enjoy a great beer the glass needs to be frozen and usually not dry from being washed. remember any thing left on that glass will show up in the taste.

[beermedic]

If the vent hole on the faucet is plugged mold will begin to grow;
Bacteria that comes from beer will not make you sick but airborne bacteria that is attracted to the wet surface once the faucet is closed will most definately make you sick or cause a severe headache.