Hey guys, I posted basically this same post over in the bar forum, but haven’t gotten any responses yet. Figured I’d ask the reliable group over here in home brewing cuz I’ll probably get a better (and faster) response I purchased new lines for my keezer from Northern Brewer that say ‘draft brewer’ on the line. The beer that has been sitting in them has a terrible plastic taste, and I have to flush a few oz of beer out of them before I can pour my first glass. I’ve never had this happen before with my older beer lines, but for the life of me I can’t remember the name of the old tubing... I went ahead and soaked them in star San solution for a few hours, rinsed, and reattached, and the plastic flavor persists. Anyone ever experience this with this particular brand? Also, I went ahead and ordered this, because I’ve heard good things: https://www.morebeer.com/products/ultra-barrier-antimicrobial-pvc-free-tubing-316.html Anyone who’s used it, I’d love to hear about it. Also, beer line cleaning tips welcome!
Can we get a link to the northern brewer original link. That may help. I’ve never had these issues but if I did I’d run pbw through a pump in and out of the lines till the taste subsided.
This is the line. I dunno, maybe I’m just overly sensitive to the plastic flavor but it’s coming through a lot in the first pour https://www.northernbrewer.com/products/3-16-id-beverage-tubing
We used some braided tube for a high pressure seltzer install, the tubing was NSF from Lowes or Home Depot because we forgot to bring our supply and did not want to travel back to the storage. And it tasted like plastic. So we pulled it out and replaced with beverage line made for soda. So yes, even if it is labeled NSF some tube does have a plastic taste. Aroma too. I sent you a BM regarding choker. Cheer
Thanks a lot. It’s weird because I’ve purchased this line from NB before and never noticed it, but this most recent order is extra plastic-y and won’t seem to come out
Maybe it is the acidity of soda water? CO2 is acidic, seltzer has more dissolved CO2 than beer. The NSF is for drinking water only I think. Just a guess. Also, don't run carbonated beverages through copper, always have to tell people this, but still it happens. That is poisonous. Turns out, carbonated water, seltzer, club soda whatever it's called in your area, that stuff is very popular. Once people have it available it is often poured. If you have the ability, crank the pressure up to 80 psi and keep it cold. Most homebrew equipment will tolerate 80 psi, including the tubing but check to be sure. Use braided line for gas, and a high pressure regulator if available. Beer faucets are rated for around 40 psi usually, if they have any rating at all, but we have not had any failures. Yet.
