I have a keezer that I recently built. In that keezer are three 5 gallon kegs and one 2.5 gallon keg. I have a manifold that has 4 separate regulators. Each one is set based on the beer type, usually between 5 and 10 psi. That said, I recently broke one of my faucets (don't ask) and had to replace it. As such, I decided to change out the entire line since no beer had been ran through it in a few weeks. When I put on the new line with the same tubing diameter I previously used, I'm getting a small slow leak once I put it on the keg. I've tried different approaches to clamping the line but can't figure why this would be happening. The barb is 1/4 and the tubing is 5/16. I didn't have this issue on the previous faucet so I'm not sure what could be wrong. Should I get smaller tubing? Should I put the clamp closer to the faucet or closer to the keg (with respect to direction between them)?
Are you talking liquid lines for pouring? Using a 5/16" beer line for a home system is not normal, this is typically reserved for commercial long draw systems. For home use (short draw), 3/16" ID is the norm. That said, I suppose with a tight enough clamp you can make this work. For my 3/16" lines I don't even bother with a clamp. Simply heat the line and slip it over a 1/4" barb . . . never had a hint of a leak. Not sure I understand your question of where to put the clamp. It should go over the barb on keg quick disconnect and also barb at shank.
Thanks for stopping by. It has been cold and lonely out here. I'm guessing there is a zero chance you'll be back. But! For the rest! You might be mixing up ID (inner diameter) and OD (outer diameter). In addition to Mr. Largo's sage advice... Beer line for direct draw is universally 3/16" beverage line. It is important that you use beverage line, that specifically states it is NSF 51 or NSF 51 and NSF 61 (NSF 61 is not required, but it usually goes with 51.) The ID is 3/16". The OD can be 5/16" or the thicker 7/16". If you have the thin wall 5/16" OD, it can be challenging to clamp onto a hose barb. There is not a lot of material to squeeze. 3/16" bev line will fit nicely on a 1/4" barb. Use a hair dryer or very hot water to soften the tube if needed. Most homebrewers use a worm clamp. Use a quality clamp (Ideal is what you want, and it should be stainless). Cheap clamps do not work. That is likely your problem. You really need to use a name brand stainless worm clamp. You can try Oetiker clamps. They are sold as PEX clamps at Home Depot and Lowes. They are permanent. You need to borrow the clamp tool and you have to know the exact size, otherwise the clamp will be too tight and snap, or too loose and leak. They are also fairly outrageously priced at the big box stores. Also, as described, your system is not balanced. 5 to 10 psi is not proper carbonation for any beer style. None. Unless you are at 30 degrees F. Cheers.
