How long do beer/gas lines need to be?

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by Fluffhorton, Jan 12, 2016.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Fluffhorton

    Fluffhorton Initiate (0) Oct 11, 2012 New York

    Someone once told me a very specific and scientific reason that either the beer line, gas line or both had to be at least a certain length. I am building a kegerator that is going to have 3 kegs. I have a 3 way gas distributor. Does the hose from the CO2 tank to the distributor need to be a certain length? How about from the distributor to the disconnect?

    How about with the liquid line? How long does a beer line need to be? (feel free to tell me why if you know the reason it needs to be X' long)
     
  2. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    Gas lines don't matter. Beer line length has an effect on the beer flow. Longer lines slow the flow, which in turn allows you to run higher pressures without foamy pours. You should read up on balancing a draft system which is where the required pressure comes into play. With 38 degree beer you are typically looking for 12-15 psi. Many people find that that kind of pressure results in foamy pours which causes them to drop the pressure which ultimately leads to under carbed beer over time. Gas line is cheap, plan for 8' lines and you can always cut them back if you find the pour is too slow. I currently run 10' lines in my kegerator and am quite happy.
     
    Fluffhorton likes this.
  3. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    gas line... doesn't matter. give yourself enough to pull out the cylinder and regulator. otherwise the thing is leashed to your rig with little room to change out a gas cylinder.

    beer line...
    yeah that is very specific.
    use 6 or more up to 8 feet feet of 3/16" beverage line.
    maintain 38 F.

    This is not very negotiable up front.
    Read up on balancing a kegerator.
    Cheers.
     
    Fluffhorton likes this.
  4. Fluffhorton

    Fluffhorton Initiate (0) Oct 11, 2012 New York

  5. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    Gas line doesn't matter. Pressure is pressure regardless of how it is delivered which is why is doesn't matter.
     
  6. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    us whatever diameter gas line you like, as long as it fits secure. be absolutely sure that the tubing is rated for pressure and check for leaks. you can blow through a tank of CO2 quickly if you have a leak.


    Cheers.
     
  7. Seacoastbrewer

    Seacoastbrewer Initiate (0) Jun 5, 2012 New Hampshire

    When you say the above do you mean beverage lines are cheap and to plan for 8ft lines?
     
    DougC123 likes this.
  8. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    I do, my bad. That's what I get for posting and drinking. Thanks.
     
    Seacoastbrewer likes this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.