9 Point Remote Beer System Checklists
1.) Inspect your walk-in cooler. The temperature should be at 38 degrees. Verify this temperature with a glass of cold water in the walk-in. Let it sit for 24 hours and temp the water to make sure your temperature matches what the cooler says.
2.) Inspect your gas delivery system. Remote systems can be charged with pure CO2 using beer pumps. They can also be charged with a mixed gas. The mix can be a 70-30 ratio CO2 to N2, or a 60-40 CO2 to N2 ratio. Make sure the right mix is picked for your beer system. I'll always recommend CO2 and beer pumps over mix gas.
3.) Verify that your Secondary Regulator is adjusted to the proper setting. This will be set at 12-14 psi. This is the applied pressure to your Keg if you are using pure CO2.
Applied pressure will vary on the type of mix-gas you are using. The higher the mix of Nitrogen the higher your applied pressure can be without over caring the beer.
4.) Verify that all the connections to and from your couplers are tight. Also, make sure you are using stainless steel equipment when dispensing beer. Stainless steel will last a long time, easier to clean and brewer approved.
5.) Verify that your dispense equipment is clean and up to date with repair parts before use. Check gauge pressure on primary regulators set to 60 PSI or higher. Secondary Regulators set at 12-14 PSI on Kegs. Beer pump pressure will vary depending on the length of your beer run. Check the Flojet reversal Valves if using beer pumps. Make sure that FOBs are working correctly. Look over all the gaskets in the couplers, beer pumps, reversal valves, FOBS and Beer Faucets at the beer tower.
6.) Check your Glycol Chiller is running smoothly. Temperature should be set around 29-32 degrees. It's always a good idea to check the freezing point with a refractometer. Make sure that the level is also full in your tank. Glycol should be replaced every couple years. It's also wise to check the motor and pump on the units.
7.) Verify that your beer trunkline has no leaks or blockages. This line should be clean and insulated properly. We encourage using Micro Matic Barrier Tubing.
8.) Your glycol Beer Tower needs to be set up properly and pouring at the desired temperature of (38). Make sure all the faucets are tight, and the couplings are secured with a beer wrench.
9.) Verify that your beer line cleaning schedule is being followed. Clean lines every 2 weeks to combat bacteria, yeast and mold. Every quarter use an acid chemical to take care of beer stone build up in your beer system. All beer equipment should be cleaned properly. Faucets cleaned every 2 weeks and taken apart. Couplers scrubbed and taken apart monthly. All other beer equipment should be disassembled quarterly.
If you are in the market for hiring a professional beer cleaning company I encourage you to read this consumers guide. It will educate you on the importance of choosing the right beer line cleaning company wherever you may be.
Summary
The 9 Point Checklist is for Preventative Maintenance on a Remote Draft Beer System. This checklist provides the maintenance needed to ensure that your beer stays fresh and cold. It also includes everything to stay on top on and check. These are important steps so you can maximize keg yield on your remote draft beer system, and use for many years down the road.
Here's a Draft Beer System Repair and Solutions List for Your Bar
