Beer Taps Parts: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Draft System

If you're a beer enthusiast, you know that the quality of your beer is only as good as the equipment you use to serve it. One essential component of any beer dispensing system is the beer tap, which is responsible for controlling the flow of beer from the keg to your glass. However, a beer tap is not just a single piece of equipment - it consists of several parts that work together to ensure a smooth and consistent pour.Understanding the different parts of a beer tap is crucial if you want to maintain your system properly and avoid any issues with your beer quality. Some of the most common beer tap parts include the faucet, which is the part that controls the flow of beer; the shank, which connects the faucet to the beer line; and the handle, which is the part that you use to open and close the faucet. Other parts of a beer tap system include the coupler, regulator, and beer line, which work together to ensure that beer flows smoothly from the keg to the tap. Whether you're a homebrewer or a bar owner, having a basic understanding of beer tap parts is essential to keep your beer flowing properly.

Beer Taps Overview

When it comes to serving beer, a good tap is essential. A beer tap, also known as a faucet, is the final component in the beer dispensing system. It is responsible for controlling the flow of beer from the keg to the glass. In this section, we will give you an overview of the different parts of a beer tap and how they work together to deliver a perfect pour.

Components of a Beer Tap

A standard beer tap consists of several parts, including:

• Faucet Body: The largest component of the beer tap, it directs the flow of beer through the spout to your waiting glass. Faucets come in different finishes, but we recommend stainless steel to ensure metallic flavors don't taint your beer.
• Coupling Washer: This small but essential part seats the faucet to the beer shank for a leak-free connection.
• Lever: The lever is the part of the faucet that you pull to dispense the beer. It is typically made of brass or stainless steel.
• Bonnet: The bonnet is the top part of the faucet that covers the internal workings of the tap. It is usually made of brass or chrome-plated brass.
• Shank: The shank is the part of the beer tap that connects the faucet to the beer line. It is typically made of brass or stainless steel and comes in different lengths to accommodate different thicknesses of walls or cooler doors.

How a Beer Tap Works

When you pull the lever on a beer tap, you are opening a valve that allows the beer to flow from the keg through the beer line and out of the faucet. The beer line is typically made of food-grade vinyl, and it connects the keg to the beer tap. The beer is pushed out of the keg by carbon dioxide (CO2) or a nitrogen (N2) gas blend, which is stored in a separate tank and regulated by a CO2 regulator.To ensure a perfect pour, it's important to keep your beer tap clean and well-maintained. Over time, beer residue can build up inside the faucet, which can lead to off-flavors and a less-than-perfect pour. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep your beer tap in top condition and ensure that you're serving the best beer possible.

Types of Beer Taps

When it comes to beer taps, there are two main types: manual and self-serve. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences between the two before making a decision.

Manual Beer Taps

Manual beer taps are the most common type of beer tap. With this type of tap, you have to manually pull a handle or lever to dispense the beer. The flow of beer is controlled by the bartender or server, which means that you'll always get a consistent pour. Manual beer taps are also easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

One of the drawbacks of manual beer taps is that they can be slow, especially during peak hours. Additionally, if the bartender or server isn't experienced, they may not pour the beer correctly, which can result in a lot of wasted beer.

Self-Serve Beer Taps

Self-serve beer taps are becoming more popular, especially in bars and restaurants where customers want to pour their own beer. With this type of tap, customers can pour their own beer by placing their glass under the tap and pulling a lever or pressing a button. Self-serve beer taps are great for busy bars and restaurants because they allow customers to pour their own beer, which means less work for the bartender or server.One of the drawbacks of self-serve beer taps is that they can be expensive to install and maintain. Additionally, customers may not pour the beer correctly, which can result in a lot of wasted beer. Self-serve beer taps also require more maintenance than manual beer taps, which means that they can be more time-consuming to maintain.In summary, manual beer taps are great for bars and restaurants where customers want a consistent pour, while self-serve beer taps are great for busy bars and restaurants where customers want to pour their own beer. Both types of taps have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the right type for your establishment.

Essential Parts of Beer Taps

If you're looking to serve beer on draft, then you need to know about the essential parts of a beer tap. Here are the four main components you need to know about:

Tap Handle

The tap handle is the part of the beer tap that you pull forward to initiate beer dispensing. It's usually a tapered black handle that connects to and controls the lever. Tap handles come in a variety of styles, including branded, novelty, or custom handles.

Faucet

The faucet is the part of the beer tap that actually dispenses the beer. It's the metal spout that attaches to the shank and connects to the tap handle. The faucet is opened and closed by the lever on the tap handle.

Shank

The shank is the metal tube that connects the faucet to the beer line. It's usually made of brass or stainless steel and comes in a variety of lengths to accommodate different wall thicknesses. The shank is mounted through a hole in the wall or refrigerator and is secured with a mounting flange and nut on the inside.

Draft Tower

The draft tower is the vertical column that houses the shank and faucet. It's usually made of stainless steel or chrome-plated brass and comes in a variety of heights and styles. Draft towers can be mounted on top of a bar or countertop or installed through a hole in a refrigerator door.By understanding these essential parts of a beer tap, you'll be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing and maintaining your draft beer system.

Maintenance of Beer Taps

If you want to keep your beer taps working properly and avoid any issues with your beer dispensing system, you need to keep them clean and replace any worn-out parts. Here are some tips on how to maintain your beer taps.

Cleaning

Cleaning your beer taps is crucial to maintaining the quality of your beer and preventing contamination. You should clean your beer taps regularly, ideally every two weeks. You can use a cleaning kit that comes with all the equipment and chemicals you need to clean your system, or you can use a cleaning service.To clean your beer taps, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the CO2 pressure and remove the keg from the tap.
2. Disassemble the faucet and soak it in a bucket of cleaning solution.
3. Use a brush to clean the inside of the faucet and the beer lines.
4. Rinse the faucet and lines with clean water.
5. Reassemble the faucet and reconnect the keg.

Replacement of Parts

Over time, the parts of your beer tap can wear out and need to be replaced. Here are some common parts that may need to be replaced:PartWhen to ReplaceFaucetWhen it becomes difficult to pour beer or if there is a leakCouplerWhen it becomes difficult to connect or disconnect from the kegBeer LineWhen it becomes cracked or if there is a leakCO2 RegulatorWhen it becomes difficult to adjust the pressureTo replace a part, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the CO2 pressure and remove the keg from the tap.
2. Disassemble the part that needs to be replaced.
3. Install the new part.
4. Reassemble the faucet and reconnect the keg.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your beer taps are always working properly and that your customers are getting the best quality beer possible.

Choosing the Right Beer Tap Parts

When it comes to choosing the right beer tap parts, there are a few key factors to consider. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the materials, brand, and compatibility of beer tap parts to help you make an informed decision.

Material

The material of your beer tap parts is an important consideration. Most beer tap parts are made of either brass or stainless steel. Brass is a popular choice due to its affordability, but it does require more maintenance than stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and resistant to corrosion, but it comes at a higher price point.

Brand

Choosing a reputable brand for your beer tap parts is essential. Stick with well-known brands that have a proven track record of quality and reliability. Some popular brands in the beer tap industry include Perlick, Taprite, and Micromatic.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another crucial factor to consider when choosing beer tap parts. Make sure that the parts you choose are compatible with your existing setup. For example, if you have a kegerator, you'll need to choose parts that are compatible with your specific kegerator model. It's also important to ensure that your parts are compatible with the type of beer you'll be dispensing.In summary, when choosing beer tap parts, consider the material, brand, and compatibility of the parts. Choose a reputable brand, select the appropriate material for your needs, and ensure that the parts are compatible with your setup and the type of beer you'll be dispensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What parts are included in a beer tap system?

A beer tap system consists of several parts, including a beer tap handle, a beer faucet, a shank, a coupler, and a beer line. The beer tap handle is the part that you pull forward to initiate beer dispensing. The beer faucet is the part that controls the flow of beer. The shank is the part that connects the beer faucet to the beer line. The coupler is the part that connects the beer keg to the beer line. The beer line is the part that carries the beer from the keg to the faucet.

What is the difference between a beer tap handle and a beer faucet?

A beer tap handle is the part that you pull forward to initiate beer dispensing. It can be replaced with a branded, novelty, or custom handle. A beer faucet is the part that controls the flow of beer. It is the part that you see when you look at a beer tap system from the front. The beer faucet is usually made of brass or stainless steel.

What are the common materials used for beer tap parts?

The common materials used for beer tap parts are brass, stainless steel, and plastic. Brass is a good choice for beer tap parts because it is durable and corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel is also a good choice for beer tap parts because it is durable and easy to clean. Plastic is a good choice for beer tap parts because it is lightweight and inexpensive.

How do I repair a leaky beer tap?

To repair a leaky beer tap, you need to identify the source of the leak. The most common cause of a leaky beer tap is a worn-out washer. To replace the washer, you need to remove the beer faucet from the shank, remove the old washer, and replace it with a new one. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the entire beer faucet.

What is the purpose of a beer faucet shank?

The purpose of a beer faucet shank is to connect the beer faucet to the beer line. The shank is usually made of brass or stainless steel. It has two ends, one end connects to the beer faucet and the other end connects to the beer line. The shank also provides a mounting surface for the beer faucet.

What size are the threads on a standard beer tap?

The threads on a standard beer tap are 3/8"-16 UNC. This means that the thread diameter is 3/8" and the thread pitch is 16 threads per inch. It is important to use the correct size thread when installing a new beer tap handle or beer faucet. Using the wrong size thread can cause leaks or damage to the beer tap system.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of the different parts of a standard beer faucet, you can easily repair or refurbish your beer taps with draft beer faucet and shank parts. It is important to note that washers, seals, and O-rings inside draft faucets can wear out over time and need to be replaced to protect your kegerator or draft beer system from leaks.When it comes to choosing the right beer tap parts, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure the parts you are purchasing are compatible with your existing system. This includes the type of beer shank, the size of the faucet, and the type of beer line you are using.Second, consider the quality of the parts you are purchasing. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in high-quality parts will save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.Finally, take the time to properly clean and maintain your beer tap parts to ensure their longevity. Regularly disassembling and cleaning your faucet and shank parts will prevent buildup of bacteria and other contaminants that can affect the taste and quality of your beer.By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your beer taps are always in top condition, providing you with a perfect pour every time.