Draft Beer System Installation: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners
Draft beer systems are a crucial component of any bar or restaurant that serves beer on tap. These systems are designed to keep beer fresh and at the perfect temperature, ensuring that customers receive a high-quality product every time they order a pint. A draft beer system installation requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise, as there are many factors to consider when designing and installing a commercial beer tap system.
When considering a draft beer system installation, it is important to choose a company that specializes in this area. Companies that specialize in draft beer system installation have the knowledge and expertise needed to design and install a system that meets the specific needs of a business.
They can also provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure that the draft equipment system continues to operate at peak performance. With the right system in place, businesses can ensure that they are providing their customers with the best possible beer-drinking experience.
Assessing Your Needs
Before installing a draft beer system, it's important to assess your needs to ensure that you select the right system for your bar. This involves determining your budget, choosing the right system, selecting the right draft technicians, and choosing the right beer equipment.
Determining Your Budget
One of the first things to consider when assessing your needs is your budget. Draft beer systems can vary greatly in price depending on the size of the system and the number of taps. It's important to determine how much money you can afford to spend on a system before making any decisions.
It will also depend on the type of system you want. Direct draw systems are typically less expensive than remote/long draw dispensing systems.
Choosing the Right System for Your Bar
Once you have determined your budget, the next step is to choose the right system for your bar. This involves considering the size of your bar and the number of taps you will need. For small bars, a direct draw system may be sufficient, while larger bars may require a long-draw or remote system.
It's also important to consider the type of beer you will be serving. Different types of beer require different types of systems to serve them. For example, a nitro system is required for serving stouts and porters, while a standard CO2 system is sufficient for serving most other types of beer, and ciders.
Selecting the Right Draft Technicians
Installing a draft beer system requires specialized knowledge and expertise. It's important to select the right draft technicians to ensure that your system is installed correctly and functions properly.
Look for experienced technicians who install and maintain draft beer systems and have a good reputation in the industry.
I'd recommend draft technicians that are Micromatic certified, can produce references, and have maintenance services for your beer system after it's installed.
Maintenance and cleaning services will be just as important to a new draft beer system as setting up the system correctly.
Selecting the Right Beer Equipment
Finally, it's important to choose the right beer equipment for your system. This involves considering the type of beer you will be serving, as well as the length of the lines and the type of fittings required. It's important to use high-quality lines and fittings to ensure that your beer stays fresh and maintains its flavor.
This service will be done by the draft beer technician assuming you've done your due diligence. They will supply all the equipment and installation services.
By assessing your needs and considering these factors, you can select the right draft beer system for your bar or beverage service, and ensure that it is installed correctly and functions properly.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Prior to installing a draft beer system, it is important to properly prepare the location and gather the necessary tools and equipment. This section will cover the key steps to take during the pre-installation preparation phase.
Preparing Your Bar for Installation
Before installing the draft system, it is important to prepare the bar area. This includes making sure that all electrical outlets and plumbing connections are in good working order.
It is also important to consider the layout of the bar area and how the draft system will fit into the space. This may require rearranging stainless equipment or making other adjustments to ensure that the system fits properly and is easily accessible for staff and customers.
Having all of the necessary tools and equipment on hand will help to ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and that the system is installed correctly.
Installation Process
The installation process for a draft beer system may vary depending on the type of system being installed. However, there are a few general steps that are typically followed.
Installing the Beer Lines and Fittings
The first step in the installation process is to install the beer lines and fittings. This involves running the beer lines from the kegs to the draft tower or faucet location. The beer lines must be properly sized and connected to the cooler with appropriate fittings to ensure that the beer flows smoothly and without any leaks.
Mounting the Draft Tower
The next step in the installation process is to mount the draft tower. The draft tower is part of the system that dispenses the beer. It is typically mounted on the bar or countertop, and it is important to ensure that it is securely fastened to prevent any movement or instability.
The draft tower should also be insulated to prevent any condensation from forming on the outside, which could cause damage to the surrounding area.
Setting Up the Walk In Cooler
This is where all the regulators, jumper lines, and couplers are. Depending on the layout of the cooler. Will determine where this equipment should go. Remember it needs to flow and function when it's full of kegs.
Connecting the Gas Lines
The final step in the installation process is to connect the gas lines. The gas lines are used to pressurize the kegs, which forces the beer out of the faucet. It is important to ensure that the gas lines are connected to the keg with the appropriate fittings and that the pressure is set correctly to prevent any over-carbonation or under-carbonation of the beer.
Overall, the installation process for a draft beer system can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to work with a professional installer who has the knowledge and experience to ensure that the system is installed correctly and functions properly.
Post-Installation Testing and Maintenance
Once your custom draft beer system has been installed, it's important to perform regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to operate at peak performance.
This section will cover the basic steps to take to maintain your draft beer system and troubleshoot common issues that may arise.
Testing the System for Leaks and Proper Operation
Before you begin pouring beer, it's important to test the system for leaks and proper operation. This involves checking all connections and fittings for tightness and inspecting the lines for any signs of wear or damage.
Also, it's a good idea to pressure test the system to find any leaks before the beer is added. With carbon dioxide and spray soapy water on all connections and fittings. If there are any leaks, you'll see bubbles start to form.
Once you've identified any leaks, you can tighten the connections or replace any damaged parts.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Draft System
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your draft system operating at peak performance. This involves cleaning the lines, faucets, and other components of the system on a regular basis to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants that can affect the taste and quality of the beer. Brewers Association recommends every 2 weeks.
One common method for cleaning draft lines is to use a cleaning solution that is circulated through the lines using a pump or other device. This can help remove any buildup of yeast, bacteria, or other contaminants that can affect the taste and quality of the beer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with regular maintenance, issues can still arise with your draft beer system. Some common issues include foaming, slow pouring, and off-tasting beer. In many cases, these issues can be resolved by adjusting the temperature, pressure, or flow rate of the beer.
Here's a great resource for Trouble Shooting Problems.
Here's a PDF we put together for all systems check list
If you're experiencing issues with your draft beer system, it's important to diagnose the problem as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the system or the beer.
Again having the right Draft Technician on board is important for your business and can help solve any troubleshooting problems.
Summary
In conclusion, installing a draft beer system may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning, preparation, and installation, businesses can provide their customers with a high-quality beer-drinking experience.
By assessing their needs, selecting the right system, preparing the location, and gathering the necessary tools and equipment, businesses can ensure that their draft beer system is installed correctly and functions properly.
Regular testing and maintenance are also essential to keep the system operating at peak performance. With the right draft beer system in place, businesses can enhance their customers' experience and increase their revenue.
