Keeping Draught Beer Lines Clean: A Guide for Alberta Establishments

For bars, restaurants, and breweries in Alberta, serving the perfect pint of beer is an art—and science. One crucial but often overlooked component of delivering top-quality draught beer is maintaining clean draught beer lines. Proper cleaning isn’t just about taste; it’s about health, compliance, and protecting your investment. 

Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your draught system in pristine condition in Alberta.

Why Clean Draught Beer Lines Matter?

Preserve Beer Quality: Draught beer picks up flavors from the lines it passes through. If lines aren’t clean, beer can develop off-tastes caused by residue, bacteria, or mold, leaving customers dissatisfied.

Health and Safety: Beer line buildup can lead to the growth of harmful microorganisms, posing a health risk to patrons. Alberta Health Services requires food establishments to maintain sanitary conditions, and that includes beverage dispensing systems.

Extend Equipment Life: Regular cleaning prevents buildup of residue and mineral deposits that can damage your draught system, reducing maintenance costs and extending its lifespan.

Regulatory Compliance: Although Alberta doesn’t mandate specific cleaning intervals, establishments must comply with general health and safety regulations, which encompass cleanliness standards for beverage systems.

Professional Cleaning Services in Alberta

Many Alberta establishments choose to hire professional draught line cleaning services to ensure thorough and consistent results. Professionals have the expertise, tools, and chemicals to clean lines effectively and inspect your system for potential issues.

Best Practices for Cleaning Draught Beer Lines

Ensure the proper methods are being used when having lines cleaned or doing them yourself;

Use the Right Chemicals: Always use cleaning solutions specifically designed for draught systems. These chemicals effectively break down organic and mineral deposits without damaging your equipment.

Follow Proper Procedures:

   - Disconnect beer kegs.

   - Flush lines with water to remove beer.

   - Use a recirculating pump to run the cleaning solution through the lines for at least 15 minutes. Or if using a pressurized cleaning canister, allow the solution to soak for a minimum of 20 minutes, opening the faucet every 5 minutes to allow the line to achieve some agitation.

   - Rinse thoroughly with clean water before returning to beer.

Clean Faucets and Couplers: Don’t neglect the small parts. Remove faucets and couplers, soak them in the cleaning solution, and scrub thoroughly.

Inspect Regularly: During cleaning, check for signs of wear, leaks, or damage to your draught system. Early detection can prevent costly repairs.

Keep Records: Maintain a cleaning log to track when and how your lines were cleaned. This is useful for quality control and can demonstrate compliance during inspections.

The Cost of Neglect

Failing to clean your draught beer lines can result in:

Customer Complaints: Off-tasting beer can harm your reputation and reduce repeat business.

Health Risks: Contaminated beer lines can lead to foodborne illness, which can trigger inspections and fines.

Equipment Damage: Buildup can cause clogs and wear that lead to expensive repairs or replacements.

Regulatory Consequences: Poor sanitation can lead to warnings from Alberta Health Services.

Conclusion

For Alberta’s bars, restaurants, and breweries, maintaining clean draught beer lines is a non-negotiable aspect of delivering great beer. Whether you manage the process in-house or hire a professional service, the investment in regular cleaning pays off in better beer, satisfied customers, and a well-maintained draught system.

Raise a glass to quality and cleanliness—your customers will thank you!