Here are a few tips for safely shutting down a Beverage System for an extended period of time of one to several weeks. Everyone’s circumstance is different, so these are only suggestions on how to extend product quality and maintain healthy draft systems.
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- – Contact your local Line Cleaning Company for a cleaning cycle and shut down preparation. If you clean your own lines or a local service is unavailable, here are a few guidelines that may help:
- – Flush all product out of beverage lines with water. Prime lines with a half & half mixture of food grade glycerin and water and keep lines full of mixture during shutdown to reduce product spoilage and bacterial growth. Product will spoil if left in lines for extended periods of time.
- – Untap all kegs and keep refrigerated.
- – Turn off all gas supplies at tank or appropriate shut off.
- – Glycol coolant systems: If you choose to shut down your glycol systems during closure periods, you may experience expansion or freezing of connections and/or coolant lines. Prepare to check for damage or leaks before expecting to return to normal operating conditions upon restart.
Other Resources:
Brewers Association Draught Quality Recommendations During Extended Bar/Restaurant Shutdown
System Shutdown Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Do not leave chemicals in draught beer lines, as this creates a safety hazard and could damage the tubing.
- Do not leave couplers or any other hardware on the floor or any soiled area.
- Do not leave couplers attached to kegs.
- Do not shut off glycol power pack. Turning off glycol could result in overflow or system failure.
- Do not cap or cover faucet openings or keg valves.
- Do not increase temperature of or turn off keg cooler.