MoreFlavor

Keeping your kegs in top shape is the best way to ensure your beer stays fresh and your draft system remains leak-free. This guide covers everything from the essential "First Aid Kit" to a step-by-step deep clean using MoreBeer! essentials.

1. The Essential: Ball Lock Keg First Aid Kit

Every kegger should have the KOMOS® Ball Lock Keg First Aid Kit (MoreBeer SKU: D2541) on hand. It’s a complete "tackle box" of every seal and small part that can fail on a brew day.

What’s Inside:

• Posts: (1) Gas In and (1) Bev Out post.

• Lid Seals: (2) Lid O-rings and (2) PRV pull rings.

• Internal Parts: (6) Universal poppets and (10) Dip tube O-rings.

• Draft Side: (20) Post O-rings, (4) Tailpiece gaskets, and (2) Nylon CO2 regulator washers.

2. Replacement Gasket Reference Chart

When a leak occurs, you usually only need one specific part. Use this chart to find the exact MoreBeer! replacement.

3. Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning Your Keg

We recommend a deep clean every 2–3 uses, or any time a keg is kicked.

Step 1: Depressurize and Disassemble

• Vent: Pull the Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) on the lid until all gas is gone.

• Remove Hardware: Use a 7/8" Deep Socket (or 11/16" depending on your post type) to remove the Gas and Liquid posts. Pull out the long and short dip tubes.

• Organize: Keep the Gas and Liquid parts in separate bowls to avoid confusion during reassembly.

Step 2: The PBW Soak

• Mix Powdered Brewery Wash (PBW) or Craft Meister Alkaline Wash with warm water inside the keg.

• Place all small parts (posts, poppets, O-rings, lid) inside the keg and let soak for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

• Use a Beer Line Cleaning Brush (MoreBeer SKU: CE45) to scrub the inside of the long liquid dip tube.

Step 3: Rinse and Inspect

• Rinse everything three times with hot water. Any leftover cleaner residue will kill the head retention (foam) on your beer.

• Inspect O-rings for flat spots or cracks. Replace any that look worn.

4. Sanitizing and Reassembly

1. Sanitize: Mix 1 oz of Star San per 5 gallons of water. Dip all small parts in the solution for 60 seconds.

2. Lube: Apply a thin film of CIP Film (Keg Lube) to the lid O-ring and the post O-rings. This ensures a gas-tight seal and extends the life of the rubber.

3. Reassemble: Reinstall the dip tubes and posts.

   • Note: The gas-in post usually has small notches at the base; the liquid-out post is smooth.

4. Purge: Once the keg is sealed, hook up your CO2 and "blast" the keg with 10–20 PSI. Pull the PRV a few times to purge out any oxygen, leaving only a CO2 "blanket" inside until you're ready to fill.

Keg Maintenance Master Chart