Does the type of beverage line matter?

[sfab16a2]

I have a kegerator and have 6 foot of braided clear line...thus i would set the regulator at 12psi...well the beer seems to flow very fast at 12psi and i get about 1inch off beer and the rest is all foam. Although I am a poor college student and using keystone light, I set the temp around 34degrees and monitor it regulary. I bought some braided hose from home depot a while back. Could it be the hose that is making it really foamy? Maybe some kind of reaction with the beer? It doesnt say it is for food use and it doesnt say it isnt for food use either. Should I get a line specifically for beer/beverage use? Does it really matter? Also if it matters what is a good place I can buy the line for a good price? Thanks alot guys.

[brewmonkey]

Yes, beer needs to be served through food grade lines.

Beer has a low pH and can damage your lines which in turn will ruin your beer and possibly your health.

When you say braided line is it possible for you to post a picture or provide a link to something similar?

[sfab16a2]

This is what the tubing looks like... Picture (http://www.ctr-surplus.com/john/19001-1.jpg) Thanks for the help.

[brewmonkey]

It looks very much like the line I was using on my short runs. As long as it is food grade and the diameter is providing the restriction you need you should be golden. If it is not food grade check out Foxx Equipment Comapny's products. You should be able to get them or something similar through your LHBS.

Once you have what you need, institute a good line cleaning regimine and follow through with it and your lines will last for a long time.

[toneyc]

Also note that at 12 psi, you'll need 6 feet of 3/16 ID beer line. If your beer line's ID is greater than 3/16, you will need significantly greater length. For 1/4", you would need 12-15 feet of beer line and for 5/16, it needs something like 60 feet.

Reference:
http://kegman.net/balance.html

:)
Toney.

[sfab16a2]

Actually I think I may have 1/4" beer line...in that case I have solved the problem...Thanks so much. When I get home I will have to measure.

[jsmurphy]

Ditto was toneyc said.

You have to balance the system.