cheap keg

[Peatbogbrewer]

Hiya, got a cheap(ish) beer keg from my local brew store. Its a bottom tap plastic job with an s30 lid. I want to use it for my xmas session ale but this will be the first time I've used it. Are there any precautions i should take to mitigate against potential risks i.e. vaseline on the lid etc? I may bottle if the response is not good!

[orlando]

Just make sure you have dismantled the tap as much as you can to ensure it's clean, bleaching would be my approach with very thorough rinsing and a campden tablet to make sure, finish with no rinse sanitiser. If it is a drum tap I would consider replacing with a Dalex style as the drum foams like crazy to begin with. Don't over tighten the lid and a bit of lubricant never hurts.

[gaunt_paul]

Sound advice. I would add checking for leaks, I fill with water and add a little pressure to see how it copes. If you put a little fairy liquid around the lid and tap you can see bubbles if gas is escaping. Also check the thread on the tap. If it seems a bit dodgy, doesn't tighten correctly, get a new one. I learned that one the hard way when a poorly threaded tap popped out under pressure and spewed stout everywhere!

When they work well, these kegs are really handy. Mine was a bit hellish at first, but is very useful now that the tap is sorted.

[Peatbogbrewer]

Cheers for the replies, yeah got some plumbers tape for the tap and vaseline for the top, don't have any gas though to add pressure. ill fill with water and sanitise the tap like hell....

[Rookie]

Are there any precautions i should take to mitigate against potential risks i.e. vaseline on the lid etc?

I would strongly recommend keg lube, which is food grade, instead of Vaseline.

[Wonkydonkey]

Are there any precautions i should take to mitigate against potential risks i.e. vaseline on the lid etc?

I would strongly recommend keg lube, which is food grade, instead of Vaseline.

I would recommend KY Jelly as it is just as safe, that's if you don't mind as it never hurts, so to speak.

[Buckie Brewer]

If you have a barrel tap the tip in this thread might help with the pour

[orlando]

If you have a barrel tap the tip in this thread might help with the pour

Really good tip but if you replace those drum taps with a Dalex you will never look back.

[Rookie]

Are there any precautions i should take to mitigate against potential risks i.e. vaseline on the lid etc?

I would strongly recommend keg lube, which is food grade, instead of Vaseline.

Unless you happen to like the taste of Vaseline.

[Peatbogbrewer]

OK so its in the keg (a richie one). There is a tiny tiny intermittent leak from the turny bit on the tap. It has stopped and only dripped a very tiny amount. Is it still safe?

P

[Peatbogbrewer]

just tested carb and taste, rousing success!

[WalesAles]

just tested carb and taste, rousing success!

Peat,
I am so Happy for you!
Glad to see it all worked out in the end!

WA