How to Clean a Perlick Sample Valve or Brewery Fitting
Perlick sample valves and other brewery fittings play a key role in beer production and quality assurance. Proper care is essential to keep them performing at their best, so our guide on how to clean a Perlick sample valve or brewery fitting will walk you through the process from start to finish.
These instructions are for sample valves with male NPT connections, such as the F38303SS, among others.
Supplies
- Warm Water
- Sanitizer
- Cleaning Cloths
- Adjustable Wrench
- Small Funnel or Squeeze Bottle
- Soft Brush or Pipe Cleaner
- Bucket
- Pan/Container (to catch sanitizing solution or water)
Brewery fittings like sample valves should be cleaned at least once a month, but ideally after each use to maintain product quality and prevent residue buildup.
Pre-Cleaning Procedure
- Step 1. Close the valve - Make sure the valve is in the closed position to prevent cleaning solution from flowing back into the tank.
- Step 2. Loosen the bonnet nut - Turn the bonnet nut to loosen it; if needed, use an adjustable wrench.
- Step 3. Remove the bonnet assembly - Pull out the bonnet assembly, taking care not to lose the gasket, diaphragm or any other small parts.
- Step 4. Prepare sanitizing solution - Mix a sanitizing solution in a bucket or pan, following the dilution instructions provided by the sanitizer manufacturer. Be sure to use a product that’s approved for brewery fittings.
- Step 5. Place a catch basin under the valve - Put a pan under the dispense opening to collect sanitizing solution during the cleaning procedure.
Maintaining the Valve
- Step 1. Soak removed parts in sanitizing solution - Submerge the disassembled parts in the sanitizing solution and let them soak for 15-30 minutes or as directed by the sanitizer manufacturer.
- Step 2. Sanitize the valve body - Use a small funnel or squeeze bottle to pour sanitizing solution into the valve body through the bonnet opening. Ensure the valve is closed to prevent the solution from flowing back into the tank. Allow the solution to flow through the valve body, out of the dispense opening and into the catch basin below.
- Step 3. Remove bonnet parts from sanitizer - Take the sanitized parts out of the solution and then set them aside.
- Step 4. Rinse removed parts and body (if directed) - Remove any remaining sanitizing residue if recommended by the manufacturer. Rinse the disassembled parts by submerging them in clean water, then rinse the valve body by pouring warm water into the bonnet opening and allowing it to flow out through the dispense opening.
- Step 5. Dry the parts and body - Use a soft cloth to wipe away excess moisture from the bonnet parts and valve body.
Resuming Normal Operation
- Step 1. Reassemble the bonnet - Put the bonnet assembly back together.
- Step 2. Reattach the bonnet - Insert the bonnet assembly into the valve body.
- Step 3. Tighten the bonnet nut - Make a firm connection by turning the nut until it’s tight.
- Step 4. Resume normal operation - You may now use the sample valve normally.
If you found this article helpful, take a look at the extensive collection of Perlick manuals and diagrams on our site for more information on operating, maintaining and troubleshooting your equipment.