Lancer Beer Dispenser Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions
Lancer beer dispensers make staying on top of happy hour orders as easy as tossing one back faster than the coaster has time to fully soak up the frosty remnants of its mug’s condensation. But because these ice bank systems are often hooked up to kegs that are exposed to ambient room temperatures, they’re more prone to shorter shelf lives. If you want to attract and maintain a standing-room-only crowd, the beer dispenser will require adherence to a strict cleaning and maintenance schedule.
This entails following weekly, bi-yearly and yearly Lancer beer dispenser cleaning and maintenance instructions that preserve the flavor profiles of beer on tap, ensuring customers order second rounds.
Weekly Lancer Beer Dispenser Cleaning
Lancer ice bank systems need frequent cleaning to prevent yeast and bacteria from overgrowing in the kegs and spoiling the beer. Take a closer look at this step-by-step instructional guide on how to safely flush the system and keep delicate flavor profiles tastefully intact.
Note: If you’ve noticed the normally clear PVC lines have become cloudy or otherwise visibly contaminated, you’ll need to replace the keg or risk reinfecting the system.
- Step 1. Prepare cleaning solution – Mix a brewery-approved cleaner with warm water in a container that can easily be fitted around the tapping heads.
- Step 2. Remove tapping heads – Disengage the tapping heads from the keg by pulling the lever out and up.
- Step 3. Hook up the cleaning solution – Fit the tapping heads onto the cleaning solution. Engage the tapping lever and wait for the system to pressurize.
- Step 4. Run the cleaning solution through the lines – Next, place a bucket under each tap. Once positioned, open each tap and allow 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of cleaning solution to flow through the lines and into the buckets.
- Step 5. Close the tapping heads and remove the taps – After waiting about 30 minutes for the sanitizer to soak in the system, close the tapping heads. Then, open the taps to release the pressure before removing them.
- Step 6. Soak the taps in sterilant cleaner – Next, clean and soak the taps in a sterilant cleaner, such as CXA or Diversey Release.
- Step 7. Flush the lines with sanitizer – Once the taps are thoroughly sanitized, return them to their original positions and draw out approximately ¼ gallon (1 liter) of sanitizer solution. After letting it soak for another 30 minutes, dispense the remaining solution.
- Step 8. Release pressure from the cleaning bottle – Be sure to slowly and safely release the pressure from the cleaning bottle before uncapping it.
- Step 9. Flush the lines with fresh water – Rinse the cleaning bottle and fill it with cold, clean water. Afterward, expel at least 1-½ to 2 gallons (5-½-7-½ liters) to purge the lines of any remaining chemicals. And that’s how you clean a Lancer beer dispenser!
Bi-Yearly Lancer Beer Dispenser Cleaning
In addition to your weekly Lancer beer dispenser cleaning checklist, you'll want to pull out the machine at least twice a year to clean up the dust, dirt and any debris that’s accumulated behind or underneath it.
Although any unusual noises should be reported to an authorized service technician right away, sometimes small maintenance issues can go undetected by the untrained ear. Take this time to listen for any rattling, clicking, hissing or other irregular noises that may indicate loose parts and components.
Yearly Lancer Beer Dispenser Cleaning
Once a year, the Lancer beer dispenser must undergo several cleaning checks to ensure there are no interruptions to normal service. Complete the following steps to keep up-to-date on regular maintenance:
- Step 1. Unplug the unit – Before performing cleaning and maintenance on the Lancer beer dispenser, follow electrical safety protocols by first unplugging the power cord.
- Step 2. Drain the water bath – Next, drain the water bath and rinse with warm water to melt any remaining ice.
- Step 3. Clean the evaporator coils – If you notice mineral deposits or debris build up on the evaporator coils, clean it with a soft brush and a vacuum and finish with a descaler treatment.
- Step 4. Inspect the agitator and pump – You’ll want to make sure the pump is in good working order and the agitator blade is free of wear and deposits.
- Step 5. Refill the water bath – With the evaporator coils, agitator and pump taken care of, prep the beer dispenser for use and refill the water bath.
- Step 6. Plug in the unit – Once you’ve plugged the power cord back in, that wraps up the Lancer beer dispenser cleaning and maintenance for the year!
Additional Resources
If you have any more questions regarding the proper care, maintenance and repair of your beverage equipment, you can check out our collection of digital Lancer beer dispenser manuals and diagrams for quick tips to keep your unit online and fulfilling orders.