Connect With Your Beer: Guide to Keg Couplers

Keg couplers are a key component of your kegerator or draft beer system. It’s the piece that unlocks the golden treasure stored inside a keg of beer and sends it on its journey to your taps. We’ve tapped the knowledge of our draft beer experts here at KegWorks to bring you some helpful information in regards to couplers and making sure you choose the right one.

What is a keg coupler?

A keg coupler, also known as a keg tap connects the air line (the CO2 or Nitrogen tank) and the beer line to your keg so that everything flows properly. It uses the compressed air from the CO2 or nitrogen tank to push the beer out of your draft system and into your glass. If your beer keg coupler isn't attached properly, you won't be pouring anything out.

Types of keg couplers

One important thing to know about keg couplers is that there isn’t a “one size fits all” option. Depending on the style of beer you want to tap or where it came from, you need to make sure you have the right type of coupler.

• D System: Also known as a Sankey keg coupler, this is the standard keg coupler that will work the large majority of North American beers, including craft brews.
• U System: This is the style of coupler you’ll need if you plan on tapping Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny and other select beers from the UK.
• S System: Similar to the D System coupler, an S System coupler is also known as a European Sankey coupler. It works with popular European imports, including Heineken, Becks and Amstel.
• A System: Designed for use with German beers, including Warsteiner, Paulaner and Spaten, an A System coupler slides over the top of the keg stem. It is also referred to as a German Slider coupler.
• G System: For use with popular UK brands of beer, such as Bass and Boddington’s, the valve stem on a G System keg is shaped like a circle with three flat sides.
• M System: Similar to the A System coupler, an M System locks into place by sliding over the top of the keg. It is compatible with a number of German beers, including Schneider, Aventinus, Einbecker and Veltins.
• KeyKeg: The KeyKeg or K System is a new setup for keg tapping that uses single-use plastic kegs. KeyKeg systems are gaining in popularity with select European breweries and US winemakers.

Consult our handy Keg Coupler List if you’re not sure which style of coupler you need a specific brand of beer.

Parts of a keg coupler

To maintain a quality draft beer system, it's important to clean its parts regularly. This will mean disassembling and reassembling the keg coupler, so you'll want to get familiar with the look and function of each part. Some of the parts inside the coupler may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Here’s a breakdown of parts for our economy D System coupler:

1. Check Ball
2. Check Ball Retainer
3. Keg Tap and Tap Lever Handle
4. Probe Seal
5. Body Seal
6. Check valve
7. Tail Piece for 5/16" Vinyl Hose
8. Hex Nut for Beer Line - ⅜” Bore

Here’s a similar Sankey coupler with premium stainless steel contacts:

1. Check Ball Retainer
2. Check Ball
3. Keg Tap and Tap Lever Handle
4. Probe Seal
5. Body Seal
6. Thomas Vent
7. Retainer for Thomas Valve
8. Stainless Steel Tail Piece for 5/16” Vinyl Hose
9. Hex Nut for Beer Line - ⅜” Bore

 

Note: To make a proper connection between the tail piece and hex nut, or if your keg coupler is leaking, be sure to have some extra rubber washers on hand.

How to clean a keg coupler

Depending on how often you use your draft system, it's a good idea to clean your beer lines and draft system components, including your keg coupler, at least every two to three weeks or every time you tap a new keg.

Step 1: Remove your coupler and all of its parts from your tap. 

Step 2: Disassemble your keg coupler.

Step 3: Make a solution of approximately 1/2 oz to 1 oz of cleaning solution for every quart of water. Follow the directions on the bottle of cleaning solution for exact amounts. 

Step 4: Soak all keg coupler parts in the solution, and brush them clean. 

Step 5: Rinse coupler parts with clean water and then towel dry before use.

Keg coupler troubleshooting

Coupler not connecting securely

If you're using the wrong coupler, you may notice that you're having to force the coupler to attach to the keg. The right-sized coupler should attach relatively easily. Be sure to match the beer you're using with our keg coupler list.

Beer leaking from top of the keg 

Seeing bubbles or foam leaking from the top of the keg means your coupler is not attached securely. Disengage the coupler by pulling the handle out then up, disconnect it from the keg and then try again.

If attaching the coupler securely doesn’t fix the issue then be sure that your rubber check valve is attached properly. Many times, people throw this part out thinking that it is part of the packaging, but the rubber check valve is a critical part of your keg coupler. Also, having extra rubber washers on hand can aid in the proper attachment of the hex nut and tail piece to the lines, and can eliminate leaks when they reinforce attachments elsewhere in your system. Anytime two pieces of metal are coming in contact in your draft beer system, it's a good idea to use a rubber washer to attach them.

Missing or damaged parts

As with most components of a beer dispensing system, there are many small parts involved with a keg coupler. While removing them often for cleaning or maintenance is important, it can also lead to damaged or lost parts. One lost or damaged part can often make the difference between a perfect pour and a cloudy or foamy beer. KegWorks carries a selection of coupler replacement parts as well as a handy draft system repair kit so that you’re prepared for any kind of issue. 

Coupler not fitting inside kegerator

The lines attached to a standard coupler sit as high as 5"-6" above the rim of the keg when tapped. If there’s not enough room above your keg to properly attach the coupler, then you’ll want to use a low-profile keg coupler. The barbs for the beer and air lines protrude horizontally instead of vertically so they take up less room when attached. This can reduce the increased height above your keg added by the coupler from around 5-6" to as little as 0.75-1.25". KegWorks also offers a low-profile coupler with a rotating probe for added assistance when connecting to your keg. 

Now that you have a better understanding of keg couplers you can be confident in choosing the right one for your kegerator. You can learn more about how to properly connect your coupler with our guide on how to set up a kegerator.