Beer Line Size Recommendation Tool
Beer line diameter and material directly control flow rate, foam, and flavor stability. The Brewers Association specifies which line materials are approved for each system type. Using the wrong material — especially vinyl in a long draw bundle or polyethylene as a beer line — causes flavor permeation and contamination. Get the right recommendation for your setup below.
Your System Details
Balanced Line Length at Your Pressure
At — PSI net pressure, these are the balanced line lengths per line type. A balanced system delivers 2 fl oz/sec — about 8 seconds for a pint.
| Line Type | Resistance | Balanced Length | Approved Use | Replace Every |
|---|
Polyethylene is NOT a beer line. Polyethylene tubing is used for glycol supply/return lines only. It is highly gas-permeable and will allow CO2 to escape and oxygen to enter beer lines, resulting in flat, oxidized beer. It is also not food-safe for direct beer contact in long-duration applications. Never use polyethylene as a beer line. — BA Draught Beer Quality Manual
Beer Line Material Guide
| Material | Sizes | Resistance | Approved For | Not For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl (PVC) | 3/16", 1/4", 5/16" | 0.4–3.0 PSI/ft | Direct draw and kegerator jumper lines | Long draw bundles — permeates CO2 and oxygen over long runs |
| Barrier Tubing (Bev-Seal Ultra) | 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" | 0.13–2.2 PSI/ft | All systems — required for long draw | Nothing — this is the gold standard for all beer line applications |
| Stainless Steel | Shank/tower size | Very low (~0.2 PSI/ft) | Shanks, tower internals, FOB housing | Main beer line runs (used for fittings and short sections only) |
| Polyethylene | Various | — | Glycol supply and return lines ONLY | Beer lines — never use as a beer contact surface |
Long Draw Rule (BA): Barrier tubing is the only approved beer line material for long draw trunk bundles. Vinyl tubing is permeable — CO2 escapes and oxygen enters through the walls over the length of a long run, ruining carbonation and beer freshness. All BA-certified long draw systems use barrier tubing for the main run. — BA Draught Beer Quality Manual, 4th Ed.