Beer Line Tubing Guide: Sizes, Types & What You Actually Need
Choosing the correct tubing for your beer dispense system is one of the most important parts of getting a good pour.
Using the wrong pipe can lead to:
- Excess foam
- Slow or inconsistent flow
- Flat beer
- Poor cooling performance
Whether you’re setting up a home bar or running a small pub system, this guide explains the different types of beer and gas tubing, what they’re used for, and how to choose the right option.
Why the right tubing matters
Your tubing controls how beer and gas move through your system. If it’s not matched correctly, you can run into ongoing issues that are often mistaken for faults with taps, kegs or regulators.
Getting it right means:
- Consistent pour speed
- Better beer quality
- Fewer issues with foam or pressure
- A more reliable system overall
Food Grade Tubing (Essential)
All tubing used in beer dispense systems must be food grade.
This ensures:
- No contamination
- No impact on taste
- Safe use with beverages
Common materials include:
- MDP (Medium Density Polyethylene) – often used for gas lines
- PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) – commonly used for beer lines
- EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) – flexible and durable
- Nylon / Multi-layer tubing – used in more advanced systems
Beer Line vs Gas Line – What’s the Difference?
Beer Line (Product Line)
- Carries beer from the keg to the tap
- Needs to be smooth and correctly sized
- Typically made from PVC, EVA or multi-layer materials
Gas Line
- Carries CO₂ or mixed gas to the keg
- Must safely handle pressure
- Typically made from MDP or Nylon
Common Tubing Sizes Explained
Standard Beer & Gas Lines
- Often 3/8” outer diameter (OD)
- Used in many standard setups
Python Lines (Long Draw Systems)
- Typically 3/8” OD
- Used when beer is stored far from the bar
Water Recirculation Lines
- Usually 15mm OD x 11.5mm ID (MDP)
- Used in cooling systems to maintain beer temperature
Restrictor Line (3/16” OD)
In many beer dispense systems, a 3/16” outer diameter restrictor line is used between the flow restrictor and the tap.
This smaller diameter tubing helps to control the flow of beer, reducing excess pressure before it reaches the tap. Without it, beer can pour too quickly, leading to excessive foam and poor dispense quality.
Using the correct restrictor line is especially important in setups where:
- Beer is pouring too fast
- You’re experiencing ongoing foaming issues
- Fine control over flow is needed at the tap
👉 Using the correct restrictor line is a key part of balancing a beer dispense system.
Gas Pipe Colour Coding
Different gas lines are colour coded to help identify the gas being used:
- Grey – 100% CO₂
- Green – 30/70 mixed gas
- White – 60/40 mixed gas
- Purple – 50/50 mixed gas
- Blue – compressed air
- Black – 100% nitrogen
Using the correct gas type is essential for maintaining carbonation and achieving the correct pour.
What tubing do you actually need?
Home Bar Setup
- Beer line: PVC or EVA
- Gas line: MDP
- Keep runs short and simple
Small Pub or Short Run System
- Standard beer and gas lines
- May not require advanced cooling
- Focus on correct sizing and pressure balance
Long Draw / Cellar Systems
- Python lines for beer and cooling
- Recirculation lines for temperature control
- Often requires mixed gas setups
Common problems caused by incorrect tubing
Many dispense issues come back to tubing choice:
- Too much foam → incorrect diameter or pressure imbalance
- Slow pouring beer → line too narrow or too long
- Flat beer → incorrect gas setup
- Warm beer → poor recirculation or cooling lines
Important installation tips
- Always use food grade tubing
- Match tubing type to gas and product
- Don’t mix gas types incorrectly
- Follow manufacturer or brand specifications where required
Need help choosing the right tubing?
If you’re unsure what tubing your setup requires, we’re happy to help. Choosing the right pipe first time can save a lot of time, cost and frustration later.