Draft Beer System: Troubleshooting Guide

Learn how to troubleshoot your draft beer system.

Draft beer is a favorite beverage among many bar goers and draft beer selection varies widely in flavor, potency and brewing technique. No matter the type of beer, the draft beer system that you use will eventually need maintenance. Clogged lines, low Co2 tanks or broken taps can greatly affect properly pouring beer, flavor and foam content. These problems, if not fixed quickly, can easily turn your patrons away to another bar. Learning how to properly troubleshoot your draft beer system will ensure that your customers keep coming back to your establishment. Troubleshooting will also aid in keeping your draft beer system in good working order if you have a bar at home.

Instructions

1. Check the keg first if you notice a problem with the beer as you pour it from the tap. If the tap starts to sputter or barely pour out, chances are your keg is near empty and must be changed.

2. Notice the flow of the beer when you pull on the tap handle. If the beer is barely pouring out, the main valve could be partially closed. If the beer pours out too fast, then the valve might be open too wide. If adjusting the valves has no effect, then your draft lines could be clogged or have air bubbles blocking the flow. This will require professional maintenance.

3. Check the gauge on your Co2 tank. If the gauge reads lower than normal, your beer will have little foam and will not taste as it should. You should change the Co2 tank at this point.

4. Notice the level of foam pouring out of the tap. If the glass is full of foam, then the keg might be near empty, or the Co2 level could need adjustment. Try closing the Co2 valve on the tank and then open it to halfway, let the beer run momentarily and see if the foam stops pouring out.

5. Taste the beer for correct temperature. If the beer is too warm or has a heavy foam or "head," your refrigeration system could need repairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your draft beer lines cleaned periodically to ensure proper taste and flow through the lines. Have your keg cooler checked for correct temperature and compressor maintenance to ensure that your draft system remains in working order.

References

• Great Brewers: Draft Beer Troubleshooting
• Keg Works: Draft Beer Troubleshooting
• Keg Man: Flat Draft Beer

Resources

• Green Air Supply: Draft Beer