Draft Beer FAQ

Having a problem with your draft beer systems? Browse our Frequently Asked Questions — we may have your answer!



What are the most common issues with draft beer?

Most dispensing problems are caused by improper:

  • Cleaning;
  • Pressure; or
  • Temperature

To avoid problems with your draft beer system, keep in mind the following points:

  1. Ensure that your keg is stored between 36–39°F or 2–4°C (the temperature should be maintained all the way to the point of dispensing)

  2. Set your thermostat properly

  3. CO2 pressure is between 12—16 Lbs. Flash cooler: Minimum 35psi; Walk in cooler: minimum 16 psi

  4. Check when the last time your beer line, faucet and keg coupler where cleaned. We recommend cleaning them at least once every 4 weeks.



What is the main cause of flat beer?

Beer becomes flat when it loses carbonation, and its brewery fresh flavor. This can happen when:

  • Beer temperature is too cold
  • CO2 pressure is set too low
  • Beer is stored or served dirty glassware

Lack of pressure is the most common cause of flat beer. Remember to maintain the following recommended pressure settings:
   Flash cooler: minimum 35psi
   Walk in cooler: minimum 16 psi

Always have pressure on when dispensing beer.



What is the cause of bad-tasting beer?

More often than not, bad-tasting beer is the result of beer lines that are not cleaned regularly. When cleaning your beer lines, make sure you take apart the faucet clean it out completely — take the shaft out. Most people don't think of cleaning the coupler, either, so take a brush and clean the outside. Make sure you don't have a build up on the outside, also. To sanitize, fill a container with hot water and put the coupler in it for minimum of 3 minutes.



Why is my beer not pouring, or pouring out too slowly?

Common causes of this problem are:

  • CO2 pressure is set properly
  • Faucet in bad, dirty, or worn condition
  • Kinks, twists or other obstructions in the beer line
  • Beer drawn improperly
  • Beer temperature is too warm

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and find the problem:

Step 1: Make sure that the coupler is tapped properly and the handle is down.

Step 2: Make sure that air (CO2) valve is open

Step 3: Check your pressure to make sure it is not set too low

Step 4: Check the gas or compressor

Step 5: Make sure that you have beer in the Keg



Why is my beer cloudy? (Beer in glass appears hazy, not clear)

This can be caused by:

  • Frozen or nearly frozen beer.
  • Beer that has been un-refrigerated for long periods of time.
  • Old beer.
  • Dirty faucet, beer line, and/or keg coupler.
  • Dirty glassware.

When is the proper time to tap a keg?

We strongly suggest that you wait a minimum of 3 hours due to the fluctuation of the temperature in transit. There is a exception to that rule: a picnic cooler with a coil — just make sure you have it full of ice and start drinking.



What temperature do I need to store draft beer at?

This is one simple rule that you must to follow. Most draft beer needs to be maintained at a temperature of 36–39°F (2–4°C). If you do not follow this rule, the result will be cloudy, foaming or sour beer.



How long could you keep a keg fresh?

Beer lasts longer if your are using CO2 to dispense with proper pressure, and if you keep your beer at the proper temperature. You will find that non-pasteurized draft beer will remain fresh for 45–60 days and pasteurized draft beer will remain fresh for 80–110 days.