FAQ

• What are the most common issues with draft beer?
• What is the main cause of flat beer?
• What is the cause of bad-tasting beer?
• Why is my beer not pouring, or pouring out too slowly?
• Why is my beer cloudy? (Beer in glass appears hazy, not clear)
• When is the proper time to tap a keg?
• What is the required temperature to store draft beer at?
• How long could you keep a keg fresh?

What are the most common issues with draft beer?  Top

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

What is the main cause of flat beer?  Top

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

• Beer temperature is too cold
• CO₂ pressure is set too low
• Beer is stored or served with 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 16psi

Always have the pressure on when dispensing beer.

What is the cause of bad-tasting beer?  Top

More often than not, bad-tasting beer is a result of beer lines that are not cleaned regularly.

• When cleaning the beer lines, make sure you take apart the faucet and 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, as well.
• 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?  Top

Common causes of this problem are:

• CO₂ pressure is set properly
• Faucet is faulty, 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 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)  Top

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?  Top

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

What is the required temperature to store draft beer at?  Top

This is a simple rule which you must 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?  Top

Beer lasts longer if you 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.