Beer taps are essential for serving quality draft beer – however, like any equipment, they can encounter issues that affect the taste and presentation of the beer.
Below, All So Cool has a guide to troubleshooting common beer tap problems and their solutions.
1 – Foamy Beer
Cause: Foamy beer is one of the most frequent problems. It can be caused by several factors, including incorrect temperature, improper CO2 pressure, dirty lines, or a warm beer line.
Solution:
- Temperature: Ensure the beer is stored and served at the right temperature. Warmer beer can release CO2 too quickly, causing foam.
- CO2 Pressure: Check and adjust the CO2 pressure. This can vary depending on the beer type and keg distance.
- Clean Lines: Regularly clean the beer lines to remove yeast build-up and other residues that can cause foaming.
- Beer Line Insulation: Insulate the beer lines to keep them cold from keg to tap.
2 – Flat Beer
Cause: Flat beer lacks the proper carbonation, which can result from low CO2 pressure, over-carbonation, or a dirty tap.
Solution:
- CO2 Pressure: Increase the CO2 pressure to the recommended level. Ensure there are no leaks in the system.
- Check Keg: Sometimes the keg might be over-carbonated. If so, release some pressure from the keg by pulling the pressure release valve.
- Clean Tap: Make sure the tap is clean. Buildup inside the tap can affect the flow and carbonation.
3 – Off Flavours
Cause: Off flavours in draft beer can stem from unclean equipment, old beer lines, or improper storage temperatures.
Solution:
- Clean Regularly: Clean the entire system, including lines, taps, and couplers, every two weeks. This prevents bacterial growth and flavour contamination.
- Replace Lines: Replace beer lines every six months to avoid flavour carryover from previous beers.
- Proper Storage: Store beer at the right temperature and ensure the keg is fresh. Avoid temperature fluctuations, which can cause off flavours.
4 – Slow Pour
Cause: A slow pour can frustrate both servers and customers. It usually results from low CO2 pressure, a kinked beer line, or a partially blocked faucet.
Solution:
- Check CO2 Pressure: Ensure the CO2 pressure is set correctly. Low pressure can slow the beer flow.
- Inspect Lines: Check for kinks or obstructions in the beer lines. Replace any damaged sections.
- Clean Faucet: Disassemble and clean the faucet to remove any blockages or buildup.
5 – Beer Leaks
Cause: Leaks can occur at various points in the dispensing system, often due to loose connections, worn-out seals, or damaged components.
Solution:
- Tighten Connections: Inspect all connections and tighten any that are loose.
- Replace Seals: Check for worn or cracked seals and gaskets, particularly around the coupler and faucet, and replace them as needed.
- Inspect Components: Regularly check all components, including the keg coupler, lines, and faucet, for signs of wear or damage.
6 – No Beer Flow
Cause: When no beer is flowing from the tap, it could be due to an empty keg, a disconnected line, or a CO2 issue.
Solution:
- Check Keg: Ensure the keg isn’t empty. Replace it if necessary.
- Reconnect Lines: Verify that all lines are securely connected.
- CO2 System: Ensure the CO2 tank is not empty and the regulator is functioning correctly.
Maintaining a beer tap system requires regular cleaning, proper adjustments, and periodic inspections. By understanding these common issues and their solutions, you can ensure your beer tap delivers the perfect pour every time, keeping both you and your customers satisfied.
Having your beer reticulation system serviced by All So Cool at regular intervals will ensure you experience fewer inconvenient breakdowns. We can tailor a preventative maintenance package to suit your business’s needs, ensuring your beer reticulation system continues running smoothly all year round.
If your beer reticulation system breaks down, we offer a 24 hour emergency call out service, 365 days a year. We will get your beer flowing promptly no matter the problem. Our qualified technicians carry on board a variety of common parts that will get your equipment operating in the shortest period of time possible.
Chat to All So Cool fridge mechanics Brisbane and Gold Coast on (07) 3422 0011 to discuss how we can help keep your business running cool. We are available 24/7.