Troubleshooting draft systems

Question 1

What is some basic troubleshooting for draft systems?

Answer 1

Remember, temperature control is the most common source of draft system problems (and one of many problems that cause overly foamy beer).

Question 2

Beer should be placed in the cooler 24 hours prior to service:

Answer 2

If beer
is overly foamy when it comes out of the faucet, the most likely cause is that it’s too warm. Ensure that the keg is chilled to 38°F by putting it in the fridge at least 24 hours before it is served.

Question 3

Coupler must be properly engaged:

Answer 3

If the coupler isn’t properly connected to the keg, there may be no CO2 flowing in to keep it pressurized and/or there may be no beer flowing out of the keg.

Question 4

Check for kinks or pinches in the hose connected to the coupler:

Answer 4

If the beer line or gas line going from the wall to the coupler is kinked or pinched then there may be no beer flow or foamy beer at the faucet.

Question 5

FOB must be set for service (if the system has foam on beer detectors):

Answer 5

Every time a keg is changed, the FOB (if there is one) has to be reset. If the person who changed the keg hasn’t reset them, there will be no beer at the faucet.

Question 6

If you check for those basic issues and beer is still pouring improperly (or not at all),

Answer 6

contact a draft system professional for help. Draft systems work at dangerously high-pressure levels and use gases that can be deadly if leaking in enclosed spaces, so leave it to the pros to fix it!

Question 7

If the system isn’t regularly cleaned properly

Answer 7

the beer will pour foamy.