Kegerator Troubleshooting

If your kegerator won't pour, you won't be able to serve customers. Although this issue may seem serious, it is often easy to diagnose. We've listed the most common causes of this problem:

• Empty keg: If your kegerator isn't pouring, the issue could be as simple as an empty keg. If this is the case, replace it with a full one.
• Issues with the CO2 tank: If the CO2 tank is empty, there will be no pressure to force the beer out of the keg. Refill your canister and ensure it is properly connected before resuming service.
• Line blockage: Blockages occur in the dip tube, beer tap, or beer line. To address this issue, start by depressurizing the keg. Then, take the beer post off and remove the tubes and lines. Thoroughly clean them to alleviate any blockages that hinder beer flow. If the parts are damaged beyond repair, consider replacing them with new components to ensure proper functionality.

Bars and breweries are fast-paced environments, and a kegerator that pours slowly can significantly reduce the speed with which your bartenders fulfill orders. Remedy this issue immediately to improve your staff's efficiency and create a convenient guest experience. When beer is coming out slowly, there may be several contributing factors: 

• Poorly connected lines: Ensure all beer lines are correctly connected and pressurized. If this is the case, disconnect the lines and reconnect them securely to ensure a proper seal. If issues persist, replace the lines or contact a service technician.
• Low pressure: Check that your keg is operating at the correct pressure levels. Adjust the pressure settings as needed to ensure optimal flow.
• Low CO2 tank: Check the CO2 tank and verify it is not empty or running low. If needed, replace the tank with a full one to maintain consistent pressure for proper dispensing.

Although beer is carbonated, too many bubbles can be distracting. Bubbles in your beer line can affect the quality of your pour and the consistency and taste of your signature brews. The causes of this issue can stem from technical problems inside your unit, improper settings, and the environment it is in.

• Over-carbonation: Check and adjust your system to ensure it is balanced and functioning correctly. An unbalanced system will create excess foam and bubbles in the line. 
• Warm beer lines: If the beer line is too warm, heat will rise through it, causing your beer to foam and produce bubbles. Ensure beer lines are insulated and kept at the appropriate temperature. Verify that they aren't touching any warm appliances.
• Pressure too high or too low: Incorrect pressure settings will create excess bubbles. Check your manufacturer's instructions and set the unit to the proper settings.
• Beer line too short: Beer lines that are too short or small will restrict the way beer travels through the machine and create bubbles. Use the proper size of line for your keg to maintain consistent flow.

While some beers are hazy, not all are supposed to naturally appear that way. If you notice that your beers are cloudier than expected, there is likely something wrong with your kegerator. We've listed the most frequent causes of this issue below:

• Temperature control problems: Beer held at too low or too high of a temperature will become cloudy. To resolve this issue, check the manufacturer's instructions for the proper holding temperature. In most cases, beer should be held between 36-40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal clarity and taste.
• Obstructed faucet: Sometimes, debris can accumulate in the faucet, causing cloudy pours. To address this, turn the tap off, open it, and close it again to ensure the faucet shuts properly. If issues persist, replace the faucet or call a maintenance technician.
• Environmental issues: Check that your kegerator is not placed near a hot appliance and that no hot food or drinks are resting on it. These will give off heat, which warms the unit and disrupts the cooling process.

A common issue that many bars face is that the beers they pour are more foam than liquid. This results in wasted beer and can negatively impact customer satisfaction. Several factors could be causing excessive foam:

• Warm beer: Ensure that your kegerator is running in the correct temperature range to maintain the optimal serving temperature for your brew. Beer that is too warm will foam once dispensed.
• Excess CO2: The proper range for CO2 should typically be between 10 and 12 PSI. If there's too much pressure, it can lead to foam. To depressurize your unit, pull the relief valve and wait 15 minutes before turning the tank back on to regulate the CO2 levels.
• Old beer lines: Over time, beer lines can deteriorate, leading to foamy pours. Check your beer lines for any signs of wear and tear, and replace them if needed to ensure a smooth flow.
• Clogged faucet: Turn off the unit, remove the faucet, and clean it thoroughly to alleviate any potential clogs affecting the pour.
• Bad pour: A bad pour technique can result in excess foam. Train your staff on the proper way to pour beer, including the angle of the glass and the rate of flow, to minimize foam production.
• Worn faucet: A worn or damaged faucet will not function as expected and can lead to foaming beer. Ensure that the faucet opens fully and replace any worn or broken parts as needed for optimal dispensing.
• Warm beer lines: Make sure that all beer tubes are fully refrigerated within the kegerator.

Beer becomes flat when it starts to lose its carbonation. As a result, your beers will feel and taste stale, which can disappoint customers. Several issues can cause flat beer, and we've listed the most common below:

• Low carbonation: Ensure the gas is connected correctly and that your CO2 tank is full. If you've checked these factors and the problem persists, it may be time to contact a service technician for further assistance.
• Temperature control issues: Beer that is too cold can lead to flatness, as excessively low temperatures can reduce carbonation levels. Make sure to set your kegerator to the appropriate temperature settings.
• Beer line resistance: Verify your beer lines are the correct size, as lines that are either too long or too thin can cause resistance and ultimately reduce carbonation.
• Poor washing practices: Poor glass washing practices, like washing beer glasses with dishes that contain fatty or greasy residues, can cause beer to flatten after it is poured. Wash beer glasses separately to avoid any contamination.
• Bad pour: Train your staff on the correct pouring techniques to ensure that every glass of beer is served with the right amount of carbonation.