The Keg King · Draft beer troubleshooting
Foamy beer? Flat beer? Let’s fix that.
OMG Becky, look at their beer!
You pull the tap and get a glass full of foam, a beer with no fizz, or a pour that looks a little suspicious. Your kegerator is having a moment. Let’s work through it.
Start with temperature, pressure, cleaning, and pouring technique. Need a hand? The Keg King in Margate can help with kegerator troubleshooting, parts, cleaning supplies, and service.
What’s your beer doing?
Why is my keg beer foamy?
Everybody likes a little head on their beer. A whole glass of it? Now you’re just being teased.
- Check the actual beer temperature. Many typical ales and lagers dispense well around 36–38°F; follow the brewery’s and equipment maker’s guidance. Use a clean liquid thermometer to check beer at the faucet. The cooler’s air display does not tell the whole story. A warm keg needs time to cool all the way through.
- Look for a warm spot on the way to the faucet. If the first pour is foamy and later pours improve, the tower or beer line may be warming up between pours. Check that the cooling system is working and airflow is unobstructed.
- Check pressure and line balance together. The correct setting depends on the beer’s carbonation, temperature, gas type, and draft system. Pressure that is too low or too high can cause trouble. Keep the recommended setting for your setup; call us if you are unsure before making adjustments.
- Check cleaning and pouring technique. A dirty faucet or line can spoil the pour. Open a standard faucet fully and promptly; holding it halfway open creates foam. Don’t be a “maroon” with the tap handle!
Resist the urge to keep spinning the regulator. Your keg already has enough drama.
Why is my beer flat or losing its head?
When the only thing bubbly is your personality, check these first.
- Try a beer-clean glass. Grease or detergent residue can make the head disappear quickly. A disappearing head alone does not prove the keg has lost its carbonation.
- Check temperature. Very cold beer can show little head. Confirm the recommended liquid temperature before changing the thermostat.
- Review the gas supply and recommended pressure. Low pressure or the wrong gas blend can change carbonation over time. Repeated foamy pours can also leave beer tasting flat. Send us your beer brand, temperature, and gauge readings so we can help narrow it down.
Cranking the regulator to 30+ PSI is not a general fix for flat beer. It can overcarbonate the keg and give you a whole new foam problem.
Why is my beer cloudy?
Ordered a hazy IPA? Carry on. Your normally clear lager turning cloudy deserves a closer look.
- Check the beer style. Some beers are intentionally hazy or unfiltered. Compare the pour with what the brewery says to expect.
- Check storage and cleaning. Freezing, poor storage, or buildup in the faucet, coupler, or beer line can affect appearance and quality.
- Check freshness. Keg life varies by beer, packaging, and storage. Use the brewery’s date and guidance rather than a blanket “three or four months” rule. New cloudiness with an unusual smell or taste is a reason to stop serving and investigate.
Your lager should not be auditioning to become a hazy IPA.
Why is no beer coming out?
First, check whether the keg is empty. It may simply have given its all.
If there is beer left, check the gas supply, whether the correct coupler is fully engaged, and whether a line is pinched. A closed gas valve or a dirty faucet can also stop the flow. Follow your equipment instructions; don’t force a stuck handle or loosen pressurized fittings.
Need help identifying the connection? See our kegerator setup guide, or text us a photo.
Clean lines. Better beer. No excuses!
Home kegerator owners should clean their beer lines after every keg or every 14 days, whichever comes first. Include the faucet and coupler in the maintenance routine, and follow your equipment and cleaning product instructions.
Yes, The Keg King sells cleaning kits and beer line cleaner and offers beer line cleaning service. We just took away your last excuse.
Still having keg issues? Send us the evidence.
Call or text The Keg King with:
- Your beer brand and style, and when the keg was connected.
- Whether the problem affects the first pour, every pour, or only one tap.
- The liquid beer temperature, regulator readings, and gas type, if known.
- Photos of the kegerator, regulator gauges, coupler, and beer lines.
- When the system was last cleaned, plus your city if you need service.
Contact us about help in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. We will confirm the service needed, availability for your address, and pricing before scheduling.
Explore kegerator repair, draft beer parts, and CO2 refills.
Technical references: Micro Matic’s troubleshooting guide, regulator guidance, temperature guide, and maintenance guidance; Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Manual. Follow guidance specific to your beer and equipment.