There are a few simple reasons why the beer may be foamy during dispensing
The first thing to do is to observe if the beer is foamy from the tap or in the glass/cup.
If the beer is foamy from the tap:
- Keg is unsettled from handling – a keg is simply an oversized beer can when it's shaken, it needs time to settle. Take a look at your FOB and make sure there is beer product in the chamber, not foam.
- Temperature is too warm (should be 34-38 degrees) -- if you just moved or changed your keg and it was not in a cold storage room prior, it will need to settle and get cold.
- Your kegerator temperature may be too warm. Check the temperature setting, and view the Sensors page in portal. Sign up for temperature Alerts!
- If the gas pressure is too low or high, it will create a problem with dispensing
- Open all shut off valves - from the gas manifolds and at the couplers on the kegs
- Check the expiration date on your kegs - Old beer will cause secondary fermentation to begin, over carbonating the beer
- Check your last line cleaning maintenance window -- the cleaners should ensure the nozzles are cleaned during the service.
If the beer is clear from the tap and foaming in the glass/cup:
- Most times, holding the cup at the required 45 degree angle is the answer! Be sure to tip the glass appropriately! Check out our tips on pouring the perfect glass here!
- Your keg is empty or nearing empty. Click here for help changing your stainless steel keg
- The FOB needs to be bled (this also occurs when your keg is empty!)
- The beer is warm. Remember that any beer over 40℉ will be foamy out of the tap. A half barrel keg at room temperature may take 12 hours to get to temperature, so be sure to store your spare kegs in cold storage and transfer them to your pouring location as quickly but gently as possible
- The pressure is incorrect or your gas is empty. Check here for help reading your regulator gauges