Nothing bugs me or my guests more than having foamy keg beer. Foamy beer is frustrating sure, but it can also be a clue that your kegerator is having an issue. Let’s explore why beer can get foamy and how to fix it.
Temperature
One of the most common causes of foamy beer is the temperature in the kegerator. If it’s too warm it can cause excess foaming when poured and if too cold can cause the CO2 to be absorbed into the beer – giving you less carbonation but more foam.
Check the temp – The ideal temperature for most beers is between 36-40 degrees F. If your kegerator is too hot or too cold, adjust to best temp suited for the type of home brew you have.
Pressure
Pressure is a common cause of foamy beer. If too high of a pressure when pouring it can cause foam but if too low of pressure the beer may be under-carbonated and come out with a flat taste.
The ideal pressure for most beers is between 10-12 PSI – check it and adjust to the best range.
Dirty Lines or Equipment
Bacteria, yeast and other contaminants can build up in the lines and equipment which causes beer to foam excessively. If the temp and pressure are both correct, it’s probably time then to clean out your system. To do this, remove the beer lines and soak them in a cleaning solution for at least 20 minutes. After soaking and rinsing you should be good to go. Also, you might need to clean the faucet – just as well give everything a good cleaning while you’re at it.
Check for leaks.
Finally, check for leaks. A leak in the lines or equipment can cause the extra beer foaming when pouring. Check all connections and make sure they are tight and secure.
Keeping everything clean and at the ideal temperatures and PSI for the keg should help get rid of the keg foam. Cheers!
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