How To Keep a Keg Flowing Properly

Depending on your equipment, you should follow one of two ways to maintain proper flow and foam. Home kegerator owners have a bit more to worry about, as it is assumed they aren't emptying their keg within a few hours at a party and have plenty of small parts to keep track of and clean.

Short Term Party Drinking
First, the party keg. These are often called "half kegs," but don't worry, you're still getting the massive 15.5 gallons of beer - about seven cases. Breweries decided it was impractical to continue providing the 30 gallon full kegs about 35 years ago.

• Let the keg settle prior to tapping. Ideally, you'll have 2 to 3 hours to let it sit before the party starts. Otherwise, you could be dealing with some unpleasant, foamy beer.
• Warm sections in the beer line, twists, or residue can also cause foamy beer. It's worth it to keep the hose under ice on top of the keg when not in use.
• Keep your keg cold. As your draft beer is not pasteurized, it should be kept between 38 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 45 degrees and you could get cloudy or sour beer.

Beer for the Long Run
For those indulgent enough to fashion or purchase a kegerator, maintenance is still easy, but it does require a bit more.

• Keep both inside and outside clean with your normal cleaning products
• Beer lines should be cleaned each time the keg is changed. Bars and restaurants are required to do this at least a couple of times a month.
• Keep your exposed beer lines as short as possible. Warmer lines can cause excess foam. Your local hardware store can provide tube insulation at little cost.
• Ideally, beer glasses should be washed with detergent, not soap, and air-dried. Fatty substances like lipstick, food, and soap can remain in the glass and deflate the head. The glass is an often overlooked culprit of flat beer.
• Increase the pressure of your CO2 tank if the beer flows too slowly. You should be able to fill a 10-ounce glass in about 4 seconds.