Draft Beer Pouring Problems and Solutions

Whether you’re managing a busy taproom or a neighborhood bar, nothing slows service faster than a bad pour. Foamy, flat, or inconsistent beer doesn’t just waste product—it kills profit and frustrates customers.

This guide covers the most common draft beer pouring problems and how to fix them, plus when to call in a professional before small issues turn into costly downtime.

Why Draft Beer Pouring Problems Happen

Most pour issues trace back to three things: temperature, pressure, and cleanliness. If one of those is off, you’ll start seeing foam, flat pours, or uneven flow.
Keeping your system balanced and clean is key to maintaining consistency and quality.

According to the Brewers Association’s Draught Beer Quality Manual, draft lines should be cleaned at least every two weeks to prevent buildup that causes foaming, flavor issues, and equipment damage.

Common Draft Beer Pouring Problems and Fixes

Foamy Beer

Likely causes: Dirty lines, warm product, or high CO₂ pressure.
What to check:

• Confirm cooler temps are between 36–38°F.
• Make sure CO₂ regulators are set to the proper pressure.
• Schedule routine beer line cleaning to prevent yeast and biofilm buildup.
• If you have long-draw runs, verify your draft system and glycol loop are correctly balanced.

Flat Beer

Likely causes: Low carbonation, leaks, or over-chilled product.
What to check:

• Inspect CO₂ tanks, hoses, and couplers for leaks or frost.
• Keep product temperature consistent—beer that’s too cold won’t hold carbonation.
• If your cooler is icing up or short cycling, a refrigeration inspection can help stabilize temps.

Slow or Uneven Pour

Likely causes: Restriction issues, worn seals, or clogged faucets.
What to check:

• Inspect and clean faucet assemblies weekly.
• Replace kinked jumper lines or damaged seals.
• Confirm restriction matches your system’s CO₂ pressure for even flow across taps.
  For more insight into system balance, Craft Brewing Business explains how glycol and pressure consistency impact pour quality.

Off-Flavors

Likely causes: Contaminated lines, improper cleaning, or warm storage.
What to check:

• Clean lines every 14 days with brewery-approved chemicals, then rinse thoroughly.
• Maintain steady cooler temps to prevent oxidation or bacterial growth.
• Don’t mix cleaning solutions—incorrect ratios can damage stainless and affect flavor.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Establishing a routine prevents most pouring problems before they start. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Clean beer lines biweekly using approved methods
• Inspect CO₂ tanks and regulators regularly
• Confirm cooler temps stay between 36–38°F
• Check glycol levels and flow for long-draw systems
• Inspect faucets and couplers for wear or leaks

Keeping a consistent maintenance schedule extends your equipment’s life, reduces waste, and ensures every pour tastes as it should.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re constantly adjusting pressure or fighting foam, it’s time to bring in a technician. Persistent issues could mean you have leaks, faulty regulators, or improper system balance that only a pro can diagnose.

Our maintenance and repair team can troubleshoot on-site, rebalance your system, and set up a preventative plan that keeps your beer cold, clean, and consistent.

Final Thoughts

Great beer deserves a great pour. Staying on top of temperature, pressure, and line cleaning keeps customers happy and your system efficient.

If you’re dealing with foam, flat beer, or inconsistent pours, reach out to the CBG Draft Services team. We’ll get your system tuned, balanced, and back to pouring right—so every pint tastes exactly how it should.

Contact us to schedule service →