Preventative Maintenance for Beer Systems: The No-Foam Checklist

Keep your draft system consistent, clean, and cold

You don’t need surprises at the tap. Preventative maintenance keeps your beer lines flowing smoothly, your refrigeration working efficiently, and your customers happy. It’s not complicated—just consistent care that protects product quality and prevents costly breakdowns.

What preventative maintenance really means

Preventative maintenance is the regular inspection and servicing of your draft system before problems happen. That means verifying temperatures and pressures, cleaning lines, checking gas levels, and catching worn-out parts early.

1. Clean your lines on schedule

Dirty or neglected beer lines lead to foam, sour flavors, and slow pours. Follow the Beer Line Cleaning schedule recommended by your service team—typically every two weeks.
The Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Manual backs this up, emphasizing how routine cleaning preserves beer integrity and keeps bacteria out of your system.

2. Keep temperatures steady

Beer should stay between 36–38°F from keg to faucet. Warm beer foams; cold beer pours smooth. If your walk-in cooler or glycol loop isn’t holding temp, start with a system check from the Draft Systems team.
For insight on how advanced glycol systems maintain temperature consistency, see Craft Brewing Business.

3. Don’t skip refrigeration maintenance

Refrigeration issues are often the first sign of bigger system inefficiencies. Dusty coils, weak seals, or refrigerant loss can cause temp swings and energy waste. Add monthly checks for coils, gaskets, and airflow to your PM plan—or schedule service through Refrigeration.

4. Check gas and pressure

Unbalanced CO₂ or mixed-gas pressure is one of the top causes of foamy pours. Inspect couplers, shanks, and manifolds for leaks and ensure your regulators are calibrated. For recurring issues, our Maintenance & Repair specialists can evaluate and document your setup to avoid future waste.

The quick routine our techs look for

• Line cleaning every 14 days (full disassembly and verification)
• Proper glycol mix and temperature in the power pack
• Clean condenser and evaporator coils
• Tight door gaskets and functioning auto-closers
• Stable pressure, no leaks, balanced restrictors

When every piece is tuned, you get consistent pours, lower CO₂ costs, and fewer late-night emergencies.

Why it pays off

Preventative maintenance costs less than repair calls, reduces beer loss, and keeps your system efficient. A clean, balanced draft line also means less foam waste, faster service, and a better drinking experience for your guests.

When to call in help

If you’re dealing with persistent foam, temperature swings, or pressure fluctuations, it’s time for a system inspection. CBG Draft Services handles everything from Draft Systems design to Beer Line Cleaning, Refrigeration, and full Preventative Maintenance plans—so you can pour confidently year-round.