Beer Tap Frothy or Not Pouring Correctly? A Complete Fault-Finding Guide

Nothing ruins a perfect pint faster than a beer tap that’s pouring frothy, flat, or not at all. Whether you’re running a busy bar, hosting an event, or using a home draught system, dispense issues can usually be traced to a handful of common causes. This guide walks you through the essential checks to diagnose and fix most fobbing or poor-pour problems.

1. Is the Beer Cold Enough? (It Must Be Below 6°C)

Temperature is the number one reason beer pours incorrectly.
Most carbonated keg beers should be served below 6°C. Anything warmer will cause excess CO₂ to break out of solution, leading to foamy or inconsistent pours.

Check:

• Is your cooler running properly?

• Is the beer line cold from keg to tap?

• Has the cooler been switched off recently?

Even a short period of warmth can cause the system to pour badly for hours.

2. When Was the System Last Cleaned?

A dirty beer line is one of the biggest causes of fobbing and poor dispense quality.

What to look for:

• Visible yeast or biofilm in the line

• Sour smell or off-flavours

• Cloudy beer

• Debris or residue in the tap nozzle

Yeast buildup dramatically disrupts the flow of carbonated liquids, causing excess foam and blockages. Lines should be cleaned regularly—weekly for commercial setups and every 2–3 weeks for home bars.

3. Gas Pressure Problems

Incorrect pressure will cause immediate pouring issues.

Low pressure

• Beer pours slowly

• Beer may be flat

• Gas may not be able to push beer through the system

High pressure

• Over-foaming

• Wild, uncontrollable pour

• Excess carbonation in the lines

Check your regulator: Has anyone adjusted the settings?
Typical pressures vary depending on the product, but sudden changes in pour quality often mean the gas needs rebalancing.

4. Keg Coupler & Seals

A worn or damaged keg coupler seal will cause leaks, fobbing, and inconsistent pressure.

Inspect:

• Rubber seals – are they cracked or worn?

• Is the coupler locking on firmly?

• Are air leaks audible when tapping the keg?

Even tiny leaks can disrupt the system.

5. Keg Storage Temperature

Even if your cooler is perfect, a warm keg won’t pour properly.

Warm kegs cause:

• Excess foaming

• Over-carbonation in the first few pints

• Extended cooling times before stabilising

Kegs should always be stored in a cold environment before use. If a warm keg is connected, allow several hours for it to reach serving temperature.

6. Still Having Issues? Call an Expert

If you’ve checked temperature, cleaning, pressure, seals, and storage but still experience problems, it’s time to call a professional beer technician.

MorePour are national service providers specialising in:

• Beer tap repairs

• Draught beer installations

• Commercial and event bar setups

• Cellar cooling and dispense equipment

📍 Nationwide coverage
🌐 www.morepour.com
📧 office@morepour.com
📞 01293 862383

A faulty beer tap can cost time, money, and customer satisfaction—so don’t leave it unresolved. Our team can diagnose and repair issues quickly to keep your draught system pouring perfectly.