Expert: Spencer W Thomas - 10/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: I purchased a kegerator and filled the CO2 tank, put everything together fine, when I hooked up the keg and tapped it, I can only get 1 inch of beer out.  I undid all conections but it still wont come out.  You can see everything moving in the tupe, just not much beer.  Any suggestions before I take this whole thing back to the store.

Thanks,

ANSWER: I don't think I can really answer this without getting "hands on".  I would suggest checking the regulator setting on the CO2 tank, for one.  But I would expect that the keg would have enough internal pressure to push out more than one inch of beer before stopping.  Did you get 1 inch, once?  Or do you get 1 inch each time you pull the tap?  If it's the latter, the problem might be in the tap itself.

Going back to the store and asking their advice might be your best course of action.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, the store would be of no help, I purchased the last one, display model.  The tapper was brand new, but I do keep getting 1 inch evertime I tap it, so I am guessing it is something with the tap.  Have you ever heard of bad Keg tops, I think the seal maybe wont open fully or something.

Answer
One thing you could try is to disassemble the hose from the keg-connector (not with it plugged into the keg!).  Then you can open the tap and see if you can blow through it.  If that seems clear, then the problem is probably in the keg connector, which has various moving parts, springs, etc.  

What sort of keg does it connect to? Is it the kind you "rent" from a beer store?  If so, unfortunately, I'm not familiar with those connectors, so I don't know if they come apart easily for inspection and cleaning.  If it's a 5-gallon "corny" keg, those connectors can be easily disassembled for cleaning and repair.

You might check for a homebrew supply store in your area.  If there is one, the proprietor might be able to help fix it and/or order you a new connector, if it turns out that the one you have is broken.