How to Troubleshoot a Danby Kegerator
The Danby Designer Chill 'n Tap keg cooler, or kegerator, holds kegs sized 5, 7.75 or 15.5 gallons, as well as a carbon dioxide tank. The unit keeps beer within the keg cold and dispenses it in draft form, like you would experience at a restaurant or bar. If your Danby kegerator begins to show signs of malfunction, diagnose and repair the problem yourself instead of calling a repair technician.
Too Much Foam Head
Step 1
Check the carbon dioxide pressure to make sure the regulator is on the proper setting. The "Low" side pressure should be between 10 and 12 lbs. per square inch, or psi.
Step 2
Open the keg coupler's pressure relief valve to rid the system of built-up pressure. Leave it open for about three seconds.
Step 3
Check the keg cooler's temperature. Optimal internal temperature is between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, push the "Down" arrow to lower the cooler's temperature setting.
Step 4
Allow a recently moved keg to settle for at least two hours before serving.
No Foam
Step 1
Check the pressure of the "Low" side of the regulator. It should be between 10 and 12 psi.
Step 2
Make sure the glasses you drink from the keg with are "beer clean," as defined by the Chill 'n Tap manual. Use your beer glasses only for serving beer. Wash them with special beer-glass detergent. Oils and fats, which get on the beer glasses when they're washed with dishes that have served food, cause the foam to dissolve.
Step 3
Check the "High" pressure gauge on the regulator. If it shows "0," replace or refill the carbon dioxide canister.
No Beer
Step 1
Check both valves on the regulator -- the shut-off valve and carbon dioxide cylinder -- to be sure they are open. If they are not, open them.
Step 2
Look at the "High" pressure gauge on the regulator. Replace or refill the carbon dioxide cylinder if the reading is "0."
Step 3
Check the beer keg and replace if empty.
Step 4
Follow the lengths of the red air line and clear dispenser line, making sure they aren't kinked or frozen.
Miscellaneous Problems
Step 1
Inspect the seal between the beer faucet and keg. If the coupler is installed improperly, the beer will sputter as it comes from the faucet.
Step 2
Return the draw handle to the upright position if the faucet drips. It must be in the upright, off position to retain all liquid.
Step 3
Inspect all seals, connections and hoses if the beer tastes or smells unusual. Leaks may cause contamination.
Writer Bio
Michelle Skidgel has worked as a writer and editor since 2001. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Oklahoma State University and is currently raising and homeschooling five children with her husband. Her articles for various websites specialize in parenting, green living, gardening, cooking and frugal living.
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