My faucet keeps getting sticky. Have I set it up wrong or is this a common problem?

[mgillard1976]

The "plunger" part on the front keeps getting clogged and sticky sometimes making it very hard to open the tap. Is it just me?

 

[mirthfuldragon]

Cheap rear-sealing faucets suck for this reason. It is inevitable they get sticky unless used often. Best solution is to upgrade to forward-sealing faucets by Perlick or Intertap.

 

[LLBeanJ]

Pretty common with the "el cheapo" rear sealing faucets the come standard on most kegerators. Replace it with a Perlick, which is front sealing and eliminates the issue.

 

[IslandLizard]

There are others that have front seals, not only Perlick.

Also stay away from (chrome plated) brass faucets and shanks. All stainless is the best.

Here are some faucets for inspiration:
http://www.ritebrew.com/category-s/1909.htm

 

[balrog]

Seldom used front sealers get sticky too. You really have to have a good regimen when, for instance, you have 6 things tapped but end up not having any oatmeal stout for 9 weeks. You'll find you should have cleaned that sucker.

 

[william_shakes_beer]

I dunno. I have never had a tap stick, and mine sometimes sit for months without being used. Perlick.

 

[gnef]

same here. With 14 taps, there are some that go months with no use. I have Perlick 650ss faucets, and they have never gotten stuck.

Before I standardized to the 650ss, I had 630ss, 525ss, 425ss, as well as original ventmatic forward sealing faucets, they all never stuck for me. Going to forward sealing faucets was one of the best decisions for serving for me.

 

[Loud Brewing]

grease that bitch up with copious amounts of keg lube, problem solved

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

Perlicks

 

[mgillard1976]

grease that bitch up with copious amounts of keg lube, problem solved

Have you done this? Seems like it should work!