So while pbw-ing my post lager BB I noticed some small leaking around the base (very slight). After investigation I found two 1-2 inch long cracks in the BB base. The leakage is very small and would probably get sealed with yeast sediment but this obviously is of great concern. I found some jb weld water weld epoxy at walmart today. It says it's appropriate for potable water tanks. Would you guys trust sealing your BB with this stuff?
The crack may still be able to harbor bacteria, even if it's water tight. At least that's my first thought. I know BB's are expensive (I have one too) but it sounds like you're SOL. I will drink a beer in your BB's memory.
I would just toss it. Its broke. Unfortunately they don't last forever. Good deal here --> http://labelpeelers.com/better-bott...2Z4AodMQkAzw&zenid=fophn882adqjt70dchvjmmd0i1 Cheers!
going off on a tangent here, but I would caution anyone against long soaks with strong PBW solution in their Better Bottle. or, read, and make your own conclusions: http://www.better-bottle.com/pdf/WashingSanitizingStudy.pdf The detergent they recommend for cleaning simply does not do as good a job on stubborn crud as PBW, so I still use it. After rinsing, I wait until I have a few to clean, mix the solution with 120F water in a bucket (you don't want super-saturated half-dissolved PBW on the fragile bottom of your BB) and pour into the BB. 30 minutes, and I move to a second fermenter. If there is still krauesen after 30m, I leave it inverted in a bucket; the problem area is near the top of your BB anyway, right? No need to leave that PBW solution sitting on the bottom. cheers-- --Michael
I have two suggestions: · Toss the Better Bottle since it is indeed damaged · Buy a bucket as the replacement for the Better Bottle. I have had buckets last for hundreds of batches; they are very durable. Cheers!
They occasionally pop up as buy one get one free offers online. That's $13-ish each. I bought two a year or so ago even though I didn't need them simply because I know (virtually) nothing is forever. One is still in the box. If you're not in a hurry, I would just keep an eye out for this.
