Possible leak in Fermenter

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by ipas-for-life, Aug 20, 2012.

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  1. ipas-for-life

    ipas-for-life Savant (1,041) Feb 28, 2012 Virginia

    I think the rubber grommet on the lid of my bucket might not be air tight. I plan on keeping it in the primary for 3 weeks. Should I relplace the lid on the bucket? If so should I replace it now or wait a few days since it just started fermenting?

    The reason I don't think it is air tight is because it is a new lid and I noticed at the last minute that the grommet is a little deformed on one side and does not sit flush against the lid. I pitched a healthy yeast starter on saturday night but am not getting activity in my air lock unless I flick it. They it will bubble for a minute or two then stop.
     
  2. bgjohnston

    bgjohnston Initiate (0) Jan 14, 2009 Connecticut

    If fermentation is just beginning, I would remove the lid, adjust the seal or replace it if can't be straightened out, re-sanitize, and close it back up. Only a couple of minutes for added peace of mind.

    Even if the seal leaks a little bit, fermentation will produce positive pressure and the CO2 will tend to keep things out.
     
  3. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    I would put a glass over the air lock and let it ride.
     
  4. ipas-for-life

    ipas-for-life Savant (1,041) Feb 28, 2012 Virginia

    Yesterday I was about to change the lid since the homebrew store is closed on Mondays. I found a video on youtube where a guy had no airlock activity because the water level was barely below the small slits on the inside piece of airlock. I got home added a little more water and boom problem solved. All shame of feeling like an idiot was completely washed away by the sweet sound of a bubbling fermenter. Thanks for trying to help out a true noob.
     
  5. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    This has happened to me more than once.
     
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