Carboy and Keg Auto-Washer - Page 2

pinback · 11-15-2011, 06:05 PM

thats a pretty awesome use for a sump pump. i have one that is just lying around, and if this need arises, i'll know what to do with that pump now..thanks

**pjj2ba** · 11-16-2011, 02:10 PM

I like it! You might try drilling a few SMALL holes about halfway up. As long as the water flow is not restricted, air will be sucked in and all of the little bubbles will really improve the scrubbing power of the water stream.

millaj92 · 11-17-2011, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjj2ba

I like it! You might try drilling a few SMALL holes about halfway up. As long as the water flow is not restricted, air will be sucked in and all of the little bubbles will really improve the scrubbing power of the water stream.

I think there would be too much restriction to allow a venturi effect

pola0502ds · 12-30-2011, 01:05 PM

Does anyone have any comments for the use of these sump pumps with cleaning solutions like PBW and starsan? If you read the paperwork on these sump pumps they say no caustic cleaners should be run through them, I think PBW falls under that. Then starsan, i have no idea if this can harm the pump.

Also, what about the temperature of the liquid. Most sump pumps run with a max temp of 120. We want PBW to be as hot as possible. Regardless, if you run the pump for a while the pump will warm the water itself and may exceed 120 degrees.

Is any of this at all worth worrying about?

I just bought the 1/3 hp wayne sump pump.

millaj92 · 12-31-2011, 11:06 PM

I haven't had any issues with running anything through mine at any temperature, though my pump lists the same restrictions. PBW is not a caustic.

**ChappyDoo** · 01-01-2012, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pola0502ds

Does anyone have any comments for the use of these sump pumps with cleaning solutions like PBW and starsan? If you read the paperwork on these sump pumps they say no caustic cleaners should be run through them, I think PBW falls under that. Then starsan, i have no idea if this can harm the pump.

Also, what about the temperature of the liquid. Most sump pumps run with a max temp of 120. We want PBW to be as hot as possible. Regardless, if you run the pump for a while the pump will warm the water itself and may exceed 120 degrees.

Is any of this at all worth worrying about?

I just bought the 1/3 hp wayne sump pump.

Quote:

Originally Posted by millaj92

I haven't had any issues with running anything through mine at any temperature, though my pump lists the same restrictions. PBW is not a caustic.

I agree with PBW and Star San not being caustic. Caustic chemicals are generally strong bases such as Sodium Hydroxide. As neither cause burns, I think that using them with the pump would be fine.

**FSR402** · 01-02-2012, 01:58 PM

PBW is an alkaline cleaner not caustic and will not hurt the pump. But it will foam like a mother. I have yet to find a cheap easy to get cleaner for my CIP. The best I have used is the dishwasher drop in packs. I know, I know, the additives will kill my head retention, or so you would think. I have had no problems though so I'm not to worried.

If you are going to use a pump like this make sure it's oil-less. The last thing you want is a seal to fail and coat your fermenter/keg with oil (had that happen with my first pump).