Turkeyfoot Jr.
Well-Known Member
Ive read here and other sites stating that the correct OD for a blowoff hose for a 5 gallon class carboy is 1.25 but I wanted to relate a recent issue I had with using one.
I bought myself a 4 section of 1.25 OD x 1 ID tubing from Home Depot and when I got home I tested it for air-tightness by inserting the tube in my carboy and blowing in the other end. Sure enough, no air leaked out from around the tube and as soon as I quit blowing the air rushed back out the end I was blowing in. Next batch of beer I brewed I attached the tube and it worked great. Once the blowoff was done I filled one of my ale pails with water and Oxyclean and dunked the tubing into it since it was rather cruddy.
When I pulled the tubing out of the ale pail I was a little concerned because the end of the tubing was no longer evenly rounded, it had been flattened on one side from being submerged in the ale pail. Sure enough, I insert the tube into my carboy and attempt the same test as above and airs leaking out everywhere.
The problem, as far as I can tell, is that the 1.25 OD isnt tight enough in the neck of the carboy for it to be forced back into a round shape when its inserted thus leaving a gap where the one side was flattened. Tonight Im picking up a 1.5 OD tube and Ill see how that works.
I just wanted to pass this experience on for all those who are debating what size blowoff to get.
I bought myself a 4 section of 1.25 OD x 1 ID tubing from Home Depot and when I got home I tested it for air-tightness by inserting the tube in my carboy and blowing in the other end. Sure enough, no air leaked out from around the tube and as soon as I quit blowing the air rushed back out the end I was blowing in. Next batch of beer I brewed I attached the tube and it worked great. Once the blowoff was done I filled one of my ale pails with water and Oxyclean and dunked the tubing into it since it was rather cruddy.
When I pulled the tubing out of the ale pail I was a little concerned because the end of the tubing was no longer evenly rounded, it had been flattened on one side from being submerged in the ale pail. Sure enough, I insert the tube into my carboy and attempt the same test as above and airs leaking out everywhere.
The problem, as far as I can tell, is that the 1.25 OD isnt tight enough in the neck of the carboy for it to be forced back into a round shape when its inserted thus leaving a gap where the one side was flattened. Tonight Im picking up a 1.5 OD tube and Ill see how that works.
I just wanted to pass this experience on for all those who are debating what size blowoff to get.