Hey everybody, before I ask this question, this is my first batch. I am now aware that it is best to do primary fermentation in a container that doesn't have a spout at the bottom. I am also aware of my options for primary fermenters, so I don't need advice on what to do for my next batch. I just need some advice on what to do at this moment, and if my batch is in trouble or not.
In my kit, the primary fermenter doubles as a bottling bucket, since the lid has a pre-drilled hole with a rubber fitting for the airlock. I followed the directions and everything has been fermenting fine for the past 4 days. I get home from work today and notice that there is a leak where the spout meets the bucket. Now it's not Niagara falls by any means. It is more like a very slow ooze.
I planned in the event of an overflow, so I had a plastic trash bag underneath it to catch anything. The total amount of liquid to leave the fermenter is quite small, and in the area of .5 - 1oz. But a leak is still a leak.
My concern is that if something can leave the primary, contaminants can get in. The kit I have directs me to transfer into a secondary once fermentation has finished (I know many of you disagree, and that's fine, but that won't help me at this point). I haven't taken a hydrometer reading, but I'm pretty sure fermentation isn't done after 4 days, so I wasn't planning on transferring to the secondary yet.
If the leak is that slow, should I just let it be? or is there something I can do now to stop the leak that won't contaminate the beer at the same time. I know I can't use almost any sealant because they contain way too many harmful chemicals. It's small enough, I could honestly just make one pass with super glue and that would do it too, but again, super glue = chemicals. Do you guys have any ideas?
In my kit, the primary fermenter doubles as a bottling bucket, since the lid has a pre-drilled hole with a rubber fitting for the airlock. I followed the directions and everything has been fermenting fine for the past 4 days. I get home from work today and notice that there is a leak where the spout meets the bucket. Now it's not Niagara falls by any means. It is more like a very slow ooze.
I planned in the event of an overflow, so I had a plastic trash bag underneath it to catch anything. The total amount of liquid to leave the fermenter is quite small, and in the area of .5 - 1oz. But a leak is still a leak.
My concern is that if something can leave the primary, contaminants can get in. The kit I have directs me to transfer into a secondary once fermentation has finished (I know many of you disagree, and that's fine, but that won't help me at this point). I haven't taken a hydrometer reading, but I'm pretty sure fermentation isn't done after 4 days, so I wasn't planning on transferring to the secondary yet.
If the leak is that slow, should I just let it be? or is there something I can do now to stop the leak that won't contaminate the beer at the same time. I know I can't use almost any sealant because they contain way too many harmful chemicals. It's small enough, I could honestly just make one pass with super glue and that would do it too, but again, super glue = chemicals. Do you guys have any ideas?