So this is my second brew. first one came out great. While I was boiling the ingredients I broke my thermometer. Since it was Sunday there was really no where I could go to get a new one. I put some White Labs liquid lager yeast in the batch and Im pretty sure that the temp was over 75 degrees. Its now 24 hours later and the only visible sign of anything happening is that water from the airlock is actually being sucked into the fermenter. As soon as I put more water into the airlock it immediately gets sucked in again. Instead of pushing air out of the airlock my wort is sucking pressure in. The airlock is fine, Ive tested it. Anyone have any idea what has happened here?
Reverse pressure in primary
- Thread starter bulleitb
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:
rdwj
Well-Known Member
Probably just a temperature change. Don't worry about it - it's fine
it happens to me late in the summer when we get big temp swings. I just keep an eye on it and top it up as necessary.
bulleitb said:
Sorry, I should have clarified. I top off the airlock with a little water when it's low. I use bottled water for my airlock. It's a 3 piece airlock. So I take off the top, add a small amount of water.
I think you are over my head with this.
I would think the temps still too hot? It's tough to tell without a thermometer.
For your next batch one of these bad boys will at least give you an idea of what the temp is http://morebeer.com/view_product/18684/.
Does the beer still feel warm? What's the ambient temp? Is there pressure on the airlock even without water? A little water at all in it?
I would think the temps still too hot? It's tough to tell without a thermometer.
For your next batch one of these bad boys will at least give you an idea of what the temp is http://morebeer.com/view_product/18684/.
Does the beer still feel warm? What's the ambient temp? Is there pressure on the airlock even without water? A little water at all in it?
Dycokac
Well-Known Member
My batch of edworts apfelwein did that suck back durin the first 24 hours or so, Never seen a beer do it, but I'm goin to do my primary in glass this saturday instead of a plastic bucket so I might see it.
What kind of airlock? What kind of fermenter? If you are using anything plastic and if you push on it the defection will cause the air to escape then create a back pressure. You can pop the lid, only a crack, then reseal. This should equalize the pressure completely.
bulleitb said:
If you can't keep liquid in the airlock then, yeah, I think that is what I would do. Is it an s-type or 3 piece? Are you sure you are pushing down on it when you put the cap on? That would cause more suction.
Right. Or, just pull the airlock off to allow some air in there and then stick it back on. What happens is when the wort cools, it forms a vacuum. Just break the vacuum and you'll be all set. Next time, cool the wort down before airlocking, especially for a lager. Lagers should be fermented around 50 degrees or so.
bulleitb said:
Well, don't push down on it, since that will cause suction and suck the liquid into the fermenter. Relieve the pressure to stop the vacuum.
Beerthoven
Well-Known Member
Some folks also like to fill their airlocks with cheap vodka instead of water.
The theory is that if water gets sucked in there is a risk of infection. With vodka, if you do get suck back, all you've done is add a little alcohol.
The theory is that if water gets sucked in there is a risk of infection. With vodka, if you do get suck back, all you've done is add a little alcohol.
Similar threads
