Plastic Tubing

My local hardware store has plastic tubing that looks identical to the stuff I get from my LHBS. HBS is 45 mins drive (each way) - hardware store is 5. Any reason I shouldn't use tubing for an auto siphon from the hardware store (properly cleaned and sanitized, of course)? I'm sure it is not "food grade" if there is such a thing, but like I said, it looks identical.

Thanks

You can use it. Most LHBS's order the same stuff anyway. Just don't run anything hot through it. I don't care what anyone says, that stuff leaves off flavors and harmful chemicals in your finished product.

ScubaSteve said:

You can use it. Most LHBS's order the same stuff anyway. Just don't run anything hot through it. I don't care what anyone says, that stuff leaves off flavors and harmful chemicals in your finished product.

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So, if the plastic tubes aren't good for hot liquids, what do you suggest someone like myself use to drain my MLT after mashing/sparging?

I found beverage grade Tygon tubing which I bought through Amazon, supplied by SmallPart.com. I guess I got the last one in stock, but hopefully they'll restock. Tygon is a little more flexible than vinyl tubing and is rated for 165-deg. F. I haven't used it yet, but Tygon is also supposed to be non-wetting, so it cleans up better. I paid about $12.00 for 10-feet with shipping. So it's about twice as expensive as vinyl but there shouldn't be any issue with off-flavors. See link for description.

Amazon.com: Tygon B-44-3 Beverage Tubing, 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD x 1/16" Wall Thickness 10'L: Industrial & Scientific

Silicone tubing is great for boiling wort and mash water/wort. I got mine at USPlastic.com


Silcon® Silicone Tubing - US Plastic Corporation

I use silicon tubing too. Expensive, but it'll last for years and can handle some high temps.