Can't Get a Good Seal on a FerMonster Carboy

[Tobor_8thMan]

I've tried and tried. Initially used the gasket in the lid. No go.

Then, I tried cleaned and sanitized "Cling Wrap" around the mouth of the FerMonster with a hole in the middle (for the rubber gasket). Still no go.

Lastly, I tried cleaned and sanitized "Cling Wrap" around the rubber stopped that goes into the lid hole (in addition to the "Cling Wrap" around the mouth). No go.

By "no go" I mean I see swirling fermentation in the carboy, but no bubbles in the airlock. This tells me the fermentation gasses are somehow escaping.

Suggestions/thoughts?

 

[RolandD]

The gasket is the problem. You may have tightened it too tight and gotten a kink in it. I spin the lid down until the gasket barely makes contact, then tighten less than 1/4 inch further.

 

[Jeremy W]

The gasket is the problem. You may have tightened it too tight and gotten a kink in it. I spin the lid down until the gasket barely makes contact, then tighten less than 1/4 inch further.

I do the same thing with mine and have success.

From what I understand, they changed the design of their lids because people were having this issue. How old is your carboy?

 

[Snuffy]

I had the same problem with the FastFerment that uses a big screw top and a silicone O-ring. Try lightly coating the O-ring in keg lube and then tighten it just snug. Letting it slip a bit when tightening helps.

 

[seatazzz]

I'll +1 to the above, don't overtighten the lid. Mine get screwed down just enough to be snug. Also for some reason it takes about 3-4 tries to get the lid to seat correctly on the threads, just need to be slow and patient.

 

[yowzers]

Also, make sure the rubber stopper is totally dry and the bung opening is also dry. I dry it off with a paper towel before inserting. Especially important if you use a silicone stopper.

 

[BrentJ]

I had similar issues and ordered replacement lids and gaskets. One trick I do now is that when I get a good seal I keep that lid with that fermenter (I’ve got a handful of them) and I don’t remove the bung / airlock from lid either now. I just wash then sanitize it together so I know the fit between everything is solid.