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Why do airlocks explode?

Discussion in 'General Homebrew Discussion' started by Jasper18, Apr 23, 2016.

 

  1. #1
    Jasper18

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    Aren't airlocks supposed to let off the pressure just like blowoff tubes? I realize that airlocks are smaller passages, but it should still be plenty to let off pressure no? Why don't they re-design airlocks to work properly?
     
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  2. #2
    mxstar21

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    I have never heard of an airlock exploding. If fermentation is too strong you need to use a blow off tube. I don't really see a design issue with them. Can you describe your issue or show pictures?
     
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  3. #3
    hopbrad

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    they get filled up with krausen and clog the airlock, then the bug pops off bc of pressure. Blow off tube solves that
     
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  4. #4
    Jasper18

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    Thats what I was meaning and ok that explains it lol. For how long should a blow off tube be used?
     
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  5. #5
    Yooper

    Ale's What Cures You! Staff Member  

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    You can use one the entire time, if you want.

    I have bigger buckets I use (8 gallon size) and I've only used a blow off tube once in the last 10 years. But when I needed it, I needed it! Normally, I have plenty of headspace and ferment at cool temperatures, so I never have krausen even coming close to the top. But a warmer fermentation, or using a smaller carboy could necessitate a blow-off tube set up.
     
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  6. #6
    MaryB

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    If I blow off an airlock I fit a blow off tube and leave it until bottle. Why chance introducing an infection by swapping them?
     
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  7. #7
    GrainToGlass

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    If you don't have much headspace for primary fermentation use a blowoff tube. Then before cold crashing switch it out for an S-type airlock so you don't suck up all that sanitizer from the decrease in pressure.
     
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  8. #8
    RM-MN

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Apr 23, 2016
    In the usual usage, a blowoff tube is nothing but a bigger airlock. You fasten one end to the fermenter hoping to get a seal on it and put the other end into a vessel containing liquid so the escaping gas can bubble up through it.
     
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