5 gallons down the...

[malc]

...basement steps.
I was carrying my carboy of newly produced esb wort into the house. I went to set it down to open the basement door, it slipped out of my hand, broke on the tile and went all over the place. Tile, basement steps, carpet, cold air returns...everywhere. It was awful.
Thank God i had some new neighbors over. They not only helped me clean up, but their presence may have saved me from the wrath of swmbo. She remained very calm throughout. I can only assume she was trying to put on a good face for the neighbors.

 

[CeJ]

ouch!!

 

[ahave]

Beer in the air ducts is the worst. One time, SWMBO accidentally bumped a tap handle without realizing it and slowly poured 5gals of fresh brew onto the floor and into the ducts.

I hope your spill didn't leave as much of a lasting odor as mine did!

 

[crash1292]

at least no one got hurt

 

[GillandCo]

I'll ask the question...Did this spill deter you away from carboys? Im sure I'd be pissed enough to make the switch to BB's after this.

 

[BreckBastion]

I would say you are lucky that you aren't all cut up. That really sux. Glad your neighbors were there. Hopefully everything was fine when they left and the wrath didn't start up then.

 

[redalert]

Seems like there's a "broke my carboy" thread on here every week. Knock on wood I've been lucky so far. I've gone as far as hauling 10 gallons of beer in a big 15 gallon demijohn by myself as well as shaking it for aeration. You think a 6 gallon carboy is heavy.

 

[Montanaandy]

...basement steps.
I was carrying my carboy of newly produced esb wort into the house. I went to set it down to open the basement door, it slipped out of my hand, broke on the tile and went all over the place. Tile, basement steps, carpet, cold air returns...everywhere.

When I returned to home brewing after a hiatus of many years I purchased glass carboys because that was the only option years ago + there is nothing like glass from an aesthetic standpoint. However, after having to haul 6.5 gals + the weight of the glass carboy up and down 2 flights of stairs each brewing session not to mention the near misses of slippery glass dropping out of my hands I went ahead and purchased some BB 5 & 6 gal carboys. One of the best brewing gear decisions that I ever made. Easy to carry, easy to clean. Never worry about dropping a carboy and with the weight loss from the glass, doubt that I ever will. I love glass but from an ease of use standpoint particularly when going up and down stairs, the BB is the way to go. Montanaandy

 

[HSM]

I'll ask the question...Did this spill deter you away from carboys? Im sure I'd be pissed enough to make the switch to BB's after this.

I wonder if everyone started using PET bottles the first time they dropped a bottle of beer or started using plastic cups after breaking a glass.

 

[Batinse]

I dropped a carboy about six inches due to misplaced confidence in a carboy handle. Adios to 6 gallons of Oktobefest ale and hola to a few hours with a carpet cleaner.

Anyway, brewer solidarity. Hang in there bro.

 

[GillandCo]

Bb

 

[chapa]

I've been extra careful lately handling my carboys, as these threads have been a constant reminder. I think straps might be a good investment in my near future. Might also have to grab some BBs myself. Glad nobody was hurt, but oohhh man what a bummer :'(

 

[Hartski]

I would cry if I spilled 5 gallons of beer.......

 

[bernerbrau]

Never broken a carboy, but I have melted a better bottle...

 

[jmferris]

One thing that I have been thinking about recently is actually putting some of that no-slip stair tread adhesive that is available from most home improvement stores. The stuff that looks like black sandpaper with an adhesive backing. At the very least, it should provide some traction when holding on to them.

 

[Homercidal]

One thing that I have been thinking about recently is actually putting some of that no-slip stair tread adhesive that is available from most home improvement stores. The stuff that looks like black sandpaper with an adhesive backing. At the very least, it should provide some traction when holding on to them.

Some people have reportedly wrapped plastic wrap or tape around their glass carboys to keep them from shattering and slicing their hands. Sort of a containment device.

 

[Hartski]

Wearing good leather gloves should prevent any slipping and protect your hands if it does shatter.

 

[hal2814]

I wonder if everyone started using PET bottles the first time they dropped a bottle of beer or started using plastic cups after breaking a glass.

I wonder if everyone started comparing apples to oranges because they didn't like bananas. There's a huge difference between a large glass container that weighs upwards of 50 lbs when full and a small cup or bottle. There are risks and benefits to using glass instead of plastic but this comparison is downright silly. But just to play along, in situations where the risk of injury is high enough (like on my boat or near the pool) I absolutely use plastic (or aluminum) instead of glass for my drink container.

 

[android]

i've had the wort down the basement stairs happen to me too.. but out of a pot, not carboy... lucky for me swmbo was out! it's all good man, this crap happens. brew again!

 

[android]

Wearing good leather gloves should prevent any slipping and protect your hands if it does shatter.

good point, i wear gloves with the non slip epoxy coating or whatever it is whenever i transport carboys.

 

[JetSmooth]

I hauled a glass carboy up and down the stairs once. Then I switched to fermenting in corny kegs. Handles, lighter, seals up so no sloshing, FTW!

My condolences.

 

[Hartski]

Okay, what does swmbo stand for??

 

[JetSmooth]

Something What Must Be Observed . . . i.e, we don't tell you. You must figure it out.

 

[Hartski]

Ah.....i see.......

 

[Homercidal]

Sounds We Make Breaking Ordinances

 

[johnnyt471]

I just recently bought a milk crate, which is a nice safe way to move a carboy.

 

[paraordnance]

threads like that scary me since I use glass carboys exclusevly but trying not to move them around much

 

[WillPall]

Sweet whiskey makes beer outstanding.

 

[LuckyRVA]

Swamp Water Makes Beer Offensive

 

[Time-Travelers]

Second the milk crates - all my carboys are in one!