Air Lock Not Fitting Right?

[Twtr25]

Rookie brewer here...

I fermented my first two batches using a 6.5 gallon bucket that a friend lent to me from his original brewing equipment. Never had any issues with it at all. However, on Sunday I did a batch of cider and noticed today that I wasn't getting ANY activity at all in the air lock (double bubble). The air lock I used was brand new (not the same as the one used in the first two batches).

One thing I noticed with the new air lock is that it did not fit as snug into the grommet of the old lid. I switched the batch to a brand new Brewer's Best 6.5 gallon fermenting bucket with a brand new lid and it fit very snug. Now I'm getting a TON of action in the air lock.

I guess I'm just curious if anybody else has ever had any issues with this. I don't know what brand the old bucket is, but is it possible that the grommet is a different size compared to the grommet on the new one? The other thing that baffles me is how my older air lock fits into the old grommeted lid without any issues and has a very tight seal, but the new air lock wouldn't get a tight seal with the old lid.

This may be a stupid topic/question, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. I was under the assumption that the majority, if not all, of these buckets and stuff were all the same sizes and such.

 

[h22lude]

Seems very odd. Grommets shouldn't wear down that much. Even after a few years of use the grommet itself doesn't get much wear. Might just be a fluke.

The grommets from lid to lid should be the same size and the post on the airlock should be the same too. Unless the grommet and/or airlock was made by an of company that made things for their own equipment but I find that to be highly unlikely.

 

[Twtr25]

Seems very odd. Grommets shouldn't wear down that much. Even after a few years of use the grommet itself doesn't get much wear. Might just be a fluke.

The grommets from lid to lid should be the same size and the post on the airlock should be the same too. Unless the grommet and/or airlock was made by an of company that made things for their own equipment but I find that to be highly unlikely.

Can those grommets be replaced?? I don't know how old the bucket is exactly, but maybe the grommet has taken some wear from not being used and sitting in the garage for a few years during Indiana winters.

 

[starrfish]

I've seen 2 rubber grommet sizes one for "S" type 1 piece airlock and one for 3 piece airlock. been trying to phase out my 3 piece airlocks, but have noticed "s" type does fit looser in 3 piece type grommet. Still get bubbles though.

 

[BierMuncher]

Probably much more likely it was the fit of the lid on the bucket, not the air lock in the grommet. I have several buckets that are no longer air tight. Not an issue. Don't worry so much about airlock activity to determine your fermentation progress, and don't be overly concerned about an air tight fit. CO2 pressure inside that vessel will prevent anything from working its way into your beer.

 

[Twtr25]

I've seen 2 rubber grommet sizes one for "S" type 1 piece airlock and one for 3 piece airlock. been trying to phase out my 3 piece airlocks, but have noticed "s" type does fit looser in 3 piece type grommet. Still get bubbles though.

Any clue where I can find those grommets? If you are correct on their being two different sizes of grommets depending on the airlock, then I wouldn't mind getting a grommet that will fit my "S"type 1 piece airlock. Thanks!!

 

[Twtr25]

Probably much more likely it was the fit of the lid on the bucket, not the air lock in the grommet. I have several buckets that are no longer air tight. Not an issue. Don't worry so much about airlock activity to determine your fermentation progress, and don't be overly concerned about an air tight fit. CO2 pressure inside that vessel will prevent anything from working its way into your beer.

One thing that a lot of friends have been telling me is don't rely on the airlock activity to determine if fermentation is occurring. I learned this on my first batch. I actually let it sit for about 2 weeks before testing the gravity, and then after a third week of no airlock activity, I tested again and the gravity came down even more. I think I just like the sound of that airlock bubbling when I walk by it

 

[kh54s10]

Any clue where I can find those grommets? If you are correct on their being two different sizes of grommets depending on the airlock, then I wouldn't mind getting a grommet that will fit my "S"type 1 piece airlock. Thanks!!

Home Depot, Lowes or any hardware store should have them. Look in both the plumbing section and the section with screws and nails. I saw them in multiple size kits and single size packs. Pull out the one on your bucket and take it with you.

 

[starrfish]

I got mine here:

Grommets for the Primary Fermenter