Airlock crud

[MarshalFlint]

So, I brewed Tuesday afternoon. Fermentation rolling the next morning. Now, the airlock looks like this.

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1438889792.614576.jpg

I'm assuming this means that the foam has filled the headspace and has percolated through the airlock. Should I replace the airlock with a clean one and new sanitizer, or let it ride?

 

[m00ps]

replace the airlock, or better, replace it with a blowoff tube. Just because the krausen went back down a bit doesnt mean it wont start back up. Ive had to rig up blowoff tubes many times and took them off too early.

 

[daksin]

Yeah, just pull it off and clean it, and re-sanitize. Should be good to go- if your fermentation is that vigorous you may want to cool it off or you will have to clean it a few more times.

 

[unionrdr]

Since it should be past initial fermentation's vigorous activity by this time, you should be fine replacing it with a clean, sanitized airlock. I keep a ziplock bag full of them for such needs.

 

[NickTheGreat]

I have switched to blowoff tubes. Way easier IMO

 

[unionrdr]

I've found that I don't really need a blow off much anymore, since I got my wort temp down to 65F or so when pitching. Pitching in the cool of the evening helps too. It's the vigorous, initial fermentation starting that seems to cause violent blow offs.