Coming Back After 2 Years

[jgaepi]

I started homebrewing about 3.5 years ago. I went strong for about 18 months - brewed about 5 kits. Things worked out. Enjoyed it. But then life caught up and haven't brewed in 2 years. I had a kit from Williams Brewing (Plastic Buckets, Valves, tubes, lids, etc). Everything has sat in my garage, collecting dust, hot summers, etc.

So my questions:
1. Should I replace the fermenting and xfer buckets, valves, tubes, etc? Or is that stuff good for 5+ years?
2. I am tempted to try using a glass carboy now and not sure what equipment I will need to upgrade. Recommended products? No one seems to sell a carboy addition kit with toppers, manual pump, etc.
3. Anything else you can think of? Thanks.

Glad to be back.

 

[a6ladd]

Your equipment should be just fine. Just make sure you give it a good scrub with some pbw/oxiclean and you should be good to go. While I can see the appeal of glass carboys (I have 5 sitting at home collecting dust) they dont serve too much of a purpose. If you want another fermenter I would recommend some more plastic food safe ale pales. They are safe, light weight, and very easy to clean/use.

Welcome back!

 

[amandabab]

I'd replace the hoses.
see whats the buckets look like after a good bleaching and washing.

 

[Kentunkel]

My advice is to clean everything really well and replace your tubing. Tubing is difficult to clean, inexpensive and a great place for nasties to live.

6.5 gallon glass carboys are the fermenter of choice in my brewery. Compared to plastic, they are heavy and difficult to clean but they are a better oxygen barrier and last longer with normal use.

I advocate the carboy cap over the stopper for better protection against dust and micros landing on the rim. An auto-siphon is great with carboys, I use one everytime I rack.

Welcome back!

 

[jgaepi]

If I just add on a carboy, what accessories do I need? Thx.

 

[Kentunkel]

If I just add on a carboy, what accessories do I need? Thx.

Carboy cap.
Racking cane or auto siphon

 

[TwoGunz]

I recently switched away from glass carboys after shattering one and determining I was probably going to hurt myself with them at some point. I went with plastic pet bottles -- not quite as good as glass but still easier to get a good seal with than a bucket- plus you can watch the action.

 

[jgaepi]

So you are recommending the "better bottles?"

 

[passedpawn]

So you are recommending the "better bottles?"

I recommend them. I've got a significant history with 5 of them. I've never used a bucket, but I consider them far better than the glass carboy (that broke full of beer).

 

[jgaepi]

Are you recommending me getting 2 and doing both first and second stage fermentation in them or continuing first stage in my pail? Thx.

 

[passedpawn]

Are you recommending me getting 2 and doing both first and second stage fermentation in them or continuing first stage in my pail? Thx.

I'd recommend not doing a second stage at all (secondary fermenter).

If you liked using your bucket to ferment in, go for it. I was responding to your #2, using a glass carboy.

 

[jgaepi]

Thanks everyone. Just place my order. 6 gallon better bottle with necessary accessories. if I like it, I will order a second. Happy brewing!