False bottom question - mechanics of -

[littlewolfrus]

Hi everyone. I've been brewing in bags for the past 5 batches but want to go the false bottom route.

I'm looking into making my own and have one or two questions about how they work.

I've seen a bunch of false bottoms with the outlet hose/tube going into the false bottom through the top. It may be simple but what I don't get is that it seems that you're leaving a lot of liquid behind. Once the level goes down to below the elbow joint it seems like it wouldn't drain and you could end up leaving an inch or two of liquid behind, no?

 

[Jaybird]

Think "siphon" If you have a tube leaving the kettle attached LONGER than the tube inside, siphon occurs and you drain the kettle.

Cheers
Jay

 

[johngaltsmotor]

Like Jaybird said you need to have the outlet below the lowest point of the pickup tube. You also need to make sure everything is liquid tight, if air can leak in before the water level gets to the opening at the false bottom you'll lose your siphon.

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

And to clarify your main worry, i think a lot(all?) of the dip tubes like you are mentioning do not end at the top of the false bottom. They go through the hole all the way to near the bottom of the pot.