Frozen brew pumps

rtisenberg · Jan 18, 2017

I just got a chugger pump (center feed), and I am in the process of setting up the new equipment. I brew in my garage, which is not heated. I was wondering if anybody has had problems with leaving their pump in a frozen garage. Can I simply drain the pump by tipping it around to get the liquid out? Or, should I bring it in the house, which is what I do with my wort chiller.

JonM · Jan 18, 2017

First time brewing in sub zero temps, I found myself defrosting the pump head with SWMBO's hair dryer. Now I store it in the house. Not worth the risk IMHO.

Konadog · Jan 18, 2017

Liquid expands when frozen, there's a good chance you could split your new pump head if it freezes. I wouldn't take the chance, and would bring it inside.

LarMoeCur · Jan 19, 2017

If it's mounted. I'll just pull the 4 screws on the pump head. Then you can either bring it inside to dry or just shake it out. The pump head is stainless steel. I wouldn't worry about that cracking now the small plastic parts on the inside may gather some worry but with the hoses off and the valve open, I doubt the little water left after a brew day will hurt it. Throw a towel or blank over it.

Not sure why you would have to defrost the pump. By the time I get the hoses in place and ready to move water. My strike water is already over 100*F. I open the ball valve and the pump is defrosted before I can turn the switch on.

bzomerlei · Jan 20, 2017

Like the previous poster, I loosen up the screws on the pump head so every bit of water will drain out. I suffered a couple of frozen impellers before doing this. Now it is just part of my routine, even in the warmer months so water does not collect in the housing after cleaning.

andrewmaixner · Jan 20, 2017

You should always rinse the pump head and drain it well (I fill with starsan and then blow it out, after rinsing). Then you won't have standing water in it, and it also won't freeze.