Help! I can't syphon.

[speedomike]

Hi-
I'm homebrewing for the first time and am ready to bottle. But, for the life of me I cannot get the beer to syphon out of the fermenting jug. I got it to work for a very little bit, but then it stopped coming out. Most times it starts to come up through the cane but doesn't come all the way out. As far as I can tell, I'm following the instructions correctly. But, I keep trying to no avail. Any tips?
Thanks!

 

[kyle6286]

It's probably easier to watch it than to decribe it to you. Click this link and watch the video on how to bottle beer.

http://brewingdaily.com/videos.php#

 

[gcdowd]

Are you using an auto-siphon? If you don't have one, I would suggest buying one. They are invaluable.

 

[speedomike]

Ok I got it figured out. Thanks for the help! This is another good video.....

 

[nofootbreak]

Probably a bad seal between your racking cane and tubing.

 

[johnnyspade]

This might be physics. Is the vessel you're siphoning from higher than the vessel you're siphoning to? If not, try that.

 

[TopherM]

In a pinch, you can gargle either vodka or mouthwash for a few minutes, then start the siphon "gas tank" style by just sucking it out to get it started. As long as you sanatize your mouth, no real risk of infection.

I did this method for my first 10 batches or so with no ill effects. I've since switched to using bottling buckets are my primary and just gravity feed into my kegs.

 

[E-Mursed]

here is a direct link to a simple method explained pretty well.



As was mentioned, get a Auto-Siphon...makes life easier.

 

[speedomike]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Ultimately, the instructions with my home kit weren't very helpful.

E-Mursed-that was the video I found that helped me the most.

That auto-syphon sounds like a great idea though.

 

[cricky101]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Ultimately, the instructions with my home kit weren't very helpful.

E-Mursed-that was the video I found that helped me the most.

That auto-syphon sounds like a great idea though.

An auto-siphon was one of the first things I bought after getting my kit. And it's a deal at twice the price!

 

[grainstoglass]

The Auto-siphon is indispensible, but I did many a batch of wine and beer with the suck start method.

 

[TopherM]

suck start method.

Reminds me of an ex-girlfriend

 

[comet909]

Make sure your hose is long enough. I've read that you need at least 5 ft. That's where I was going wrong the first few times.

P.S. Once I got a long enough hose I've never needed an autosiphon. Just to give my perspective on the issue.

 

[Jsmith82]

Practice using water, that's what I did to get the hang of it.

Just ask Tophers's ex, you can't get good without practice.

I keeeeed I keeeed..