Hidden auto-siphon surprise

[BrewersKaramazov]

I transferred a ginger mead to secondary yesterday and during cleanup I discovered a hidden crud catcher. I happened to sight down the tube, and noticed a single hop petal lodged in the siphon valve. I could not see this from any other angle. I have no idea how long it was in there. Like fuzzy ball valves, I guess it pays to over-inspect. Hopefully nothing was spoiled.

 

[Pappers_]

I'm always paranoid about my auto siphon like that, too. It and the tubing seem to be the places where I'm most likely to not be sanitary enough, I think.