How long can I reuse a bottling bucket?

[Bill Hopper]

I'm working on repurposing a 7 gallon plastic bucket I've use as a primary to use as a bottling bucket. I'm really interested in making the perfect bottling bucket, so I want to use it for a long time. Do you guys recommend changing bottling buckets as often as you would change plastic buckets used as primaries? Do I have to worry about scratches and the like in the bottling bucket?

 

[kh54s10]

I don't use buckets too often for primary. I use Better Bottles. I started brewing July 1, 2011. I have never retired a bucket or better bottle. Now at 107 batches of beer - about 15 wines and one cider. You don't have to replace the bottling bucket unless you damage it, or get an infection.

 

[BrewInspector]

If the bucket is reasonably well cared for and sanitary I see no reason to change it.

As for routine retirement of primary buckets, can't say I have ever done that. I occasionally still use my original bucket that I acquired in 2012 from my father that we gave him in the early 80s. He quit using it after a short time and it was just stored indoors the intervening years. I used it constantly for 3-4 years along with an much older glass carboy until I got a couple fastfermenters

Sheeez, that thing is nearly 40 years old now.

 

[Redpappy]

To my understanding, as long as the buckets are not scratched you are good to go. So basically if you take care of them, use a soft rag to clean, they can last for a very long time, if you use, lets say a green scrubby, you will be replacing your buckets often.

As far as a bottling bucket, they should last a very long time, since beer is only in them for a short period of time. Only thing i see having to do to mine, is replace the valve from time to time.

 

[Nemanach]

My bottling bucket is 10 years old, I don’t see a need to replace it.

Edit: I just looked at my profile. I joined in 2006. So my bucket is 13 years old I guess. Has it really been that long?

 

[RPh_Guy]

Edit: I just looked at my profile. I joined in 2006. So my bucket is 13 years old I guess. Has it really been that long?

They grow up so fast :'(

 

[Beernik]

I used my bucket for at least a decade.

 

[MaxStout]

A bottling bucket will last years if you keep the inside scratch-free and don't use anything abrasive to clean it. The spigot and plastic tubing are a more likely source of infection. Take apart the spigot after each use and clean & sanitize. Replace plastic tubing frequently--a cheap bit of insurance.

 

[jrgtr42]

Another long-timer here. I've been brewing for 10 or 12 years, I'm still using the original bottling bucket I get with my kit when I started. I wash it out afterwards and hit it with a spray of sanitizer, then again when I get ready to bottle. I take apart the spigot and clean that every few batches.
I have retuired a couple fermenter buckets over the years - I still primary in those. I do have a few glass carboys and a couple better bottles, but I don't generally use those unless I'm doing a secondary for whatever reason.

 

[gnef]

For me, plastic buckets are cheap enough that it isn't worth the risk, so over the years when I was using them, I would regularly get new ones.

Now that I'm using stainless, my plastic buckets are spares if I ever brew a LOT and need the additional capacity for concurrent fermentations, so I haven't bought new ones in a while.

Plus, I don't think you can have too many buckets! My retired ones aren't thrown away, they are put on other duties - I have two for holding star san solution, I have another for a keg washer, etc. Plus I use buckets around the house all the time, you can find a use for them even if it isn't for brewing!

 

[Soulshine2]

I'm working on repurposing a 7 gallon plastic bucket I've use as a primary to use as a bottling bucket. I'm really interested in making the perfect bottling bucket, so I want to use it for a long time. Do you guys recommend changing bottling buckets as often as you would change plastic buckets used as primaries? Do I have to worry about scratches and the like in the bottling bucket?

as long as you dont clean it with abrasives or harsh chemicals (other than say Oxiclean,PBW or star san...reuse and repurpose !!. Might want to install /change the spigot from time to time is all.

 

[Soulshine2]

To my understanding, as long as the buckets are not scratched you are good to go. So basically if you take care of them, use a soft rag to clean, they can last for a very long time, if you use, lets say a green scrubby, you will be replacing your buckets often.

As far as a bottling bucket, they should last a very long time, since beer is only in them for a short period of time. Only thing i see having to do to mine, is replace the valve from time to time.

I agree.
as for scrubbing. I cant think of one instance one would need a green scrubby . I clean mine immediately after use ,usually just a stiff stream of hose water and a soft brush if anything, then oxiclean ,rinse and dry.

 

[kh54s10]

And I am still using the spigot that came with my bottling bucket 9 years ago. I have two spares just in case.... I haven't used them yet. Though I kegged most of my beers for about 4 years..... For the last 1 1/2, my kegging had been in storage. It is out now, but not set up.

 

[Bill Hopper]

Thank you all for your advice. It seem almost unanimous that with proper care a bottling bucket will last forever and likely not have an impact on the beer as long as it's kept clean and sanitized and free from scratches. Now on to the next phase of the project: fashioning a dip tube. So far it is not working as I had expected, but I'll keep at it. I know there are some threads about that in the bottling kegging section somewhere.

 

[kh54s10]

Threaded pvc elbow from Home Depot, Lowes etc, screws reads right onto the spigot threads. I needed to cut about an 1/8 inch off the non threaded end. It is about 1/16" above the bottom of the bucket. It leaves behind only a few ounces. It replaces the nut that is on the inside of the bucket. It will screw tight.

 

[Soulshine2]

Threaded pvc elbow from Home Depot, Lowes etc, screws reads right onto the spigot threads. I needed to cut about an 1/8 inch off the non threaded end. It is about 1/16" above the bottom of the bucket. It leaves behind only a few ounces. It replaces the nut that is on the inside of the bucket. It will screw tight.

I'll be trying that , thanks

 

[Bill Hopper]

Threaded pvc elbow from Home Depot, Lowes etc, screws reads right onto the spigot threads. I needed to cut about an 1/8 inch off the non threaded end. It is about 1/16" above the bottom of the bucket. It leaves behind only a few ounces. It replaces the nut that is on the inside of the bucket. It will screw tight.

Thanks! I’ve tried three or four versions of this and this has by far been the easiest, seals best, and works best. With the slightest tilt, this left behind less than a shot of beer.

 

[kh54s10]

Thanks! I’ve tried three or four versions of this and this has by far been the easiest, seals best, and works best. With the slightest tilt, this left behind less than a shot of beer.

Mine is about 1/16 inch off the bottom of the bucket. I don't have to tilt at all. In fact there is always a little debris in what little is left, so it is better that I don't get it. I poured it into a bottle once. It filled the bottle less than 1/4 the way.

 

[augiedoggy]

Unless its become damaged in some way with scratching or cracks, theres no practical reason I could find to replace it so I just continued to use my bottling bucket the whole time I bottled.. I never had an issue. If there really is some other "risk" involved I would love to hear an explanation of what it is?

 

[Yooper]

I've had the same bottling bucket since about 2006. I don't bottle much, but I still use it maybe 5-6 times per year, maybe more.
They don't get krausen or anything that needs scrubbing, so as long as it's in good shape it's fine to use.

 

[chezhed]

Agree with bucket life. The one other thing to watch would be a bottle filler....those little parts are great homes for diastaticus. I think I just ruined a case of barleywine because my spring loaded bottle filler wasn't clean enough....I know the bottles were. Gushers Shame on me for not changing out a cheap part like that. Yet another store piece of advice that falls into "don't ask me how I know....."

 

[Bill Hopper]

Agree with bucket life. The one other thing to watch would be a bottle filler....those little parts are great homes for diastaticus. I think I just ruined a case of barleywine because my spring loaded bottle filler wasn't clean enough....I know the bottles were. Gushers Shame on me for not changing out a cheap part like that. Yet another store piece of advice that falls into "don't ask me how I know....."

I've found crud in my bottle filler. I have one now that I can completely disassemble to clean and sanitize. I'll keep an eye on that spring.