I quit!

[Whattawort]

I know it may be frustrating and I dont want to sound like a smartA$$ but did you make sure you had your gas post connected with the gas line. Ive done this way too many times I stopped counting. Check your o rings they might be bad as well. If you have another keg I would rack into it. I would also try to not rack from the bottom leave as much yeast sediment out as possible but I dont think this is the issue in your case. Ive never had this happen nor have I read that where hop residue clogs the diptube. It could also be the connector for liquid line. There might be something in it not allowing the beer to flow. Again sorry to hear your horror story.

No worries. I take every criticism constructively (or try to anyway). I've had this happen several times with this keg and the last time it happened it was due to hop residue and yeast clogging the out dip tube and post. The post wasn't seated very tightly and it was a fairly quick fix. Not sure if this is the case this time, but I know the keg well enough I can troubleshoot it in a few minutes. If all else fails, I know where to snag another keg. I just don't want to transfer the beer again.

 

[Rev2010]

Bro, I think you need to re-evaluate your process if you keep getting burned and losing wort. Just go over everything that went wrong and think about how you can avoid it in the future. About the worse I ever have these days is the very rare occasion when the bottling wand gets stuck open and the beer keeps flowing until I hit the peg. Outside of that I'm never spilling wort or getting burned. I also don't get stuck sparges either - I use a bazooka tube as well. I don't think you need a false bottom as the "fix", they too can easily get stuck if the bottom isn't perfectly flat (only one I ever tried wasn't and grain got right underneath) and if the attached tubing gets pressured closed from grain weight. I've been using my Bazooka tube since I started All Grain (two years I believe) and I've never had it break off... are you whacking it when stirring the mash?? I try to be very careful not to hit it.

I'm not posting this to say, "Oh I'm perfect and never have any issues", not at all. I'm merely saying if you're having this many issues you should really just evaluate your process and fix the things you are doing wrong. Sure some things are inevitable, I don't doubt at some point while mashing my tube will give way, things do break eventually. But to have that many issues over two brews either *you* have made mistakes or you simply have very bad luck - though you'd have to believe in that sort of thing and that goes against science

Anyhow, best of luck man. It doesn't sound like you want to actually quit 100%, just take a break if you need. Then go over your entire process and figure out how to correct all the potential problem points.


Rev.

 

[johngaltsmotor]

I'd say you're a saint just for being willing to brew for others. From picking up the first piece of equipment to cleaning the last piece is about a 6 hour process for me so I haven't found a person yet willing to pay me what that is worth.
I do have to remind myself during every brew day though "this is supposed to be fun", otherwise the sheer quantity of effort can make it seem like a drag (even without the follies). I need to schedule things so I tap a new keg on brew day so I have the positive reinforcement at the same time as the hassle.

 

[Whattawort]

Bro, I think you need to re-evaluate your process if you keep getting burned and losing wort. Just go over everything that went wrong and think about how you can avoid it in the future. About the worse I ever have these days is the very rare occasion when the bottling wand gets stuck open and the beer keeps flowing until I hit the peg. Outside of that I'm never spilling wort or getting burned. I also don't get stuck sparges either - I use a bazooka tube as well. I don't think you need a false bottom as the "fix", they too can easily get stuck if the bottom isn't perfectly flat (only one I ever tried wasn't and grain got right underneath) and if the attached tubing gets pressured closed from grain weight. I've been using my Bazooka tube since I started All Grain (two years I believe) and I've never had it break off... are you whacking it when stirring the mash?? I try to be very careful not to hit it.

I'm not posting this to say, "Oh I'm perfect and never have any issues", not at all. I'm merely saying if you're having this many issues you should really just evaluate your process and fix the things you are doing wrong. Sure some things are inevitable, I don't doubt at some point while mashing my tube will give way, things do break eventually. But to have that many issues over two brews either *you* have made mistakes or you simply have very bad luck - though you'd have to believe in that sort of thing and that goes against science

Anyhow, best of luck man. It doesn't sound like you want to actually quit 100%, just take a break if you need. Then go over your entire process and figure out how to correct all the potential problem points.


Rev.

I believe you are spot on in that I need to reevaluate my process. I've gone over some of the more frustrating....ok maddening parts of the last brew days and 90% of it comes from me rushing to get things done and simply not paying attention. Here are some of the major things I've discovered:

1. NEVER use new equipment (if it can be helped) when you know you're on a tight time table. Something will go wrong.
2. Check your equipment to make sure all the hardware is in proper working condition. I had just assembled the bazooka screen which required a new bulkhead/valve and the removal of a couple of spacers. I did a leak test, but in hind site it was with cold water instead of warm water. The cold water contracted the equipment and fittings and I shocked it with the hot water later which probably led to the loosening of the new fittings.
3. Be patient. If you don't have time deal with the inevitable mishaps and you're on a tight timeline, just say NO and find another time when you're not rushed.
4. It's ok to say NO to someone who wants you to brew for them.
5. Wear waterproof footwear and never EVER assume that a stuck sparge will gently dislodge itself. When the dam breaks....it really breaks.
6. REITERATION - NEVER BREW WHEN YOU'RE IN A HURRY

 

[israelj]

Sometimes great things come out of disasters-I just lost 5 gallons of wine listening to people that were supposed to know better. I chalk it up to experience. Hope you have a better time at it! Appreciate your posting because it will help people know what can happen and they won't feel so bad.

 

[insanim8er]

I have a 10g Rubbermaid cooler mash tun. What size false bottom do I need? 12"??

Ya, I'm pretty sure the two I have for my 10 gallon rubbermaid coolers are 12 or 12.5" round... I also attached 90 degree SS compression fittings I had laying around to the center hole. It acts as a dip tube and does a good job getting most the wort out. I am left with less than a cup in the bottom when done.

I don't think you need a false bottom as the "fix", they too can easily get stuck if the bottom isn't perfectly flat (only one I ever tried wasn't and grain got right underneath) and if the attached tubing gets pressured closed from grain weight.

Ya, grain can get under, but vorlaufing eliminates that issue. For me, It's never enough to plug up the tube. Also, I hardly doubt the grain will ever have enough weight to close off the tube. At least not the tubing I use. I'd think the SS braided hose would have more of a problem with the grain weight.

And ya a false bottom can get stuck, but it's far easier to use a paddle to stir stuff back up and get things running vs trying to clear a screen...

Using a false bottom vs bazooka tube depends highly on the type of beer you're making too. I've done pumpkin puree along with crushed graham cracker in my mash with out an issue.

But to each their own...

 

[BeerGrylls]

To answer your earlier question, yep a 12" false bottom such as this one works well with the rubbermaid 10gal. Just be sure to use a substantial hose, I have a thick-walled, reinforced vinyl hose. Anything lesser tends to get too pliable and will flatten during the mash. Had that stuck sparge problem once too!

 

[Rev2010]

I believe you are spot on in that I need to reevaluate my process. I've gone over some of the more frustrating....ok maddening parts of the last brew days and 90% of it comes from me rushing to get things done and simply not paying attention. Here are some of the major things I've discovered

It's quite awesome to see you thinking it through and finding the roots of the issues I'll only say one thing in jest, until the temps drop below 50 degrees I do most of my brews wearing flip flops I really do, never burned a toe! haha. Making sure you don't get blasted with hot wort should be your #1 priority simply due to the harm it can inflict, plus you also lose some of your beer as well :smack:

All the best man, I'm sure you'll work it all out and have far better brew days in the upcoming future!


Rev.

 

[insanim8er]

To answer your earlier question, yep a 12" false bottom such as this one works well with the rubbermaid 10gal. Just be sure to use a substantial hose, I have a thick-walled, reinforced vinyl hose. Anything lesser tends to get too pliable and will flatten during the mash. Had that stuck sparge problem once too!

Yes, It's a high temp hose. That's the only kind of hose I've used. Never had a problem.

 

[Rev2010]

Ya, grain can get under, but vorlaufing eliminates that issue.

If grain gets under it most commonly clogs the spout. When I had my false bottom experience nothing I did would clear the valve, I had to dump the entire mash tun contents into a grain bag in a bucket - pretty much was a BIAB experience at that point. For $50 the false bottom should be level and mine was clearly uneven enough to easily let grain under.

Also, I hardly doubt the grain will ever have enough weight to close off the tube. At least not the tubing I use.

Could be the tubing you're using, but the vinyl tubing compression is quite commonly reported.

And ya a false bottom can get stuck, but it's far easier to use a paddle to stir stuff back up and get things running vs trying to clear a screen...

Honestly, I can't see how in any way clearing a stuck sparge would be any more difficult for a bazooka tube, quite the opposite. If grain gets under a false bottom you have to clear the valve, and if blowing air in the opposite way doesn't work, well then you have to dump the mash tun contents. Not so with a tube since a tube can't ever get a stuck valve. Typically with stuck runoff/sparge using a tube you simply close the valve and stir the mash again to redistribute the grains.

Using a false bottom vs bazooka tube depends highly on the type of beer you're making too. I've done pumpkin puree along with crushed graham cracker in my mash with out an issue.

Another thing I really can't see. I've done a tremendous amount of different beers with my bazooka tube and never have any issues. For pumpkin ales I use rice hulls because of all the pumpkin puree - it's the only beer I use rice hulls with.


Rev.

 

[Whattawort]

It's quite awesome to see you thinking it through and finding the roots of the issues I'll only say one thing in jest, until the temps drop below 50 degrees I do most of my brews wearing flip flops I really do, never burned a toe! haha. Making sure you don't get blasted with hot wort should be your #1 priority simply due to the harm it can inflict, plus you also lose some of your beer as well :smack:

All the best man, I'm sure you'll work it all out and have far better brew days in the upcoming future!


Rev.

You're living on the edge man. I won't even let someone in my garage when I'm brewing if they don't have closed-toe shoes on. I'm the perfect example of how important it is.

Do you carry a full carboy up the stairs too?

 

[Rev2010]

Do you carry a full carboy up the stairs too?

Ha!, nah I'll never touch glass carboy's, I've seen the injury thread on here and nooo thank you I'd been beer connoisseuring for 11 years prior to my brewing - the wife got me a Cooper's brewing kit for Christmas. I only made the one included can then went to extract for a year then to AG. Along the way I bought additional Cooper's kits just for the fermenters (have 3 now) since I liked them so much. So that's what I ferment in - plastic Copper's fermenters. The only complaint I have about them, and there's only this one, is that God DAMN they can be hard to open!!!! If I had another male available it would be a lot easier since I'd have one person to hold the fermenter against my turning the lid. But alas, the wife isn't strong enough and I do it myself pressing down on it sitting on a rubber mat for resistance LOL. Still is a PITA!


Rev.

 

[WissaBrewGuy]

I'm sorry about your brew day! I have had a rough weekend myself! I brewed two beers; one on Saturday and one on Sunday. On Saturday I missed all of my temperatures, then on mash out I tried to pump the wort to the liquor tank and the pump failed for who-knows-why. The next day, the brew went well and as I'm bringing the MT inside to keep warm I heard a loud water pipe. Yeah, my basement flooded because my connection to my washer rusted out. I had about 3" at the lowest point. Oh yeah I should mention that when I heard the noise I put the hot mash tun inside, on a carpet, which is plastic, leaving a giant burn ring in my apartment, so thats cool. Well by midnight I had a nice batch of breakfast stout clone, a semi-cleaned post-flood basement, and a big ol' burn ring in the carpet. But there is only one thing to do! Move on and keep brewing!!

 

[insanim8er]

If grain gets under it most commonly clogs the spout. When I had my false bottom experience nothing I did would clear the valve, I had to dump the entire mash tun contents into a grain bag in a bucket - pretty much was a BIAB experience at that point. For $50 the false bottom should be level and mine was clearly uneven enough to easily let grain under.

Could be the tubing you're using, but the vinyl tubing compression is quite commonly reported.

Honestly, I can't see how in any way clearing a stuck sparge would be any more difficult for a bazooka tube, quite the opposite. If grain gets under a false bottom you have to clear the valve, and if blowing air in the opposite way doesn't work, well then you have to dump the mash tun contents. Not so with a tube since a tube can't ever get a stuck valve. Typically with stuck runoff/sparge using a tube you simply close the valve and stir the mash again to redistribute the grains.

Another thing I really can't see. I've done a tremendous amount of different beers with my bazooka tube and never have any issues. For pumpkin ales I use rice hulls because of all the pumpkin puree - it's the only beer I use rice hulls with.


Rev.

I'm sure it's a highly debated topic that I'm not going to get caught up into. Like i've said before...

Those who love it, sear by it. Those who hate it, swear by it. And those who don't care, swear at those who debate it...

It's just a wonder how commercial breweries don't use bazooka tubes. Being superior and all.

Seriously thought... To each their own, but you won't convince me a tube is better than a false bottom. Moving on now...

 

[Rev2010]

It's just a wonder how commercial breweries don't use bazooka tubes. Being superior and all.

Commercial breweries brew on a far far larger scale and don't use equipment anywhere near equivalent to homebrewers, just as their mash tuns and fermenters look quite different than what we have at home. I get you know that, just would've been nice if you included some type of sarcasm smiley

Seriously thought... To each their own, but you won't convince me a tube is better than a false bottom. Moving on now...

I wasn't trying to convince you, honestly I wasn't and never would because I've learned oh so many years back to never try to sway an opinion unless it's at the very least asked for. I was only pointing out opposing points of views to your points.


Rev.

 

[unionrdr]

Ha!, nah I'll never touch glass carboy's, I've seen the injury thread on here and nooo thank you I'd been beer connoisseuring for 11 years prior to my brewing - the wife got me a Cooper's brewing kit for Christmas. I only made the one included can then went to extract for a year then to AG. Along the way I bought additional Cooper's kits just for the fermenters (have 3 now) since I liked them so much. So that's what I ferment in - plastic Copper's fermenters. The only complaint I have about them, and there's only this one, is that God DAMN they can be hard to open!!!! If I had another male available it would be a lot easier since I'd have one person to hold the fermenter against my turning the lid. But alas, the wife isn't strong enough and I do it myself pressing down on it sitting on a rubber mat for resistance LOL. Still is a PITA!


Rev.

Yeah,I won't go near glass carboys at my age. I have one 6G BB,a new 7.9G shorty bucket,dito for bottling bucket & one Cooper's Microbrew fermenter. I started with the Microbrew FV & that lid gets pretty darn tight by bottling day when it's time to clean & soak it in PBW. It takes a bear hug around the FV to unscrew that lid. but at least it fits tight & doesn't leak,now that I've trimmed the molding flash off the seal area on top.