Mash Tun - Using PVC

[Smidey]

Hi guys,
I'm about to go build a mash tun today so I can get cracking on my first all grain batch. I'm thinking of doing a 4 pipe slotted PVC pipe manifold. Does anyone have any experience using PVC to build a manifold? I would really appreciate any advice for the build or criticism of why PVC wouldn't work if I'm totally off base with this. Thanks in advance

 

[JuanMoore]

Use CPVC instead of regular PVC. PVC is not designed to handle mash temps, and there is also some concern about it leaching chemicals into your brew at those temps. There are plenty of good examples of CPVC manifolds on this site.

 

[bigbeergeek]

I used CPVC, and I get 89% efficiency. I didn't have a dremmel to cut my slots so I did it the old fashioned way: with a hacksaw! Took some time to get the slots cut, but its worth it with my great efficiency and my lack of stuck sparges (I did a 11 gallon batch of wit a few weeks ago, 42% flaked wheat, 10% flaked oats, NO rice hulls, and my sparge never got stuck). Go for it. Way cheaper that copper.

 

[bigbeergeek]

As the above poster said, go with CPVC, not PVC.

 

[agodfrey11]

I built a cpvc manifold and it works great. Check the wiki on here for a guide to build one.

 

[Smidey]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. Very glad about the CPVC suggestion, thanks. As far as the cuts go, how much pipe do you cut? If I'm going to build a rectangular manifold, should i only cut the 4 long pipes, or is it more of a, "If it isn't a joint, cut it" kind of a deal?