No Airlock??

[bluejays]

Hey, total beginner here. I've watched a few YouTube videos and all their fermentation buckets all have an airlock in the lid. I've just bought one and it doesn't have a hole for an airlock! Is that a problem? I also have a keg, with a CO2 lid if that's can be used?

 

[cullen]

If the lid fits tightly, then you will have a big problem. The purpose of the airlock is to release pressure while not letting in outside air. Without some form of pressure release, you may some day find that your lid has completely blown off during fermentation - if you're lucky. If you're unlucky, something will crack.

I suggest drilling a hole in your lid to accommodate an airlock. You can either size it just big enough for a grommet that fits tightly around your airlock, or make it wide enough for a drilled rubber stopper.

 

[unionrdr]

Yes,drilling is the easiest thing to do. Get some airlock grommets a a few airlocks from your lhbs,or online site. Drill a 1.4 or 3/8" hole in the lid,istall the grommet then airlock.

 

[wfowlks]

You could also drill the lid and get some pvc or metal fittings and do a blow off tube which is best IMO. I always use blowoff, after I had an airlock go flying from the pressure

 

[cullen]

Or if you might consider building one of these: http://byo.com/stories/item/351-build-a-burton-union-system-projects

 

[unionrdr]

I cut the stem off an old "S" type airlock & stuck it in the end of a length of 3/8" tubing for a blow off tube. I use plastic 1/2 gallon vodka jugs for a blow off,filled 1/3 with water & a splash of starsan.

 

[Smellyglove]

Hey, total beginner here. I've watched a few YouTube videos and all their fermentation buckets all have an airlock in the lid. I've just bought one and it doesn't have a hole for an airlock! Is that a problem? I also have a keg, with a CO2 lid if that's can be used?

If you have a clean closet with no draft, or similar, you can just leave the lid on without actually fitting it on, so it's loose on top. May be closer to open fermentation but I know several who does it.

 

[mikescooling]

I second a blow off tube. Drill a hole that a tube will fit (air tight) through. If nothing less, drill the lid and cover it with a piece of tinfoil. Most home brewers have had wort on the walls from the pressure in the bucket building up. One way or another that pressure is getting out!