Noob: Cracked Airlock, cause for worry?

[YouGotRobes]

Hey Guys,

I just started my first cider/brew ever. Came home from work to happily discover that my airlock was bubbling. The disappointed to notice a small hairline crack down the side.

The vodka looks to be leaking only slightly, nothing more than a miniscule drop. I applied some scotch tape, as it's the only tape I have handy in the apartment and e-mailed the vender....who has just this second e-mailed me saying they are mailing me a new one.

Anyways should I be concerned? I know the rule is to relax and let it do it's thing. Also when this new one arrives should I remove the old one and apply the new one? I'll keep monitoring the leak but it's likely under control.

I've attached a pic of the crack. You guys will probably look and laugh at how panicked I am but still like the peace of mind.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ffd520]

You should be fine. Swap it out when the new one arrives, and try and keep a few extra airlocks around for situations like this.

 

[BeerGrylls]

Well if this is assurance: I wouldn't have even bought a new one. Ha!

Take your own advice, RDWHAHB.

 

[TallDan]

I have one that's cracked on the inside tube. Thinking about it, I suppose maybe i shouldn't use it since it may not be sanitized thoroughly...

Funny to see this thread, i just did a search this weekend looking for airlocks made of something other than clear plastic. It would be nice to have something a little more durable, and it seems like those people with steel fermentation vessels might want something that doesn't let light in. I'm sure I'm overthinking it though.

Oh well, time to RHAHB, or maybe a commercial one, i have way too much beer here...

 

[BeerGrylls]

I'm a huge fan of these silicone waterless vented airlocks: http://www.williamsbrewing.com/10-VENTED-SILICONE-STOPPER-P2667.aspx

They are silicone, so you can boil them or better yet, toss them in the pressure cooker to autoclave. Plus, no suckback, and they take less vertical space (good for my ferm chamber).

Old fashioned airlocks are so 2005.