Plastic Big Mouth Bubbler Cracked

[philmynuts]

I've stashed my glass carboys up in the attic and have only used the plastic BMBs from Northern Brewer for my last two brews. They are so much lighter and easier to handle. Cleaning them is easier too (in spite of the silly textured water drop designs on the side) because of the bigger opening. I've been sold ever since I got them. But last night was a nightmare. I had just dumped the wort into the fermenter and started aerating when I felt my toes getting wet. I stopped but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. When I started aerating again, I saw it. The pressure from grabbing it with one hand on the top and one on the bottom causes the flimsy plastic sides to buckle just slightly. That pressure was enough to show me where the leak was. A little stream started spraying out the side onto the kitchen floor. I stumbled my way to the attic , leaving a sticky trail through the living room, and grabbed my trusty glass carboy. I had taped a plastic bag over the opening so no attic dust or bugs would get into it. I ran a quick Star San solution through it and transferred the wort. In doing so I covered the rest of myself and the floor in more stickiness. The "rinse free" Star San foamed like crazy and made the mess even worse. Because of course it did. At least I aerated really well. :smack:

Has anyone else had any cracking issues with their plastic BMBs? If so hopefully I get to read about it before my wife kills me.

 

[wobdee]

I don't own one but I wonder if using Starsan on these is a no no? I was told not to use it on my plastic Brewdemon fermenter because the acid can break down the plastic seam. I didnt really like the cheap thin plastic it has so now I use the heavier duty plastic Speidel fermenters.

 

[KartRacer54]

Have not had an issue yet, they are very thin and I do handle them like glass. I would suggest contacting them for a replacement. They have been very attentive to problems and correcting them. They have been a good vendor for me, along with everyone else I have had the pleasure of doing business with in this industry!
Forgot to say I have 5 of them and have been using three of them for over a year.

 

[philmynuts]

I think as long as it's not a prolonged exposure Star San should be safe to use on plastic. But I could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time.

The thickness of the plastic worried me from the day I got it, but they've all done well. Maybe it was just a fluke?

NB has been very good to me as well. I will contact them.


Thanks!

 

[KartRacer54]

I have used StarSan on mine since day one. Should not be an issue on any product developed for our hobby as StarSan is the go to sanitizer for us.
Would love to hear if it is not recommended.

 

[philmynuts]

I contacted Norther Brewer. The rep said that they offer 1 year warranties and they are sending a new one out today. He said I'm the first with this issue that he has dealt with. I guess it was just a production flaw?

 

[bbohanon]

This sucks..I was targeting to pick up 2 of these in the next 2 months but this post has me thinking otherwise..

 

[philmynuts]

I wouldn't be too concerned. It is the only issue I've had with them. And no one else has posted a similar problem. And the rep said he's never heard of this either. Plus they will give you a 1 year warranty. To me, it's worth it not having to lug around and clean the glass carboys.

 

[KartRacer54]

I have 3 - 6.5 and 2- 5 gal. Been using nearly year. I will rebut if there is ever a need to. Really want a couple more 6.5 gal.

 

[Kwitty]

I just had my second plastic big mouth crack within days of each other! Right on the bottom where it curls under. They are just over a year old and have less than 10 batches a piece. I'm pissed! I have a better bottle that was given to me used that has more beer thru it! Even if they replaced them I'm not sure I'd use it. What of they had beer in them? Thank the beer gods it was only full of water soaking the crud off the side. Think I'm done with the Big Mouths.

 

[agrazela]

I've stashed my glass carboys up in the attic and have only used the plastic BMBs from Northern Brewer for my last two brews. They are so much lighter and easier to handle. Cleaning them is easier too (in spite of the silly textured water drop designs on the side) because of the bigger opening. I've been sold ever since I got them. But last night was a nightmare. I had just dumped the wort into the fermenter and started aerating when I felt my toes getting wet. I stopped but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. When I started aerating again, I saw it. The pressure from grabbing it with one hand on the top and one on the bottom causes the flimsy plastic sides to buckle just slightly. That pressure was enough to show me where the leak was. A little stream started spraying out the side onto the kitchen floor. I stumbled my way to the attic , leaving a sticky trail through the living room, and grabbed my trusty glass carboy. I had taped a plastic bag over the opening so no attic dust or bugs would get into it. I ran a quick Star San solution through it and transferred the wort. In doing so I covered the rest of myself and the floor in more stickiness. The "rinse free" Star San foamed like crazy and made the mess even worse. Because of course it did. At least I aerated really well. :smack:

Has anyone else had any cracking issues with their plastic BMBs? If so hopefully I get to read about it before my wife kills me.

I'm guessing your wort was cooled when you dumped it into the BmB since you say you were beginning to aerate. But gotta ask, what was the temperature of the wort going in?