Primary fermentor scratches.

[yewtah-brewha]

I am thinking about putting a used bucket to work as a fermentor, It has some fine scratches in the walls and floor would this be a problem? Its a 6.5 gallon and food grade. we used it for bean storage. I guess the beans over time scratched it. I read somewhere that gouges will harbor bacteria, are they talking about large scratches?

 

[unionrdr]

They say not just large scratches,but scratches in general. I've never had any problems with my plastic fermenters from a tiny,shallow scratch here & there. Like the lil lines on a SS pot or the like. I soak mine clean with PBW for a week. Then rinse & thoroughly sanitize with starsan. As long as it's not too scratched up,it might be ok.

 

[masterfool101]

I agree with union . . . as long as you clean very well, and sanitize well, it shouldn't matter . . . the scratches would only become a problem if they're deep enough that you can't properly clean them with some PBW and a rag/sponge.

I use iodophor to sanitize . . . and I like to let it sit in my fermenter for upwards of 20-30 mins, even though it claims to sanitize in 5 mins.

 

[GASoline71]

Seriously... go buy a new bucket from a LHBS for $15 bucks. Why would you even consider a used bucket to make beer in?

Gary

 

[yewtah-brewha]

I went to thier site to check it out I think they paid 15 bucks to have thier site made. It is as un-userfriendly as ive seen. Yes I agree why put a 30.00 ingerdient kit in a crap fermentor. I dont think I'll risk it. :fro:

Seriously... go buy a new bucket from a LHBS for $15 bucks. Why would you even consider a used bucket to make beer in?

Gary

 

[BradleyBrew]

I'ved used the same plastic with minor scratches with zero ill effects. Your results may vary.

 

[logan3825]

Seriously... go buy a new bucket from a LHBS for $15 bucks. Why would you even consider a used bucket to make beer in?

Gary

Yeah this. Tack on an extra fermenter with your next purchase. Maybe it would be ok, maybe not. For $15 I wouldn't risk it.