PVC tubing

[Izzie1701]

Making a sparge arm and have some PVC tubing. Is there anything wrong with this rather then using silicone line? Much risk of off flavors?

 

[cannman]

I'd worry more about the compound used to join the elbows and such. Isn't a length of silicone cheaper anyhow?

Here's some info that may help regarding the safety of PVC and sparge temps. Spoiler alert: you need CPVC

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=84684

 

[Izzie1701]

Sorry I meant vinyl line. The clear flexible line that usually comes on the end of your siphon hose or bottling wond. It will connect my HLT to the sparge arm.

 

[CA_Mouse]

Silicone hose can withstand higher temperatures without either melting or producing any substances that might be in vinyl tubing.

 

[TexasWine]

Sorry I meant vinyl line. The clear flexible line that usually comes on the end of your siphon hose or bottling wond. It will connect my HLT to the sparge arm.

My experience has been that the clear stuff isn't rated for high temps. Back when I no chilled, I tried siphoning from my kettle to the fermenter and it was disastrous. The siphon and hose got very, very soft and I ended up with a lot of wort on the floor.

 

[Izzie1701]

I have used it to siphon and it gets very soft yes but the clear braided line doesn't. Im more concerned about if it's food safe at 150F and if it is will it leach any off flavours.

 

[BargainFittings]

PVC Tubing tops out at 140 on the brands I looked up. If in doubt cut a chunk off and heat it in some water, cool and taste / smell the water.

I use the braided pvc tubing for supply lines and cleaning kegs and stick to silicone tubing for the hot side.