Questionable practice

[RobMcDeal]

Looking for help.

I was making a starter last night and was using a new yeast vessel (yeast in a can). When I cooled the starter wort down to pitch, I opened the yeast can and dumped out the liquid. To my surprise I found all the yeast sitting at the bottom of the can still. In a moment of rush, I used tap water to try to get the yeast out.

Do I need to throw away the starter since I used tap water (un-boiled) and added it to the cool wort?

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[xpops]

do you have the ability to quickly get some new yeast and start fresh, without letting your batch sit for too long of a time before pitching?
More likely than not though, it's would still be fine.

 

[flars]

I consider tap water to be sanitary unless people in different households are getting sick from it. I topped off the fermentor with untreated water from the tap for many years without any infections.

The water may have had chlorine in it but the off tasting beer produced in the starter wort will be decanted.

Be prepared next time. Pour some of your starter wort back into the can to use a rinse to get all the yeast out.

 

[Dr_Jeff]

or simply, shake the can first

 

[xpops]

or simply, shake the can first

it's nice to have the option to decant first though.

 

[RobMcDeal]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely be shaking the can next time prior to opening now that I know.

My brew day is Sunday so I have some time to decide whether to toss the starter.

 

[Calder]

Not the best practice for a starter, but chances are it will not be a problem.

I use tap water all the time for topping off, but I am using a healthy pitch, which will take off quick. Starters may take longer to create alcohol to protect the beer/yeast.