Sanitation and Carboy caps

[myleviathan]

I just ordered some carboy caps because you can prime a siphon just by blowing. However, are there any sanitation issues with blowing into the carboy?

 

[HairyDogBrewing]

It's a risk. I've gotten away with it, but it isn't a best practice.
On the other hand, any germs would have to deal with the alcohol and CO2.
You could gargle vodka or blow through a filter to reduce the risk.

Personally, I attach the gas line from my CO2 bottle to the carboy cap.
The line fitting just screws onto the soft cap.
I set the regulator to 2 psi.

 

[BlindLemonLars]

I just ordered some carboy caps because you can prime a siphon just by blowing. However, are there any sanitation issues with blowing into the carboy?

Yes. I did it once, and got away with it. I did the vodka thing (actually it was bourbon!) but I don't know how much it helps. It's not a good idea, and I won't be doing it again.

Most online shops carry little air filters you can blow into. I like egolla's idea better, if you've got a tank & regulator. Or just buy an auto-siphon, like most of us use.

 

[myleviathan]

It seems like bacteria would have to be airborn to get into the brew. I wonder if it can hitch a ride with moisture breathed out from the lungs.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Yes breathing into it is not a good idea. There is a good thread about making a cheap mouth siphon that seperates the mouth tube from the beer transfer line. for about 3 dollars to use on a carboy cap. You'll be sucking instead of blowing which help minimize risk.
Here you go.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=25774&highlight=siphon

 

[myleviathan]

Yes breathing into it is not a good idea. There is a good thread about making a cheap mouth siphon that seperates the mouth tube from the beer transfer line. for about 3 dollars to use on a carboy cap. You'll be sucking instead of blowing which help minimize risk.
Here you go.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=25774&highlight=siphon

That reminds me of Spaceballs. "She's gone from suck to blow!"