Why do airlocks explode?

[Jasper18]

Aren't airlocks supposed to let off the pressure just like blowoff tubes? I realize that airlocks are smaller passages, but it should still be plenty to let off pressure no? Why don't they re-design airlocks to work properly?

 

[mxstar21]

I have never heard of an airlock exploding. If fermentation is too strong you need to use a blow off tube. I don't really see a design issue with them. Can you describe your issue or show pictures?

 

[hopbrad]

I have never heard of an airlock exploding. If fermentation is too strong you need to use a blow off tube. I don't really see a design issue with them. Can you describe your issue or show pictures?

they get filled up with krausen and clog the airlock, then the bug pops off bc of pressure. Blow off tube solves that

 

[Jasper18]

they get filled up with krausen and clog the airlock, then the bug pops off bc of pressure. Blow off tube solves that

Thats what I was meaning and ok that explains it lol. For how long should a blow off tube be used?

 

[Yooper]

Thats what I was meaning and ok that explains it lol. For how long should a blow off tube be used?

You can use one the entire time, if you want.

I have bigger buckets I use (8 gallon size) and I've only used a blow off tube once in the last 10 years. But when I needed it, I needed it! Normally, I have plenty of headspace and ferment at cool temperatures, so I never have krausen even coming close to the top. But a warmer fermentation, or using a smaller carboy could necessitate a blow-off tube set up.

 

[MaryB]

If I blow off an airlock I fit a blow off tube and leave it until bottle. Why chance introducing an infection by swapping them?

 

[GrainToGlass]

If you don't have much headspace for primary fermentation use a blowoff tube. Then before cold crashing switch it out for an S-type airlock so you don't suck up all that sanitizer from the decrease in pressure.

 

[RM-MN]

Thats what I was meaning and ok that explains it lol. For how long should a blow off tube be used?

In the usual usage, a blowoff tube is nothing but a bigger airlock. You fasten one end to the fermenter hoping to get a seal on it and put the other end into a vessel containing liquid so the escaping gas can bubble up through it.