yeast didnt activate.

[ISUbrew]

I was using a dry yeast and I dont believe it activated. Its 2 days after brewday and I see no activity in my airlock.
Is there any way to be sure? What can I do from here?

I tried to activate the yeast by boiling a cup of water and a tablespoon full of sugar and then introducing the yeast to that when the combination got near 90 degrees, but this time instead of the yeast foaming up as it usually does it just sat there.

 

[ArcaneXor]

Not a good idea to rehydrate dry yeast in a sucrose solution. As for lack of airlock activity, that's not really a good indicator as to what's going on in the beer. Most bungs leak.

You'll have to rely on a visual examination of the beer to see if there is any evidence for fermentation beginning. If there is no kraeusen building, go ahead and pitch another pack of yeast on top.

 

[ISUbrew]

Not a good idea to rehydrate dry yeast in a sucrose solution. As for lack of airlock activity, that's not really a good indicator as to what's going on in the beer. Most bungs leak.

You'll have to rely on a visual examination of the beer to see if there is any evidence for fermentation beginning. If there is no kraeusen building, go ahead and pitch another pack of yeast on top.

Thanks for the advice. Can I ask why not to hydrate with a sucrose solution and what would be a good alternative? or should I just put the dry yeast in directly without messing with it

 

[kanzimonson]

Don't hydrate with anything but clean water because when dry yeast are added to liquid, their cell walls are vulnerable and will let things through to the inner cell. Give them time to wake up in the water and then introduce to wort.

Regarding no activity, have you checked the simple stuff? Lid on tightly if it's a plastic bucket? Enough liquid in airlock if it's a 3piece airlock? I've made both of these mistakes before. And you can always check gravity to see if there have been any changes.