Full Fermenter - Leaking Tap-valve. What To Do?

[attackandvine]

Hello,

Unfortunately this is happening to me on my first brew!

Standard plastic fermenter kit from local supplier - followed all instructions etc.

Tap has a sediment reducer that was inserted correctly, and rubber o-ring fitted.
However, with 23L of brew starting to ferment, I've just noticed a slow leak from the tap valve.
It appears to be coming from between tap thread & rubber seal, suggesting it's may not be threaded correctly.

Sometimes rubber seals get weaker if they're over tightened, so I've tried a full 360 degree turn, both looser and tighter - neither had any affect.

I'm brewing pilsner at about 16 degrees, so it's got a long way to go yet. Does anyone have advice on what to do in this situation?

Thanks, -Jon.

 

[gros21]

Um supercheap and I presume others that sell a sealing putty that can be used on water tanks and hence food safe. Can u tip fermented on angle that keeps air lock and tap dry?

At this stage I'd be even tempted to try anything from lecky tape to super glue if can get tap blue

 

[microbe]

Can you maybe tighten it to a point where it doesn't leak (even if the tap isn't oriented correctly) and then reset the tap when you come to rack/bottle?

Disclaimer - I've not done this - it was just a thought that occurred to me to try.

Cheers,

microbe

 

[Sammus]

yeah happened to me too. Just tighten it more itll be sweet, unless you cross threaded it and the seal isnt being pressed properly...

 

[white.grant]

I had exactly the same problem with a new fermenter when I first got back into homebrewing earlier this year. I lost most of the wort through the leak overnight -- its true what they say about leaking taps! - and returned the fermenter for a whinge and a refund.

I'm finding the 25 litre water barrels from Bunnings a very reliable alternative.

cheers

grant

 

[bouncingcastle]

How much head room is there in the fermenter?

You could always tip it on its side, remove the tap, check seals, sanitise and then re-seat.

That's what I would do anyway...

Cheers,

Chris

 

[attackandvine]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Sammus had the right answer...

yeah happened to me too. Just tighten it more itll be sweet, unless you cross threaded it and the seal isnt being pressed properly...

Figured this out right after I posted.
Seemed weird, had to tighten WAY harder than you would a normal sealed thread.

Anyway, happy it worked & I didn't have to dick about with new taps, resanitising etc.

Thanks again.

 

[Beer&Kebab]

Depending on how slow it is, it may gunk up and stop leaking if just left alone ??.. Just watch it closely..

 

[THIRSTCRUSHER]

Depending on how slow it is, it may gunk up and stop leaking if just left alone ??.. Just watch it closely..

I have had the snap on type all my brewing life and never had a problem.
I have been given a screw on type,two brews-airlock has not moved at all and brew is leaking out.......never again.
Scott.

 

[flattop]

Mate of mine swears by Vaseline on the o ring seal, does it for every brew and he's been brewing for years, without a single bad batch.
Said that he removes the seal after every brew washes everything in bleach/water then sterilization solution then whacks on another brew.
Then again he says a small leak is no biggie as long as there is positive pressure.

I had a leaking brand new fermenter and i took the o ring seal off and reversed it and it resealed ok.

 

[Noxious]

That doesn't sound like a very healthy option beer&kebab!
Wouldn't it greatly increase the risk of infection, just letting the yeast/sugars seep out into contact with the outside and creating an easy entry to the wort?

 

[KGB]

^^ Not if they solidify and create a barrier. Not the best idea IMO but this thread is kinda old anyway.

 

[raven19]

You could try wrapping the area in glad wrap, if its only a small leak this should reduce losses?

I have a dodgy tap on one of my fermenters that i wrap in glad wrap when in use.

 

[Goofinder]

I've got a tap here that seems to leak a little bit sometimes, maybe a drop or two overnight. I just turn it so the opening is facing upwards instead of down and that seems to stop anything coming out.

 

[King Brown]

it's happened to me too, lost a good 2 litres out of a brew :angry:
Put the fermenter in the laundry troth and tightened the cap some more, problem solved.
It was my fault for not tightening the tap enough, you really have to twist them on till they wont twist anymore!

 

[Carbonator]

After reading all the posts here and it happening to me, I have come to the conclusion that the tap outlet not facing down during ferment is nothing to cry about! Bling factor for your vistors will be out the window tho!

you really have to twist them on till they wont twist anymore!

It could be dangerous if you do that!

When it comes time to bottle, turn the tap to face down, then that 50ml of loss during bottling is nothing. Just do it somewhere you can mop-up the spill.

 

[King Brown]

Very true Carbonator, and you gotta be sure not you can get the tap out for cleaning afterwards!

 

[staggalee]

You could try wrapping the area in glad wrap, if its only a small leak this should reduce losses?

I have a dodgy tap on one of my fermenters that i wrap in glad wrap when in use.

Wouldn`t it be easier and safer to buy a new tap from Bunnings {$1.70} or wherever?
At that price I don`t get too stressed about cleaning them, just throw to buggery and replace every now and then.