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Airlock question

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V

Vandall

Worker Bee
Registered Member
Jan 13, 2012
84
2
8
Clinton Township Michigan
My second batch of "warranty voided" JAO is clearing well. At about 5 weeks in I noticed that the water level in my airlock dropped substantially. I topped them off with boiled then cooled water and the level has dropped again and I see water in the stem that goes into the carboy. It is as if the water is being sucked into carboy. Any clues as to what is causing this and what I can do about it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Vandall.
 
veritas

veritas

NewBee
Registered Member
Dec 7, 2007
294
2
0
Wisconsin BEER Capitol USA
I have had an airlock bubble backwards due to temp change. It deosnt last long are you using the 3 piece air lock. That is the only way I would imagine water going back in..
If you use star san or such I would put that in the lock.
 
V

Vandall

Worker Bee
Registered Member
Jan 13, 2012
84
2
8
Clinton Township Michigan
Thanks for the quick response Veritas. There is no MEA or spillage and yes I am using the 3 piece airlocks. Would water with sodium metabisulphate work in the airlock?
 
Loadnabox

Loadnabox

NewBee
Registered Member
Apr 17, 2011
849
3
0
Ohio
Vandall said:
Thanks for the quick response Veritas. There is no MEA or spillage and yes I am using the 3 piece airlocks. Would water with sodium metabisulphate work in the airlock?
Click to expand...

It would, work indeed.

Cheap clear distilled spirits at room temp would also work and help avoid temp diff suckage
 
skunkboy

skunkboy

NewBee
Registered Member
May 30, 2005
2,003
8
0
Between Jackson and Detroit
Yeah, temp changes, pressure changes, tipsy pixies...

I usually mix my bubbler water ( 1/2 water, 1/2 vodka ) so it shouldn't get infected,
and pass anything along if some gets sucked back into the mead.
 
akueck

akueck

Certified Mead Mentor
Certified Mead Mentor
Jun 26, 2006
4,958
11
0
Ithaca, NY
If liquid is being sucked back in, you might have it filled too high. There is a little line on the outer cup, don't fill past that. With less liquid, air can bubble back through the airlock if the interior pressure drops enough, but the liquid won't run into your batch.
 
H

huesmann

Worker Bee
Registered Member
Aug 22, 2011
190
4
18
...or it could just be condensation from the water in your must evaporating...
 
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