Airlock question

[Vandall]

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]

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.

[veritas]

There isnt any mea is there? Any spillage outside your fermenter?

[Vandall]

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]

Originally Posted by Vandall

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?

It would, work indeed.

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

[veritas]

That should be fine.

[skunkboy]

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]

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.

[huesmann]

...or it could just be condensation from the water in your must evaporating...