Airlocks 101

[wtwrighty]

Craig. Thanks. Just one question pertaining to my "drain" style airlock. After I install it into the lid I then add vodka and snap on the cap. Why isn't the vodka level in both sections of the airlock? It gets really full in the right side and just a little in the left (side that goes into the bucket). Shouldn't it be level at least until pressure builds from fermentation? Good news is there is vodka in the "trap" so that's positive. Also it bubbles like crazy. Just wondering why the imbalance.

[namesleft]

hey i cant thank you enough for the info i am new at this and starte my first brew two days ago and my air lock was not doing any thing and i happened to stumble on your vid tryed the pressing on lid to see if seal was good and it was leaking aroud the rim even with it down tight could not get it to seal right at all so check this i took suran rap and rolled it out and rolled it up then poked it down all aroud the lid to make a gasket type thing put the lid back on and presto it worked. thanks

[theBUBBAMANcan]

Craig,

Your vids are really great! I'm a total newb and you explain things in simple terms that even I can understand...thanks!

[RightWingCon81]

How versitile are airlocks? I have an old wine jug I plan on using for cider, and I'm sure the airlock I bought on amazon is good, b ut I also want to try making it in a 5 gallon poland spring bottle with a bigger mouth, any way to make it work with that?

[CraigTube]

@RightWingCon81 You just need a different sized rubber bung.

[Pierogihead]

@CraigTube Midwest Supplies is a great source for rubber stoppers and other brewing equipment;

[cadmio112]

Hi Craig I really like your video. Just one question, if I had a 300 L fermentor I should use 1 airlock (the same you show) too ? or should I use another system when I ´m preparing more liters ?

Regards from Argentina

[CraigTube]

@cadmio112 LOL this is a great question. A whole different system would have to be used. A single airlock would blow off to the moon. Beyond that. You'd have to ask a brewery. I do 23 Liters.

[drastic801]

craig, my bucket doesnt use a bung to seal it but instead has a little hole with a small black o-ring which i push my airlock into. Well, when i pushed the airlock in i pushed too hard and the o-ring fell through.  I did my best to seal the small space between the airlock and opening by using a small amount of plastic/tape. The airlock was bubbling the next day then soon stopped and i can see condensation underneath the tape indicating a small leak. Should i move to secondary ferm asap?

[CraigTube]

@drastic801 No need to do anything. There's enough gas coming out that nothing will get in. Go ahead and move it to secondary when it's time. No worries. My new Coopers fermenter doesn't even have an airlock. The lid just sits loosely on top.

[drastic801]

@CraigTube okay so it sat in the primary for a week then took a gravity reading and came up with about 1.010. I then siphoned it into a secondary and put the airlock back on and now im getting an airlock bubble once every min or so. Im wondering if i should just go ahead and bottle it or should i let it sit in the secondary for a bit? thx!

[minkey2007]

Dude your videos are so informative and mellow. Thank you for this great learning resource!

[daddygreenjeens]

nice  Craig is the man

[fakeadam19]

Thank you so much Craig. I love your brewing videos, especially the technical ones. You're answering all the questions I had. You convinced me after years of procrastinating to brew my own beer.

My kit arrived this morning and my airlock is bubbling away. Thanks again.

[LoadedDesperado]

Hi Craig, Im brewing up a batch and I have noticed some condensation gathering in the airlock. is this a bad sign? my main concern is when the condensation gathers enough it will form a droplet and it will run down into the beer.

[CraigTube]

@LoadedDesperado I see no problem, but if you're concerned, you can always remove it and clean it out, filling it with boiled (cooled) water so that anything that drips down will be bug free. But honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.

[LoadedDesperado]

@CraigTube Thanks Craig!, Yeah I let it fly and it was ok when I bottled it! not too long now and I can crack em open. its amazing how many people want to 'pop round' when they know your brewing lol

[kendigjl]

How did the US government ever think prohibition would keep people from drinking alcohol if it's this easy to make?

[corsairstw]

This video is so helpful! Thanks so much!! I'm just starting off homebrewing and need some help with the basics :)

[corsairstw]

This video is so helpful! Thanks so much!!

[karffiol]

I like this guy and his attitude...he does really enjoy brewery and beer drinking :)

[Tasty115]

Hi Craig - I'm in Dorset in the UK, really enjoying your videos as I'm new to brewing. The first kit I did was a bitter and it fermented beautifully and came out perfectly. I now doing a cider kit and although I think it's working I'm not sure as it's not as active as the bitter. I have watched your tutorial on airlocks and have checked lid is properly shut. There is definately a ring/mark around the top which your video suggested was a good sign - could it be that this kit is just not as acti

[CraigTube]

@Tasty115 Every kit will behave differently. No worries. Get yourself a hydrometer and use that to test the "doneness" of your beer. Aim for 1.012 or lower. Check out my hydrometer video. Cheers.

[crazycease1]

hey Craig, how about if your airlock stays floating sideways?? i'm making home made wine and my airlock is floating lol can you give me your email so i can send you a pic?? Thanks.

[SuperCHOPPERBOB]

@crazycease1 ,, dont know what the heck your talking bowt but ur airlock shouldnt be floating sideways, in fact its shouldnt be floating at all, what ave you done put it inside your fermenter or sumat

[crazycease1]

@SuperCHOPPERBOB thanks, i fixed the problem :)

[cleobc1]

I have watched many of your videos and just want to say thank you. I was a novice beer maker until two days ago when I had my beer bubbling madly away. I did as you advised and did change the air lock to the tube and water method. It works great, and yes hearing the bubbles is of great satisfaction to me. Your videos are appreciated for new people like myself. P.S im trying the Coopers Stout.

[Mr4Oounce]

i made some fruit liqour once i used a 3 gallon bottel and lossened the cap just a tiny tiny bit and the COZ escped fine and it made a hissing noise for about a week the liqour was good and strong but is this a bad idea to lossen the cap instead of one of these airlocks also is using a ballon with a pinhole in it a bad idea.please respond

-cheers

[CraigTube]

@Mr4Oounce That's fine to do that. In fact, sometimes I use cling film with an elastic and a pin hole in it. Just don't leave it like that once it's done fermenting.

[TheTater1984]

thanx craig you completly answerd my question.. your the best man

[itsallinthehips11]

why does my beer have so much head???

[ambient652]

craig.. i have a question. my airlock seemed to kinda slow down. its almost at is week of fermentation. but i noticed a problem in the airlock. the airlock that i'm using is the one that u have on ur right hand. the "S" shaped airlock. i noticed that i have a small bug floating in the vodka that i added. Would that make my beer go bad ??

[aidancurran1]

Hi Craig,

Commented on your Coopers video about my first batch 2 nights ago. Was looking good - airlock bubbling but today slowed and stopped. So I've pouring over your videos again. Confident its not a seal issue because did your seal test and also always seems to be a bit of pressure from fermenter side but when I unscrew lid, water levels balance again. Hydrometer started 1040 and is now 1016. Tasted it and its like beer but a bit bitter. Is it possible it could be almost done after 2 days?

[CraigTube]

@aidancurran1 Could be, but leave it for a week anyway and let things finish up and clear. No worries.

[aidancurran1]

@CraigTube Wow, what a fast response - thanks! I was worried that it might have gone bad ( I saw one of your videos where you mention sterilizing can opner and realised I never thought to do that). But after tasting the hydrometer sample I feel better because tastes pretty good already. I'll probably check S.G. daily and see how she goes. The can said typically 5-7 days so I will leave it at least 5. Is there no problem leaving for a few extra days after fermentation if seal is good?

[CraigTube]

@aidancurran1 I wouldn't test it every day. Just leave it to do it's thing. After seven days from start, test it. The less you open it, the less likely there will be a problem. Try not to treat it like a new born. It knows what to do. Cheers!

[aidancurran1]

@CraigTube - Thanks for the advise mate! I'll try to resist babying it too much ;-). By the way, there is still a little airlock action going on, my little newborn gurgles once every 3-5 minutes.

Cheers, Aidan

[aidancurran1]

oh, and one more key piece of info - temp is very stable 24-25 C. I have it in a fridge that's turned off. The can is Mangrove Jacks (Brewcraft) Munich Lager.

Your videos are addictive - you convey a great sense of enthusiasm for the subject, very enjoyable to watch! I know you get tons and tons of questions and probably takes awhile to get around to them all, but anyway thought I'd post mine just in case you get a chance to answer soonish.

[Jarjarjar21]

You videos are very, very, very, very helpful . . . for the Newbiebrewer....

Thanks for sharing you experience.

[gwjames43]

Craig, great videos. In regards to the airlock on the Coopers fermenter. I have found that when the airlock slows down or quits early in the fermentation process, that re-tightening the lid will usually take care of the problem. It seems that the seal compresses with time and partially looses it's seal. I have re-tightened twice and the rate of bubbles has increased each time. This is my first batch as time goes by the seal may stabilize, otherwise I may consider a O-Ring of proper dimension.

[Etcher]

Hey Craig, love your vids man, wicked stuff. I just started off with a Coopers Home Brew Kit. My wort has been fermenting at 22-24 deg c for the last 5 days and unfortunately I have not seen too much of the white foam you refer to or one single bubble in the airlock. That said there is sediment and the foam has disapated and there is a small scum ring about an inch above the liquid.  Do you think something has gone wrong? I sanitized everything really well, any ideas?

[CraigTube]

@Etcher It sounds like everything went fine. Give a few more days and then bottle it up. Sometimes airlocks don't bubble. Watch my "Airlocks 101" video. Cheers!

[Etcher]

@CraigTube SG down to 1011 today so certainly on the right track :) thanks, just checked out Airlocks 101, cool video as usual

[kimnjer1]

good vid. good info. thank you. just started my first brew tonight(inmate wine) looking forward to hear the bubbles!

[martin199418]

be my grandpa : )

[JonnyFlash80]

Your videos are great. Very informative. Thanks

[hickeyboi2009]

hey craig brewed my beer now have a small milky sediment the bottom of my bottle happened when brew a belgian ale and now with my muntons pilnesner is this normal or have done something wrong?

[LittleMissAdventia]

@hickeyboi2009 Hey Hickey boy,

I did a nice brew of Belgian ale a couple of months ago, and was quite concerned about the same thing with the milky sediment, but bottled it anyway as I am ever the optimist!

Turned out fine, so I would suggest that if it doesn't smell off, like bad eggs or vinegar, bottle it and see. It was a lovely beer, and I am so glad I bottled! I hope I haven't stepped on Craigs toes!

[OhioAirsoftVids]

Thanks for the video, since I'm no longer using my Mr Beer kit to brew, i need to learn about airlocks.

[196822119630898]

Hi Craig .. i did my easy wine but it did't ferment at all .. i did many easy wine it was OK all the time exept this time !! every thing is OK the suger the juice the yeast ... the teprature .. airlock .. sealed bucket .. but it is not fermenting .. what could go wrong ?? thanx Crige

[CraigTube]

I'll be posting a video on that later today. just leave it alone for now.

[pontasii]

ey craig did you just flip me off? hahaha :D

[jkinseycrue]

Craig, I have a question for you. I'm working on the Coopers micro brew kit. This is my first time brewing beer. After 7 days of fermenting at 26 degrees I took a hydrometer reading and it was 1014. I waited 2 more days and it was 1012. I opened the lid and couldn't see any bubbling but I know it's still fermenting as the lid has a lot of condensation on it. Is this normal for it to be fermenting this long ? You state it will take about 7 days in your videos. Mine will be closer to 12-14.

[CraigTube]

The condensation doesn't mean it's fermenting. That's just evaporation. You're doing the right thing by checking it with the hydrometer. What is the airlock doing? Sometimes taking a hydrometer reading from the spigot can give a higher reading because you're pulling up some sediment. Try throwing the hydrometer in the top. I think you're ready to bottle.

[mallonmallonmallon]

hey craig.i have one of those drainpipe locks you have there.know it might be a stupid question but i'm just wandering if i need to put the red cap on it?Because the CO2 could surely escape with or without it on but is there any other reason for having it on??many thanks and keep up the great work

[CraigTube]

You don't "need" to, but it can help stop some water from splashing out. I don't have a cap and I notice that there's less water after a few days. It never completely get empty tho. If you have the cap, may as well use it.

[nickrtompkins]

@CraigTube I stumbled across your video when I was searching for the answer to the same question/reason my fermentor sprung a leak this weekend. I had the one-piece air lock and did NOT take off the red cap and when I woke up the morning after brewing and "capping" the fermentor, the lid of the fermentor had cracked and beer had leaked out. My question is, if you do not remove the red cap, where will the air (that's ring through the air lock) go? Think this is the reason my fermentor cracked?

[moody2851]

thanks for the info

[zenonko]

Craigster!

I've had very successful brews of Coopers Lager and Real Ale. This week I tried Coopers Stout. After 5 days of fermeting still no airlock bloop-di-bloops!

Air-lock is good. My house is 20c. The beer is next to a window where the temp is 19C. I put a thermal jacket on the barrel. There is plently of scum on top of the barrel so I guess it's ok. I'm out of homebrew and had to buy beeer from the store today! Darn it!

[CraigTube]

Buying beer? that sucks!. I'm sure your brew is fine and you just didn't seal it properly. Data for the future. :)

[zenonko]

@CraigTube

My hydrometer reads 1010. If it's the same tomorrow I'll bottle it. It tastes like a stout. It tastes guuuuud!

[Flare1728]

I usually add some of the solution of no rinse sanitizor to my airlock, because there's always plenty of it around anyway when I'm brewing

[elrolo3000]

Thanks man, your home brewing series is great, it has helped me out to start brewing by my own...

[blade75964]

hey now, at 2:24 that was funny. anyway great topic. Your video is very helpful. Great tutorial.

[djelliott916]

hey craig, i just brewed my first batch of beer yesterday, its a california pale ale, the lid of the fermenter was not fitting too good so this morning when i woke up i put a couple weights on it and the airlock starting bubbling like crazy for an hour or so, it has since slowed down to one bubble every 30 seconds or so. It has not even been fermenting 24 hours yet. Will the weights on the lid be a problem? Why would the airlock slow down all of a sudden? Thank you

[CraigTube]

Once every 30 seconds after under 24 hours is normal. Maybe it took time for the weights to bend the lid down a bit, causing the rapid bubbling.

[djelliott916]

nope, i figured it out. I was using a starsan solution in the lock and it was bubbling up alot keeping the bobber piece from going up and down. There also might have not been enough sanitizer in there. I went and got some vodka, filled it to the line and its poppin 3-4 a second again. It is currently 26 hours after pitching yeast. So am i going in the right direction? Thanx for ur help, love the videos.

[CraigTube]

It all sounds great.

[djelliott916]

hey what was your first homebrew and how did it turn out? did you crack em a lil early outta anticipation?

[CraigTube]

Well, that was over 20 years ago, so I don't remember much.

[dvaldivieso]

For example, I sanitized my hydrometer and I did not use it one day, and I tried to use it another day, but first I sanitized it again. It is that ok, or am I just crazy?

[CraigTube]

I always sanitize right before using.

[dvaldivieso]

Hey craig, how about when the hole of the bucket's lid is so little, however, has a rubber around it (I do not how to explain well) When I used an airlock I just put without a bum (because of dimension of the lid's hole)

[CraigTube]

should work fine as long as there a good tight fit.

[sleepwhenyourdeadplx]

I was wondering if you have made a batch of Coopers Mexican Cervesa before and if so, how did it taste? do you recommend it?

Love your videos by the way!

[CraigTube]

Thank you . No I have never tried that beer. I'm currently on my first batch of Cooper's IPA (Indian pale ale) Can't wait to taste it. It's sitting at a mere 20 deg C and fermenting like mad.

[sbbinahee]

Ahhhrgh my friend!

Your beer's gone flat..in MY glass ! You need a visit from Dr UNFLATBEERDOTCOM! My charges are very competitive!! ...eh he.. he..

[Valen999]

Hey thanks for posting these videos on brewing

im running 7 fermenters distilling about 8litres 40% a day without these videos id be stuck lol

[KnollNomad]

Hey Craig,I have made eight batches using Muntons brand and two using Coopers brand.

All the beers tasted great so just out of cureosity why would Coopers foam up throw the air lock and Muntons doesn't and which would you rather have happen and why?

David Good info videos. Brew on.

[mariamelo1]

Uma merda!

[hoopztube]

Craig. Email sent again. Hope it went to the right place!

[CraigTube]

I have not received any Emails in the last hour.:)

[hoopztube]

OK. Strange. I sent it to the 'Send Message' link on your channel. Not sure where that goes. Can't find a direct email for you otherwise.

[Captinfingers]

Hey craig good timing!, I just did an alcoholic ginger beer brew. I'm assuming the rules are the same for it. The airlock hasn't been bubbling like crazy, but It did this last time with my draught, which turned out great! I'm guessing i just watch it with the hydrometer....

[hoopztube]

Another great video on brewing again craig. Well done. There is another air lock technique some people use known as the cling wrap airlock. I kid you not! Basically you stretch cling wrap over the top of your fermenter and secure it with a rubber band or the 'o' ring seal of your fermenter if it has one. The just put a tiny pin prick in the middle. This works well, and allows you to see inside quite easily. Also when fermentation is happening, the plastic bulges up. When its down it finished! :)

[CraigTube]

I'm glad you brought this up. I talked about this in the video, but edited it out for fear of criticism. The beer snobs would have totally flamed me for that. Glad you mentioned it instead of me. LOL. Cheers!

[hoopztube]

Don't worry about the Beer snobs! What do they know? There are many good tips and tricks that the beer snobs don't approve of that work well and make brewing easier. Been thinking about doing a video myself of these tips and tricks, so others can try them. As far as I am concerned, there is no real right or wrong way to make a brew. What ever works is best. Craig did you get the email I sent you through YouTube a few weeks ago?

[CraigTube]

Man, I get so many messages I can't remember who is who. What was it about? Send me a new one.

[tnm140]

I always use the blow off tube.

[Imasofat]

You bring up a lot of good points. My first and only batch so far, didn't buble at all. But I don't think it was the air lock, I think it was instantaneous firmentation due to adding the yeast while the wort was 97 degrees. Pretty stupid right?

[CraigTube]

Either that or you killed your yeast. Did it ferment?

[Imasofat]

It fermented only a little bet. My gravity reading was about 1.009. I pitched yeast a second time and let it go 2 more weeks but it didn't help. I have a video up on it if you care to watch!

[CraigTube]

What are you brewing? Beer, wine, inmate?

[Imasofat]

Beer. I'm using a Cooper's Beer kit and the extract was some kind of Ale. It was our first time and I think I did a whole multitude of sins. I'll try again someday!

[emotionspictured]

another great vid cheers :)

[CraigTube]

Good point. I am basically speaking to the general brewing public and my hope is that, in addition to my directions, they will read the instructions that come with their kit and follow them. Most of the kits fall within my guidelines, but as you point out, a few don't, and I hope that those who use them will pay attention to the directions that come with them.

[eyesofnova]

omg craig flipped me off!! I'm so offended :-P

Great video as always. You really keep it super simple for the average idiot.

[daikaiju20]

lots of good tips here thanks!

[jonneyboy25]

craig your great

[Jacobsonro]

Craig,

Have you reused your yeast after finishing a brew? I just did, wow it has been a very fun fermentation. Might be a good video.

[CraigTube]

Why don't you PM me and tell me how you did that. I've been afraid to try it in case I lose a batch.

[fhury78dk]

after i watch your videos i always have to go get a beer. do ya get that alot?

[CraigTube]

Well I'm usually having one while I'm making the videos. There's another YT brewer who I watch sometimes.. mieses2pieces. When he drinks his beer I have to get one.

[JudahBrewer]

Craig, Hi, we talked a few times about sending you some items from the brewery where I brew. Can you give me your address so I can send them to you? If you are uncomfortable with that I understand. I can give you my address first, if that works. I will be sending a tulip glass with our logo and hopefully some beer. - Josh

[zayo05]

Nice. All the info on airlocks. Thanks Craig.

[mark23988]

great video again keep it up!!!!

[AlcoholLevel]

Heh,.... you're making more than $100/yr. Nice video though with good tips.

[negroallstar]

4th view, 1st comment.

Thanks for all the videos Craig. I've started my first brew today. Your videos have been a lot of help.

Thanks again.