Brew UK Forum | Equipment
Leaking budget barrel
Hi every one, I am new to the forums.
I purchased a standard barrel back in December when i started brewing, and have done two brews in it, well I'm on my second currently. I've been very careful with it, always being gentle and have never left it exposed to direct sunlight, but last night a crack appeared along the seam on the bottom, overnight it lost about 2 litres of brew.
I've now laid it on its side propped up so it wont leak any more. the crack is about one and a half inches long and very thin. I don't have an emergency barrel and want to know what to do next, patch it up temporarily and drink the rest of the brew? buy a new barrel, transfer it and leave the other barrel?
is it possible to repair these barrels at home, or is there any services any one knows of to get them repair or will I just have to scrap it and buy a new one?
Cheers,
Twigster
Primary: None
Secondary: None
Responses
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
I don't know of anywhere that repairs them mate, you will have to buy another me thinks. Sounds like a pressure crack. Have you checked to make sure the vent on the top was working ok? I know my budget barrels really blow out at the bottom under pressure!
As for the beer I would drink it or put some in spare bottles and re prime or transfer to another keg and re jet some co2 in there.
Conditionin' - LEB Pale
Conditionin' - Thwaits Nutty Black
Plannin' - A user upper!
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Hi twigster .. nice to meet you.
If I were you I'd drink what remains or even bottle it if you are able. I would consign your barrel to the bin I'm afraid. You'd never be able to fully trust it and the last thing you want to do is lose more beer.
(with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
Posted 1 year ago by Admin
Twigster, I agree with above but speak to the retailer as they may be able to sort something out with the wholesaler, may not be its worth a shot.
If it was BrewUK then contact us via the website and we'll see if we can help.
Fermenting:
Conditioning:Pale with Styrians
Drinking:Cascade Pale Ale, Summer Lightning
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Okay, thanks a lot for the replies, and don't worry it wasn't supplied by BrewUK. Nath, I'm pretty sure its not a pressure problem as I haven't recently injected any co2 and I was pouring from it the evening beforehand. Despite this I cant see another reason for it just randomly going.
Twigster
Primary: None
Secondary: None
Posted 1 year ago by Admin
Shouldn't split like that. I would speak to the retailer or you could go direct to the wholesaler. If it was Youngs then they are quite helpful and may offer to replace it although it is 6 months old.
Fermenting:
Conditioning:Pale with Styrians
Drinking:Cascade Pale Ale, Summer Lightning
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Hi, again just wanted to give an update, I've ordered 2 barrels from brew so I can transfer my last lot and will have a spare to make another batch in. Ive emailed the retailer, but still no response so I might have to phone them, I might end up with 3 barrels, but oh well all the more beer for me.
Twigster
Primary: None
Secondary: None
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
Good for you. I reckon 3 barrels is the minimum for a decent rolling stock! It's what I've hot, but I got 90 bottles for when I'm feeling too impatient to wait for beer to pour from the keg!
Conditionin' - LEB Pale
Conditionin' - Thwaits Nutty Black
Plannin' - A user upper!
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Hey, my 2 new barrels have arrived. Just wondering about the transfer, the broken barrel is currently on its back half full of beer. I'm guessing ill have to put it right way up again but should I put the new one underneath and pour from the old ones tap or should I syphon it from the old one?
Twigster
Primary: None
Secondary: None
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
I'd syphon as you want the beer to have as little contact as possible with air (so as not to cause oxidation). If you have a co2 cylinder or sparklet, make sure you give a burst of co2 into the new barrel before starting to syphon. Good luck, I'm sure all will be fine.
Ta,
Nath
edit - you could just run a hose from the tap if it fits. Make sure its all clean and sterilised as best you can - edit
Conditionin' - LEB Pale
Conditionin' - Thwaits Nutty Black
Plannin' - A user upper!
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Wohoo, got a brand new barrel waiting at the shop with my name on it for when, I drop off the old one tomorrow. Looks like I will end up with 3 then, all the more brewing
Primary: None
Secondary: None
Posted 1 year ago by Admin
Good stuff.
Fermenting:
Conditioning:Pale with Styrians
Drinking:Cascade Pale Ale, Summer Lightning
Reply
You must log in to post.