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Author Topic: Tubing and autosiphons  (Read 4682 times)

Offline kgs

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Tubing and autosiphons
« on: May 19, 2012, 07:32:47 am »
In the three and a half years I've been brewing, one problem I've yet to solve is how to easily remove tubing from autosiphons and bottling wands. It goes on with a little difficulty but is a nightmare to remove. (This gets back to an article I think would be great for Zymurgy -- making the brewing process more accessible.)  It's one of those problems that feels almost too small to write about and yet it makes me batty. Teach myself to make an all-grain Belgian with a yeast starter? On it! Remove tubing from an autosiphon or bottling wand? Clueless!  :o

I buy what's recommended (I think but am not sure it's 7/16", for 1/2" siphon/wands), and am thinking I should move up 1/8" and use it with hose clamps, though I see some people report getting bubbles with that. I've tried cutting a slit in the end of the tubing, which helps a little, and soaking in hot water, which also helps, though is harder to do with equipment that has hosing attached. I just keep thinking I must be missing something very basic... one of those "what am I missing" questions.

I write this with 9/10 of my two hands, since while trying to remove hosing yesterday during a bottling session, despite my best efforts to be careful, I sliced my thumb with kitchen scissors, and now have 4 stitches. But when I got home from Urgent Care I bottled anyway!
K.G. Schneider
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Offline Hokerer

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2012, 08:16:15 am »
Why do you even need to remove the tubing?  Only time I remove mine is when it's time to replace
Joe

Offline gymrat

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2012, 08:22:10 am »
+1 hokerer
I do the same
Ralph's Brewery
Topeka, KS

Offline tygo

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2012, 08:42:09 am »
Going a little bigger with the tubing and using hose clamps will work fine too.
Clint
Wort Hogs

Offline kgs

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2012, 09:30:58 am »
Why do you even need to remove the tubing?  Only time I remove mine is when it's time to replace

I remove it to ensure everything gets thoroughly clean. Before removal, I do pump OxiClean and then StarSan through it, but I thought it was necessary to ensure sanitation where the tubing meets the siphon or bottling wand. No?
K.G. Schneider
AHA Member

Offline paul

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Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2012, 09:50:47 am »
I always remove the tubing to ensure a good thorough cleaning.  I have three tips for easier removal (it's still a pain in the a$$).  First, don't put it on too far to begin with. Second, run it under nice hot water for a while. Third, don't try to pull it straight off. Grab the tube at the end of the siphon and bend it at a 90 degree angle while also pulling. This will loosen the seal on the outside of the bend enough to let it move a bit. Then bend it the other way and do the same.  Usually takes 3 or 4 cycles and it's off.

Offline kgs

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2012, 12:10:37 pm »
I always remove the tubing to ensure a good thorough cleaning.  I have three tips for easier removal (it's still a pain in the a$$).  First, don't put it on too far to begin with. Second, run it under nice hot water for a while. Third, don't try to pull it straight off. Grab the tube at the end of the siphon and bend it at a 90 degree angle while also pulling. This will loosen the seal on the outside of the bend enough to let it move a bit. Then bend it the other way and do the same.  Usually takes 3 or 4 cycles and it's off.

Paul, thanks!
K.G. Schneider
AHA Member

Offline anday6

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2012, 12:57:49 pm »
I wrap a little Teflon tape around the end when I put the tube on. This helps with the seal and makes it super easy to slide off when I take the clamp off. The clamp is just extra support at that point.

Offline passlaku

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2012, 01:28:37 pm »
KGS,

What you might also want to try is cutting the end that connects to the autoSiphon at a 45degree angle.  That will create a lip that allows you to more easily slip the tubing off.

Offline tubercle

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #9 on: May 19, 2012, 03:38:22 pm »
I haven't removed the tubing from my bottling wand for.....8 years? Whenever I bought it. No effects at all.

 If you insist, run hot water over it to soften and stick a tooth pick under the tubing. It just needs a little air to break the surface tension.
Sweet Caroline where the Sun rises over the deep blue sea and sets somewhere beyond Tennessee

Offline bigchicken

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #10 on: May 19, 2012, 06:06:33 pm »
I haven't removed the tubing from my bottling wand for.....8 years? Whenever I bought it. No effects at all.

 If you insist, run hot water over it to soften and stick a tooth pick under the tubing. It just needs a little air to break the surface tension.


I wish I saw this earlier. I have the same problem and nearly tore out a finger nail trying to get the tube off the siphon this afternoon!
TJ Cook

On Deck: Planning
Fermenting: Nothing
In bottles: It's All About MEAD!

Offline dbarber

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2012, 06:47:57 am »
I don't remember where I got this advice, but it almost always works.  When I am done I push the tubing a little further onto the autosiphon and when it starts to move I pull it off.  Usually comes off easily.
Dave Barber
Orwigsburg, PA
AHA Member, BJCP National

Offline kylekohlmorgen

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2012, 07:41:09 am »
Before removal, I do pump OxiClean and then StarSan through it...

Just remember to find the "Free and Clear" (unscented) OxiClean for brewing equipment...

(don't learn the hard way)

My "old" autosiphon/tubing gets marked with a permanent marker and used for wild ales. I have a few sets just in case one breaks or I ever need to fill a barrel...
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Offline oscarvan

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2012, 02:41:04 pm »
Oscar is with the Tubercle.
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I brew WITH style..... not necessarily TO style.....

Offline kgs

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Re: Tubing and autosiphons
« Reply #14 on: May 21, 2012, 08:34:29 pm »
Before removal, I do pump OxiClean and then StarSan through it...

Just remember to find the "Free and Clear" (unscented) OxiClean for brewing equipment...

(don't learn the hard way)

My "old" autosiphon/tubing gets marked with a permanent marker and used for wild ales. I have a few sets just in case one breaks or I ever need to fill a barrel...

Absolutely on the OxiClean -- for a while there it was hard to get the unscented, and I was hoarding it!

I demote old tubing for other purposes; with all this advice from oscarvan, Tubercle, etc., am thinking I'll leave the tubing on the wand. Save myself the $30 co-pay at the hospital (x2, since the stitches will have to come out in two weeks)...
K.G. Schneider
AHA Member