Does your strainer have a filter sock in it?
If yes it should be filled from bottom to the top.
I'm not sure what a filter sock is. It has a SS cylinder inside with holes. I have a screen I can put over it to get finer refinement but I don't believe I'll be using it unless I want to clear my beer up before bottling. It does fill up with hops and that'
s why i'll need to detach it mid brew so I can empty the hops out. I'm thinking those plastic die downs will work on the hose just above the filter and just below. I hope lol. The only doubt I have is if the temperature on the outside of the hose will be hot enough to melt the ties.