How often do you get a new primary?

[smurfe]

I was just wondering how often you all change primary fermentors? DO they wear out? I know they can be scratched but lets say if they aren't scratched. How often do you change them?


I make mostly red wines but am going to be making a few white kits soon. Was wondering if I needed a new bucket or not. Seems to me I read somewhere that it is wise to change them out routinely. Comments or suggestions?


Smurfe

 

[Waldo]

As long as they are kept clean smurfe I dont think you would ever need to change them out and used properly should not get any major scratches inside.

 

[bilbo-in-maine]

I read somewhere that over time the plastic begins to push out near the
bottom of the pail due to fluid pressure. This means that when you think
you are filling up to 6 gallons, it is really a little more since you have a
slight increase in volume in the pail. I don't know how long this would
take or how often the pail is full.

Even if this is true, what's the problem? It makes the batch a little "fat"
and gives you a little extra to top off with later.

If well cleaned between batches, it shouln't matter if you use the same
pail for both reds and whites.

Waldo said it well.Edited by: bilbo-in-maine

 

[smurfe]

Mine has no scratches but I was wondering if the odors of the fermentations might build up over time and get to a point where it might affect a batch. Of course it is possible that all variety's smell the same fermenting.


Was just a thought. I was thinking of getting or making another one. Was just wondering if I should reserve one for reds and one for whites in future use. I just know I read somewhere, sometime that it was recommended to rotate them out every now and then.


Smurfe

 

[masta]

I have read the same thing also about changing out plastic fermenters. I am using the same ones I started with 4 years ago with no issues. Using care when cleaning (very soft bristle brush only) and also with drill mounted stirrers is key to not scratching your fermenter. A close inspection with a good light and with your hand every3-4 months might be a good preventive measure.


I use the same buckets for red and white wines and also meads but have dedicated ones for beer.

 

[MedPretzel]

I concur.





I've been using the same ones for 3+ years. No problems. I never use a brush, I only use an old washcloth for getting the gunk out of them.





Then, proper (maybe overboard even) sanitation. No problems.... yet.





M.

 

[PolishWineP]

We are careful with our buckets and have a dedicated scrubby sponge that we use just of wine. We've had the same buckets for several years now and keep an eye on them. I'm sure that we'll get a few more years of use out of them and then just for safety we'll splurge and buy new ones. But till then we're just very careful.

 

[jcnoren]

Started wine making this year. Prior to making wine,( I'm adding to my repertoire), made beer...correction I'm still making beer. My primary (beer making pails) lasted well over 10 years before one sprang a leak. Primarys plasitic pails can last a very long time. I cleaned them carefully, nothing overly abrasive.


JC

 

[AAASTINKIE]

I bought a new primary today, here's a suggestion to any new
winemakers, only buy 7.8 gallon primarys, this will save you from
re-buying them later, I don't use my old 6.5 gallon ones anymore and I
have only been doing this since February. I have 3 7.8's two for wine
and one for beer, I have a 4th but drilled my own hole, 1 1/16th inch
instead of 1" and it leaks too much now so I don't use it. So if you
drill your own hole make sure it's the correct size.