Passing the leak test!

One common problem you will find among home brewers is that their rigs leak. For some, the solution is to let it leak onto the floor of their garage, or basement and hose it out later. I have certainly driven some older cars where my solution to leaking oil was to never park it in a nice driveway. But my initial water tests on my brand new home brewing rig were simply not acceptable. At the rate that I was leaking (from every valve), I would by lucky to have any wort left at the end of my brew.

Enter the wonders of food grade "RTV" silicone caulk. At the grand price of $6.85 from Amazon, this little tube was a real life saver!

The real miraculous thing about this stuff is that it sticks to simply everything. I needed something that would fill the tiny gaps in my plastic cooler (around the fittings). But I also needed something for the outside of my stainless steel kettle. And if I used it on my kettle - it needs to be able to withstand a boiling temperature (212+F). NO PROBLEM.

Initially I thought that I would do a one hour test, as that is about as long I need for my water and wort "not to leak". But after a few hours, I thought - why not let it sit overnight? And now it's been about three days and it's time to drain them. And I am pleased to say that I haven't leaked a single drop.

So to all of you home brewers out there - if you have a leak. Spend the extra $7 and get a little tube of this stuff. I expect that I will have to replace it over time or at least reapply it. But as of now, I am quite impressed. I even cracked it loose turning my ball valves and it's held it's form perfectly.

Onto the next stage!