New tap

[pmac]

Hi all

I have replaced the Braumeister tap with a ball valve. On testing it is leaking so I assume I need some thread tape?

I am going from no chill to chilling so I also assume I will need to take apart and clean each time?

What is your routine with your modified taps?

Cheers

Paul.

[bruulog]

Can you post what type of ball valve did you use?
Part number, thread etc. (link to a page with all that is even better)

[Dicko]

Hi all

I have replaced the Braumeister tap with a ball valve. On testing it is leaking so I assume I need some thread tape?

I am going from no chill to chilling so I also assume I will need to take apart and clean each time?

What is your routine with your modified taps?

Cheers

Paul.

Yes, a bit of thread tape should stop the leak.

When I fitted my tap I was pulling it apart after every brew to clean it but after a while I realised that if I ensured that I let a hot solution of PBW or Napisan (Sodium Percarbonate) soak overnite then the tap was as clean as I could get it from dismantling it.
My tap is a two piece unit and is relatively easy to pull apart but I do not bother with it any more.
I just ensure that after long soak I give it a good rinse with clean water.

[pmac]

Thanks Dicko.

I was wondering if a Sod Perc soak overnight would clean it enough. I would also run a bit through it at about 70c.

The tap parts I have are:

- 1/2" X 3/4" Hex Nipple
- 1/2" 2 piece ball valve
- 1/2" X 12 MM barb hose tail

Seemed to be leaking in a couple of places. Will get some tape today from Bunnings.

Dicko did you keep the backnut and O-ring from the original tap and use this? The place I bought the above from told me to do this but I don't think it's needed??

Here is a pic of it:

[Dicko]

Mine is similar to yours only I have 90 deg outlet.

IMG_0776.jpg (12.93 KiB) Viewed 6782 times

[bruulog]

And why exactly is it better than the original tap?

[pmac]

The thread tape has done the trick - did a boil test and all good.

The original tap for me wasn't a huge issue - but my siphon hose had to be clamped to it and almost slipped off a few times.

Yes I could have bought some smaller siphon but feel this tap is more to my needs.

Each to their own.

Plus it looks good

[MattSR]

Dicko, where do you get the 90 degree elbow?

[Dicko]

I had the fitting left over from a 3 v brewery build so I really cant remember where it came from.

There are many places on line that you can get these fittings.

Here is one site http://www.buyfittingsonline.com/90degreeelbows.aspx or you could try ebay.

[HopSong]

I'd guess most decent HBSS' would have them. Mine does.

[pmac]

I toyed with the idea of getting a 90 degree elbow which my LHBS stocked.

http://www.homebru.com.au/

Maybe an addition for down the track - can then chill and dump/aerate the wort straight into the FV without any siphon.

[HopSong]

Has anyone considered removing the valve assy and putting a SS QD in place.. then adding a QD to the valve in whatever configuration.. straight or elbow?

The reason I ask is that I don't like that long projection coming out of a pot. I won't have a dedicated spot for my BM when it arrives.. so it will be moved around a bit. I'm probably more clumsy than most of you.. so, for me, it would be easy to bump that seemingly long appendage and bend/break something.

Just a thought.

[bruulog]

Can someone explain to me what is the point for this modification.
If you end up with a same or smaller size exit opening as the original tap, this mod makes no sense at all.
o_O

[Luis Coentrao]

Can someone explain to me what is the point for this modification.
If you end up with a same or smaller size exit opening as the original tap, this mod makes no sense at all.
o_O

I had been thinking the same...
The flow of the original tap is not "huge". So what?

[Dicko]

I can not speak for all BM brewers but I changed my tap configuration to what is in my pic above because at the time I wanted to be able to fit a silicon hose onto the barb SECURELY as the original tap has a tapered outlet and is an excellent design for having the hose just slip off while transferring wort.

I now use an immersion chiller so I really dont need the tap modification however I have left it in place due to reports of the original tap having problems with the nylon insert turning in the tap body and stopping the wort from flowing out of the BM.

I still have my original tap and I could refit it if I wanted to.
The idea above of HbgBill re the quick disconnect is a good one as well as it would allow easier cleaning with the tap removed. The protruding tap assembly can be difficult when moving the BM around during cleaning.