Mash would not drain?

[Iceman6409]

Hello all. I did my mash as always yesterday. I have a round 5 gallon cooler and I use a SS braided toilet hose. I went to do my first sparge and pretty much nothing came out. I stirred and stirred. Nothing. Tried opening and closing the faucet a few times. Nothing. Opened the faucet stuck my temperature rod back and forth. Nothing. LUCKILY I had my old BIAB bag and found a hopeful work around. But for the life of me I cannot figure out why it would not drain at all. Any potential ideas?

 

[dryboroughbrewing]

You likely crushed the braid, some folks have had success putting a spring (stainless) inside to make it more rigid.

 

[ILoveBeer2]

There are many reasons for a stuck sparge. Overly milled grain, lots of wheat or rye come to mind. You can add rice hulls for insurance.

 

[Iceman6409]

Ok. I did see a "kink" right by the drain hole where it appeared to have "bunched up". What do you mean by a ss spring? Where might one find such a thing?

 

[Malticulous]

Blowing on the drain hose can get it running sometimes.

 

[Bobby_M]

The first response to these posts should always be: Are you sure your braid was real stainless wire or did you get one of those rip off "SS look" grey plastic braids?

 

[DrunkleJon]

Basically for the spring you can put any type of sturdy (Stainless/food grade high temp) tubing with holes/slits inside the braid to maintain its shape and structural integrity. If it pinches there will be little to no flow.

 

[KeystoneHomebrew]

It does sound like your braid collapsed. Thermoplastic tubing like this would reinforce it:

http://www.keystonehomebrew.com/shop/high-temp-thermoplastic-tubing-3-8id-x-5-8od.html

Not trying to sell, just the best link I have.

 

[Brewenstein]

I took a half inch piece of copper pipe and drilled a bunch of holes in it and slid it inside the braid. Haven't had a problem since.

 

[Iceman6409]

Great ideas. Thank you everyone :rockin:

 

[KeystoneHomebrew]

Let us know if the problem was solved. I know others will run into the same issue.