National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: onemanorthree on November 19, 2015, 01:17:43 PM

Title: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: onemanorthree on November 19, 2015, 01:17:43 PM
I built a Stainless steal mash tun and boil kettle a while back.  There were some minor leaking at first
due to washer issues with the ball valve.  I now use plastic washers and silicone rings, which work perfectly.
My only concern is that these are on both he inside and out.  Should I be concerned about them
being non-food safe or about them 'leaking' chemicals into the worth?

I'm pretty sure the silicone ring is ok as it came with a fitting for brewing, but I'm worried about the plastic (not overly tbh).
Are there alternatives? Are there brewing safe plastic washers or ring I can buy?

TIA
Title: Re: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: hopapotamus on November 19, 2015, 04:11:50 PM
https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/12-inch-npt-flat-gasket-p-2972.html
not sure if these are what you are looking for , i just ordered some for my cooler mash tun , but probaly safer than plastic washers , and worth trying for a euro
Title: Re: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: Leann ull on November 19, 2015, 04:27:43 PM
Those translucent washers you have are LDPE and you have an 80 percent chance they are food contact compliant so you are fine.

Title: Re: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: LordEoin on November 20, 2015, 09:02:39 AM
I make my own washers and gaskets from food grade silicone sheet that I re-purposed from a microwave vegetable steamer.
silicone baking trays are great too
Title: Re: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: robotmonkey on November 20, 2015, 10:26:42 AM
Quote from: LordEoin on November 20, 2015, 09:02:39 AM
I make my own washers and gaskets from food grade silicone sheet that I re-purposed from a microwave vegetable steamer.
silicone baking trays are great too

Good thinking MacGyver!
Title: Re: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: onemanorthree on November 20, 2015, 11:30:05 AM
Thanks for all great replies.

I'll use them for my next brews and add those to the basket when I'm next shopping in HBC
Title: Re: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 20, 2015, 12:33:19 PM
You can get cooking silicone baking sheets in IKEA :)
Title: Re: Using plastic washers inside mash tun or boil kettle
Post by: onemanorthree on November 20, 2015, 02:09:02 PM
I'm pretty into making my own kit but I draw the line at washers/