[digital_biscuit]

Hi all

Just wondering if there is a reason why my demi johns keep cracking at the bottom? They are old, this may be the case? Just wondering if there is anything to do with wine making which can weaken them?

Any help would be useful..
Digi

[Ropster]

if they are Glass,  Are you using a bottom heater ? may be an issue

if plastic they are probably just getting old

I use glass but have never had one break

[digital_biscuit]

they are glass and not on heater. They are in the clarification stage which is why i am a little curious.......

[Ropster]

the only other things I can think of is they have had a knock on something hard or if they are corked perhaps some pressure is building up (can still happen in clarification)

[GrannieAnnie]

I've never had a cracked one and surely if pressure was buidling up the cork would blow before the demi john?  curiouser and curiouser!!!

[richyrich7]

Not banging them down to hard are you ?

[robertgiles]

Hi all

Just wondering if there is a reason why my demi johns keep cracking at the bottom? They are old, this may be the case? Just wondering if there is anything to do with wine making which can weaken them?

Any help would be useful..
Digi

Must be the strong brews you are fermenting!!

[digital_biscuit]

Oh well, i am at a loss! Its only 12% wine, and they have air locks so pressure should not build up! Prob just very old and fragile!! Looks like i shall have to keep my eye on freecycle for some new ones.......

cheers all

[vron]

Hi there Digi, we put out 12 demi johns just last month for our yearly bulk refuse collection, and we are in Brum to. Wish we had known, sorry.

[Mell]

If you don't want them please don't throw them out as they make great glass bell cloches for the garden !

Mel

[richyrich7]

Yes they do, can be a bit tricky to cut tho'

Welcome to the forums btw Mel  

Perhaps you'd like to pop into the welcome section and introduce yourself ? not compulsory tho'  

[Mell]

Well it was said the bottoms keep falling out

This will often happen BTW if you clean them by pouring hot water in a stress line is caused at the point of heat difference and this can crack then or at some later time.

With bottle cutting yone recommended way is to wrap string around the area you want to cut, cover with lighter fluid and set fire, once nice and hot put in large container of cold water crack form around the stressed area. Do in a safe area & wear protective goggle gloves and everything else and be very aware of the flammable stuff ! Make the cut smooth asap

Thanks for the welcome

Mel

[richyrich7]

Well it was said the bottoms keep falling out

I forgot that bit    

[alibean]

Never had this problem - very strange - can only think it may be something to do with hot water in cold vessels.  Incidentally, never pay more than £1 for a demi-john at your local bootie......