FAQs

The Auto-Siphon

The little flapper valve from the bottom fitting popped out. Can I fix it?

As long as one of the 2 small legs aren't broken, this can be re-installed with a little patience. Here's how:

- Affix the valve to the end of a long stick or dowel (2 legs pointing away from the stick) with some sticky tape folded over. Make sure the tape is more stuck to the dowel than on the flapper or you may end up with tape on the inside of your Auto-Siphon!

- Remove the Auto-Siphon center tube and insert the stick into the outer tube. Line up the legs with the 2 slots in the lower fitting and gently press in.

How do I prevent overflow when starting a siphon with a very full carboy?

Insert The Auto-Siphon, slowly, with the small center tube extended outwards. This prevents overflowing! When submerged 6 inches or so, give it a stroke or two.

How should I sanitize my Auto-Siphon?

I sanitize my Auto-Siphon and carboy at the same time by filling the carboy with cleaning solution and inserting the Auto-Siphon. Another inexpensive alternative is to buy a cheap wall-paper tray from your hardware store to sanitize the Thief.

or

Place The Auto-Siphon and the end of The Auto-Siphon hose in a bucket of sanitizing solution. Then pump the recirculating solution until you have eliminated all of the air.

My Auto-Siphon is drawing in air at the seal. How can I prevent this?

The newer models (released Fall/2006) have much less tendency to do this. Check for a restriction at the anti-sediment tip caused by grape skins or hops. For the Large 1/2" size you may have to reduce the siphoning height a bit to stop the bubbles, say, to 24" to 30" above floor level.

My Auto-Siphon is drawing in air at the hose connection. How to I correct this?

Use the recommended size hose, if available: 5/16"x7/16" hose for Regular 3/8" Auto-Siphons and 7/16"x9/16" hose for Large 1/2" Auto-Siphons. If you can't find the exact size you may need to purchase a small hose clamp at the hardware store for the connection, if it leaks air.

The Siphon Valve

I'm in the middle of bottling and the phone rings. What do I do?

Slide your filler through the carboy neck. The siphon will stop but will restart when you retrieve the filler and place it in your bottle. If you are using an Auto-Siphon Clamp, slide it through the Clamp opening.

Double Blast Bottle Washer

The large carboy nozzle

The special tip on the large carboy nozzle is designed for rinsing siphon hoses and tubes.

Correct hose length is critical

During installation be sure to cut the hose to the correct length so that the washer sits flat in the sink.

Other uses

I use my Double Blast for rinsing out recyclables, I have also inverted it and used it for high-powered rinsing of latex paint from paint brushes and rollers.

My 'Quick-Connect' comes apart during use - what to do?

Make sure the flat side of the plastic connector that screws onto the faucet is facing you.

The Thief

Any suggestions on how to sanitize The Thief?

I sanitize my Thief and carboy at the same time by filling the carboy with cleaning solution and inserting the Thief. Another inexpensive alternative is to buy a cheap wall-paper tray from your hardware store to sanitize the Thief.

My Thief isn't providing enough sample for a hydrometer reading. What can be done?

If for some reason you can't get a deep enough sample in The Thief to float your hydrometer, try this: shake The Thief up and down a few inches with the bottom tip well submerged in your container of wine/beer. The liquid level in the Thief will magically rise.

aPour

Can I refill my aPour bag and reuse it?

No. Fermtech's Oxygen Barrier Bags are presanitized and intended for single use only.

How long will my wine stay fresh using the aPour system?

 With proper sanitation and filling (topping up to minimize oxygen) you can expect your wine to retain its freshness for up to 6 months.  However freshness depends on many variables. Once opened, it’s suggested the wine be consumed within 2 months, particularly once it is less than half full.

I love the look of aPour but I use smaller wine bags. Can I use my aPour dispenser with pre-filled bags of different sizes?

Yes. As long as the bag you are using has a similar Dispensing Tap found on the aPour bag, your aPour dispenser can be used to load pre-filled wine bags under 6 litres (for proper disassembly & assembly please see videos). Most boxed wine taps will fit.

How do I care for my aPour?

Your aPour will retain its lustre longer if you use a soft cloth such as a lint free cloth to clean it. Never use abrasives on the surface otherwise the glossy finish may be scratched.

Can I use the Pressure Filler for other filling applications?

No, the Pressure Filler was specifically designed to work with the aPour.