does anyone see a problem using Soldered copper parts or brass fittins. First In my brewing equiptment, I have a brass tee and adaptors in my mash tun, I also made a dip tube out of 1/2in. copper and sweat fittins for my BK. I have read where you can soak these parts in a solution of vinegar and Peroxide which i did should this ease my concerns of any contamination. Thanks All!
Many people have copper filter tubes in their MT. And many of us use brass ball valves.
take a look at the water pipes in your house. More than likely, sweated copper pipe throughout.
My manifold is copper but not sweated, and my ball valve is brass. I did not pickle it.
The possible issue arise from the ph of the mash and the ph/alcohol post fermentation.
pre fermentation is OK. Post fermentation is not OK.
Be sure to use lead free solder.
I used sweated copper with brass valves. I haven’t had any issues with any batches thus far. Just remember to clean and sanitize after every use. Oh, and use lead free solder, not like you can really buy anything other than that right now. Use water soluble flux and make sure to wash with either a brewery cleaner or just hot soapy water. Just make sure you rinse all parts thoroughly. My manifold is sweated on the ends with the connection tubes free so I can disassemble and clean after mashing. I can get almost all of the liquid out of my mash tun with my manifold with about 80% efficiency.
I used a soldered copper manifold in my MT for years before switching to SS braid. Again, make sure to use lead free solder. I boiled mine and gave it a good PBW soak before use.
