Problem: Slow leak during fermentation

[Trizza]

I've recently resumed my brewing after a 3-month break over the summer, and I've had the same problem with my last 2 brews. The brew is fermenting fine, but I've had no visible activity through the airlock.
No bubbles have made their way through the water in the airlock, which is beginning to concern me as there may be a leak in the fermenter. Whenever I press the fermenter, the water in the airlock moves as it always has done, but I never see any of the bubbles make their way through the airlock.

I'm not sure if I need to change the rubber O-ring around the airlock (its a coopers brew fermenter) or begin to look at another fermenter.

Do I not worry or not worry about this slow leak?

Trizza.

[rwh]

Try spraying around the base of the airlock with soapy water. This should show if you have a leak there. Otherwise it'll probably be a leak around the main o-ring. In either case, it's unlikely to affect your beer.

[Trough Lolly]

Trizza,
If you feel better seeing the CO2 leaving the wort, you can grab the O-ring and use it to secure a layer of glad wrap over the fermenter opening. Use a pin to prick some holes on the glad wrap and you'll see clearly into the fermenter and the glad wrap will turn convex (bulges outwards) as the pressure builds up in the headspace.

When I first started using Coopers fermenters, I found the same problem and it turned out that I wasn't screwing down the lid level - ie, I was misthreading the lid so it was screwed on tight but not giving me a proper airtight seal - a few brews later and it was all ok!

Cheers,
TL

[Cortez The Killer]

I second the gladwrap

Cheers

[Growler & 1/2 Pint]

My Coopers fermenter hasn't bubbled in ages and I kinda prefer not hearing the bloody thing go blub blub in t the middle of the night.

[The Carbonator]

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