Hose connectors

[tinners24]

Hi folks,

Hoping you can help me. I'd like to use my bottling bucket for sparge water, but the tap on the bucket is designed for 1/2 inch hose, and my sparge arm is designed for 3/8 inch.

Do I:
a) get a 3/8 inch tap, if so any idea where I can get one?
b) get some sort of coupler for 1/2 to 3/8 inch, and use a short length of 1/2 inch hose out of the bucket?
c) Get a second vessel for heating sparge water, with a 3/8 inch ball valve?

[bobsbeer]

How are you heating your sparge water? If you plan to put an element in your bottling bucket, it will make it harder to sanitise prior to bottling. I would get a separate bucket, with bigger tap, or at least cobble together a coupling. No need to sanitise as it is pre boil.

[Fil]

the pcv tubing used for syphoning can come in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Outer diameters and if similar to the stuff stocked at our lhbs the 3/8" tube should slide inside the 1/2" tube for a snug fit which could be sealed for low pressure use with a tight cable tie, if pumping between the sparge bucket and tun however a but more secure sealing may be needed than a simple friction fit.. a dolop of lsx silicon sealant perhaps?? ( fernox lsx thread sealant check my spelling, will cure to virtually pure silicon and is approved for use on pipes carrying pottable water hot and cold But will give off noxouse chemicals while it cures so prep well in advance of use if using it)

[tinners24]

Nice one friction fit may work I'll give it a go.

To be honest I might just no sparge my next batch and see how that goes, sounds like it'll save a lot of time on brew day

[tinners24]

Bobsbeer I'm heating in a pot on the gas. In the future considering getting an electric boiler to heat strike/sparge water, but won't be for a while yet