Collateral Damage

[John Sand]

I think I went Brew Blind. And I've done my last indoor 5 gallon batch. The other day Jane was washing dishes when she noticed that the sink shifted a little. Of course, I checked it, then got right underneath to fix it. No easy task to fit under a corner cabinet, I'm 6'5", and 54 years old. What had happened was that the clips that held the SS sink to the quartz counter had bent. I didn't tell Jane that I thought I knew why: I had recently poured 6.5 gallons of soapy water into it after kegging my IPA. So, I just bent them back and re-installed them, resolving to add some epoxy putty. The stuff I had on hand was old and stiff. I bought more today, and also some hops. I guess I wasn't really thinking about the sink, I was anxious to brew. I really wanted 5 gallons of Belgian Pale, so I made it. And put it in the sink to chill. Later while cleaning, I noticed that the sink was separated from the counter. Pulled all the stuff out from under, some was wet. Removed and re-bent the clips, adding the epoxy putty. I might find some mending plates that are stronger than the original clips, which are compromised now anyway. We all think about picking up kettles and fermenters, just remember to think about what we put them on too.

[Beer-lord]

I think I know what you're saying. Though my kitchen was remodeled 18 years ago so wear and tear is expected but I do see areas where the granite has started to come away from the splash border.
6 gallons of water in a sink weighs alot.

[Whamolagan]

I always put a silicone bead on a sink basin when installing. Those clips are cheap flimsy things. you should be able to get more at a hardware store. double up on them and seal the piss out of it. Try and let the sink sit for at least 24 hours if at all possible. I have a wood shop and made some hardwood blocks to mount mine and have beat the hell out of it without any problems. ( I see myself under the sink by saying that)

[FedoraDave]

You may need to rethink your chilling process, too. My kitchen sink is a double sink, so my large brew pot doesn't fit. I have to schlep it down to the basement, where I've got a copper wort chiller tied into the cold water feed, and a waiting ice bath. No system is perfect (I really don't like how dodgy it feels to negotiate the basement stairs carrying all that just-boiled wort), but some are more non-perfect than others.

[RickBeer]

I put my pot containing 2.5 gallons into my sink filled with water and ice. Clearly all of that liquid is a big load on the sink. I make sure to gently place it in. Another 3.5 gallons would be another 20+ pounds so I could see that being an issue.

In the future, I may have a setup in my basement and planned on a free-standing sink or a sink as part of a stainless counter, and will keep in mind the weight issue.

[John Sand]

Thanks Wham. I put epoxy putty, a couple of blobs under each edge. The I pressed some along the edges after tightening, to make a lip. I think I'll add more too. I did think Of blocking it up, but there's only the plywood bottom of the cabinet beneath, that will flex.
Dave, I considered a heavy sink on legs in the basement. But I dare not bring unsealed wort down there, that old basement harbors nasties that spoil beer. You do make me think that I might set the kettle on the floor or counter in the kitchen, and lead the outflow into the sink.
BeerLord, we just put these counters in a couple of years ago. The old sink lip sat on top of the formica. This one hangs beneath. As Wham said, the clips really should be stronger. I'll probably buy more.

[ScrewyBrewer]

Just a thought, is there a way for you to place the kettle on top of a trivet on a counter top and then run water lines to an immersion chiller instead of using an ice bath? If the stove top is close to the sink you could always run the water lines from the sink to the immersion chiller without having to move the kettle at all.

[John Sand]

Yes. I might have to move the toaster oven, and forego spraying the kettle with cool water, but I think I can put the kettle on the counter and let the chilling water drain into the sink.

[D_Rabbit]

One of my best investments to date is installing the 2' x 3' slop sink in my basement. It really has come in handy on brew days..... and one day in which I needed to clean out a cut on my dogs rear end. The Mrs. is happy I don't use her sink much any more for brewing things.

[BlackDuck]

One of my best investments to date is installing the 2' x 3' slop sink in my basement.

Amen to the utility sink in the basement. I've got one too and it is awesome!!!

[berryman]

One of my best investments to date is installing the 2' x 3' slop sink in my basement.

Amen to the utility sink in the basement. I've got one too and it is awesome!!!

Yes A + on that. What I use a double one, plenty of room for everything.

[MrBandGuy]

I thought about doing this, but I wasn't sure how to plumb the drainage. Seemed like more than I could DIY, so it moves down the priority list.

[Kealia]

I wish I had a basement. Unheard of out here in California for the most part!

That aside, this discussion contains great advice for everybody to keep in mind.

[Beer-lord]

Our basements are ground water. I wish I had a garage. Maybe when I grow up.

[berryman]

I love my basement bar/brew house/storage/ect. ect.



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