Damaged hydrometer

Cqr · Dec 20, 2015

After taking a reading in my test jar, I got concerned about how I could have brewed my wine so low
I then noticed the bottom off the hydrometer was broken, it also had a very small amount of water in it
I had used it in the past directly in my FV
I normally spray it with starsan
Should I worry about lead/Mercury etc
I've got a new one now
I'd really would like to know if my wine is still drinkable

cheapbrew · Dec 20, 2015

Has the lead/mercury part broken and leaking? if not I wouldn't worry, if it is then worry a lot!

Cqr · Dec 20, 2015

No the black bit seems intact but water had got past it

ManseMasher · Dec 20, 2015

There won't be lead or mercury in a hydrometer!

Cqr · Dec 20, 2015

ManseMasher said:
There won't be lead or mercury in a hydrometer!

Thank you so much for putting mind at rest
I've drunk half the batch :doh:

cheapbrew · Dec 20, 2015

What do hydrometers use for the weight these days instead of lead/mercury?

ManseMasher · Dec 20, 2015

Resin encased weights of some description. At least, that's what mine is.

BeerCat · Dec 20, 2015

ManseMasher said:
There won't be lead or mercury in a hydrometer!

I don't think they even use it in thermometers anymore. I broke one and was a green liquid in it.

Chippy_Tea · Dec 20, 2015

What is the metal ballast in hydrometers?

Older hydrometers use lead ballast, newer more environmentally friendly hydrometers use steel shot ballast.

GHW · Dec 20, 2015

We (I) broke a mercury thermometer making beer at work. Luckily the mercury was contained in some water which we decanted to a pop bottle with a screw on lid. Anyway, we looked online as to how to dispose of it,and it said 'take it to your local hazardous waste centre'. We had no idea obviously so after much faffing someone took it to their local dump to get advice. The bloke there just took One look at it and chucked it in the landfill!

So much for hazardous waste disposal.

cheapbrew · Dec 20, 2015

OOH mine is ancient, had it years so it's probably toxic I think I will get a new one:thumb:

geetee · Dec 20, 2015

Not sure what the lifetime of a hydrometer is but I was once led to believe that they do change in time if the resin inside becomes loose, this can affect readings.

Damaged hydrometer

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Damaged hydrometer

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