Grolsch flip-top rubbers, how many fills should they last?

[Joerg]

Reason I ask this is that the rubbers on Grolsch bottles feel harder
than they used to in the old days. Yesterday I had the first bottle that
was re-used for the first time, had a rubber ring that didn't look
damaged yet almost no carbonation pressure. No loud pop as usual, it had
just slowly let go. The homebrew ale inside was almost flat.

Brewmeister has replacement rubbers but at 10c a pop changing them out
every time would make flip-tops a non-starter.

http://www.shopbrewmeister.com/index.php/washer-grolsch-lid.html

[Bob F]

Post by Joerg
Reason I ask this is that the rubbers on Grolsch bottles feel harder
than they used to in the old days. Yesterday I had the first bottle that
was re-used for the first time, had a rubber ring that didn't look
damaged yet almost no carbonation pressure. No loud pop as usual, it had
just slowly let go. The homebrew ale inside was almost flat.
Brewmeister has replacement rubbers but at 10c a pop changing them out
every time would make flip-tops a non-starter.
http://www.shopbrewmeister.com/index.php/washer-grolsch-lid.html

I've been using Grolsch bottles for my cider for many years. I think
I've replaced maybe 2 washers in that time. I do leave them only loosely
covered, not snapped shut during period of unfilled storage.

Have you tried turning the bad washer over? Checked for cracks or chips
on the bottle top?

I don't think replacing them often should be of any need.

[Joerg]

Post by Bob F

Post by Joerg
Reason I ask this is that the rubbers on Grolsch bottles feel harder
than they used to in the old days. Yesterday I had the first bottle that
was re-used for the first time, had a rubber ring that didn't look
damaged yet almost no carbonation pressure. No loud pop as usual, it had
just slowly let go. The homebrew ale inside was almost flat.
Brewmeister has replacement rubbers but at 10c a pop changing them out
every time would make flip-tops a non-starter.
http://www.shopbrewmeister.com/index.php/washer-grolsch-lid.html

I've been using Grolsch bottles for my cider for many years. I think
I've replaced maybe 2 washers in that time. I do leave them only loosely
covered, not snapped shut during period of unfilled storage.

That is good to know. It is how I remember Grolsch bottles from my early
brewing days but that is over 30 years ago. I store them completely open
and with the rubber pointing sideways (ceramic top against side of
bottle). That way no mold from residual moisture can develop.

Post by Bob F
Have you tried turning the bad washer over? Checked for cracks or chips
on the bottle top?

Yes, now it's turned over. No visible cracks or chipping.

Post by Bob F
I don't think replacing them often should be of any need.

Good to know. At least we can get them here locally. There is a
Brewmeister shop almost on one of my regular cycling routes, just a
miles or so of detour.