Gravity Line to Barrel Connection

[SeanD]

I'm going to have 5/16" tubing on gravity run to barrels outside the sugarhouse. They are 55-gallon drums with removable tops. I don't know how to have the tubing go into the barrel and keep it bug and weather-tight. I was thinking of drilling a 1/4" hole in the lid and snug the tubing into it, but before I put a hole in the lid, I was wondering if there are any other ideas out there.

Also, if I do get it tight, do I need to vent the barrel for the sap and air coming in?

Sean

[TRAILGUY]

my come in high on the side i think less chance of water

[steve J]

I use to use barrells I drill the top put line thru and used duck tape to seal it never had any issues

[B.D.L]

put 3 holes in the side, spaced apart enough to lace the line in-out-in.
it will keep your line from pulling out, personally i would vent it, just seems right.

[peckfarm]

I have put a wire over the barrels and then put a line hook on the end the tubing and attach to the wire. That way the tension can remain high on the line and they can stay in place year round when you clean, move or at least flip the barrels in the spring.

[B.D.L]

that's a good idea.

[SeanD]

Thanks for the ideas.

Sean

[stoweski]

If there is a bung in the top couldn't you loosen it a bit to let the air out? A small gap is all air would need to escape. Think of what happens when you slowly loosen a gas can. Just breaking the seal lets out the vapor.

[SeanD]

These barrels have a solid top with no bungs. I think I might drill a second hole and just stick a short piece of tubing through and bend it over if it needs a vent.

[TapME]

Tie the barrel to a solid object and drill a 3/8'' hole andslide the line in the barrel, put a fitting on the end (like a tee, or y) to keep the line in the barel. Another way is to put a chinesse finger on the line to hold it tight and then slip the end of the tubing into the barrel. I use both of these