mold in a few drops

[dweeter]

Hi. Last year was my first year running lines--used 3/16. As I get set to try to get things in order for this season I have found that some of my drops have a black mold in them from residue I left behind last year--apparently not cleaning up properly at the end of the season. Mine is a really small -- basically hobby style -- operation. Is there an easy, cost effective way to deal with this? Cut out and replace these drops, for ex...? Flush sap through for a day without collecting...? Thanks for any advice

[hogisland42]

pretty common, I would not worry about it. Especially if you are using new taps. You never get them perfectly clean

[maple flats]

When I have mold in the drops I install a new drop, otherwise I just change the tap. When the drop is 3 seasons old, it gets changed regardless. For any in the lateral or main, just let it flush to the ground a day or 2. If real heavy in the lateral or main I replace a section, otherwise it just gets pushed out and then when all is clear I start collecting the sap. Some producers boil it anyways, it will still make good syrup, just much darker.