Originally Posted by
GV2
I have a question about a potential blocked tee in my 3/16 line. This week's run just started last night. I have some bubble activity from my lowest 2 trees down to the collection which is a trickle, but no sign of life in the tubing between 20 trees upstream. Is there a easy way to tell if the line is filled with sap (i.e. blocked) or filled with just a void? I am not experienced enough (2nd year with tubing experimenting) to tell by the weight of the line. I would guess pulling/re-inserting a tap is a way to tell, or is that a no-no (e.g. tap will probably leak afterward)? I will probably replace the tee around where bubbles activity begins to see what happens next, but other troubleshooting advice is appreciated.
start with the tap directly above where you're getting bubbles (gasses from the trees).Move upward from there. bring a pair of needle nose vise grips to pinch off the line if you find a plug so you don't take a bath. pinch at least 6" up hill of the T so you don't weaken the tubing near the t you're replacing.
If it is full and blocked eventually the trees will start leaking around the taps as the pressure builds. You can pull a tap and re-insert it, but i wouldn't make a habit of it.
2016 - 36 Taps - File Cabinet Arch + Food Pans
2017 - 2.5'x10' drop flues - 3/16 Natural Vacuum - 122 Taps
2018 - 16x20 Sugar Shack - 3/16 Natural Vacuum - 235 Taps