Is My Carboy Cracked? (Read This First!)
Before you panic, check those lines! Because glass carboys are industrial-molded, they have "birthmarks" that are often mistaken for cracks. These are normal and completely safe to use.
1. The "Fingernail Test"
Run your nail over the line.
It’s a Mold Mark if: It feels like a smooth, rounded "vein" or bump.
It’s a Crack if: Your nail "catches" in a sharp, jagged groove.
2. Common Non-Defects
The Bottom Ring: A circular seam around the base.
Side Seams: Two vertical lines on opposite sides (where the mold closed).
Swirls/Wisps: Faint, hair-like "chill marks" inside the glass from the cooling process.
3 Quick Tips for Glass Safety
No Thermal Shock: Never put hot liquid into a cold carboy (or vice versa). Sudden temp changes = shattered glass.
Soft Landings: Never set a glass carboy directly on concrete. Always use a piece of cardboard, a rug, or a rubber mat.
Lift Smart: Never lift a full carboy by the neck handle alone. Use a nylon strap carrier or a milk crate for support.
Still Unsure? If the line is jagged, reflects light like a diamond, or radiates like a spiderweb, do not fill it. Take a photo and contact our support team immediately.