Very Simple Sap Lines

[backyardsugarer]

Hello everyone,

I have a quick question. I am looking at running 5 or 6 small sap lines into 30gallon barrels. The distance would only be about 25 yards and I would look to run about 20 taps per line. Does it have to be vented and can I use regular tubing or do I have to put in thicker lines as main line? Also, How much of an angle must it run down hill?

I plan to then pump the sap to my sugar shack using my new pump. It should cut down on some leg work.

Thanks.

Chris

[Brian]

I would not vent it because it will make some natural vacuum as the sap runs down the hill. If possible, ten taps per 100 feet of 5/16 tubing is the general rule of thumb. Some say 20 taps works good on up to 150 feet of tubing, you should maintain a 3 to 5 percent grade on your lines, but more is better, I believe. You shouldn't need any main line at all. keep the tubing tight and let the sap flow!!

Brian

[themapleking]

I did the same thing last year. You don't need main line for that. 5% grade or more is good don't vent the lines. Keep the taps a little less if you can. I had to 30 gal cans set up with about 25-30 taps running in each. The lines were less than 100 ft. Just drill a 5/16 hole in the lid for the lines to go in.

[lobstafari]

I agree with all that, just wanted to add, if you drill in the side of the barrel, you dont have to mess with the lines when you take the lid off to pump, or lose sap when your lines are on the ground with the lid. I ran mine at 6%, which was pushing it in our yard! I put 8 taps per line this year and seemed to catch the peak flow a little better than a few years ago with 12-15 per line (more pitch Id be ok with more taps per line). Just get your lines hummin' tight, and make sure they'll be up out of the snow when the sap first runs (5ft high or so) otherwise they wont run unless you bury them 5 feet underground. Be sure to get the semi rigid tubing. I think is light blue with a red tracer this year. If you dont have a tubing tool, just chew in the ends and slide in on to the connectors, just dont let anyone see ya!! :lol: :P ----Jeremy

[powerdub]

I would not put any more than ten taps per line. 5% grade or more is good. I prefer rigid myself as it cleans better. DO NOT VENT. Unless you want to see your sap run uphill and out on the ground.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Chris,

I put as many as 25 taps on a lateral line and have always had good success. I am not saying that is the best way, but it has always worked good for me.

I am sure I will get bashed for this information, but everyone has different ways of doing things and this has worked good for me.

Brandon

[lobstafari]

Hi Brandon,
Not to bash, I think that works fine. I just think you'd miss a lot of peak runs unless you were in a 12% grade or something. I've found, with a 6-8% grade, 8 taps is the magic number!! :) -------Jeremy

[powerdub]

I don't want to bash either but I know by experience when I broke those 20 tap runs in half they ran better. Try it with a run or two. I would be interested in the results.