Hey everyone! Long story short, I had 5 gallons fermenting in a bucket in my basement and my wife (who is now recovering in the ICU from the incident - haha, just kidding) unfortunately didn’t turn the light on in the room and set a heavy box right on top of the bucket and the airlock. The airlock bent over and it cracked the lid by the airlock hole. I didn’t see it till last night, so it had been that way for about 4 days. Is the beer ruined because oxygen got in there or should I try to keg it? The crack was about 1 inch long from where the airlock hole is. The beer is just a simple American light ale.
Tape the crack and continue using the airlock or just keep the lid on and put a plastic cup (e.g., Solo) upside down over the hole and crack. It will keep the bacteria and wild yeast from settling down on the hole or crack. The active fermentation is producing CO2 which is provides positive pressure and a protective blanket over the beer. Try to avoid any splashing during lifting and transfer so no beer touches the lid. You’ll be fine for this batch. Order another lid before you do your next batch.
It should be fine. The CO2 production during fermentation helps keep undesireables at bay. Keep in mind that some breweries even until this day conduct open fermentations. I wouldn’t worry about it, but I would make sure the wife is aware of your brewing schedule. ;)