We have spent the last week in the woods searching for leaks in out tubing system. Even though the days have been cold and the sap is not really running much we are able to detect leaks in out tubing system and make the necessary repairs to eliminate these leaks. This is the most important task in maple sugaring and makes the biggest difference in sap yield. Even tiny leaks will cause tubing systems to freeze and once the lines freeze sap will not flow.
If a sugarmaker neglects his/her woods then it will be detrimental to sap yield collection and ultimately syrup production. We spend everyday in the woods just before the season really starts and almost every day during sugaring in the woods eliminating even the tiniest leaks.
A small leak will draw great amounts of air into the tubing system. This air mixes with the sap and causes ice buildup to block the flow of sap. Even on warm days tubing systems can freeze around these air leaks. We have seen lines freeze at 45 degrees when air is injected at the wrong point!
A leak free vacuum system is why we produce 3 times the amount of syrup per tap over the industry average.
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