Beginner question about fermenting

[M_Wag13]

I'm about to make my first wash and do my first run of spirts. Just a couple questions I have before I start. How do I know when the fermenting is done? Also do I mess with the wash while its fermenting or do I just let it do its thing?

[Richard7]

A beer/wine hydrometer can tell you when its done. Have you done cleaning runs? Lots to learn before you jump in. this is a good place to start http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=46 I know when people post thing like this you could be saying "crap I gotta read all this" but you may find answers to questions you did not even know you had!

[MitchyBourbon]

Don't mess with it. When its done it will stop bubbling. Do you have an air lock/ bubbler on your fermenter? When it stops fermenting you can let it settle a few days to clear. There's no need to rush. You should have a hydrometer, if not get one, check your final gravity. If your fg is 1.010 or less your in good shape, less is even better.

[M_Wag13]

When you said a airlock/bubbler I don't understand. I'm using 55 plastics food grade barrels that are air tight. I do have a hydrometer to test the sg and fg. I wasn't sure if there was fg that would tell u If the wash was done fermenting.

[bellybuster]

55gallon drums for your first go at it? Jumpin right in eh?

With the drums just cover them with something as a precaution against nasties.
Expected final gravity depends solely on the fermentables themselves. Basic sugars will ferment completely and you will often finish below zero. Original gravity can have an effect as well, too high and your yeast will Peter out with the increase in alcohol which eventually becomes toxic to them.
There's a start anyway, highly recommend you do some research on fermenting, it really will help you create better outcomes.