Losing water in water trough- where did it go?

[spokane mike]

New to fermenting, have done one batch of kraut so far and just started another. I bought the equivilant of harsch crock and have had a problem with both batches.
After i load the crock up with cabbage I put the lid on and fill the trough with water. I starts burping in a day or so and quits after about 4 days. Then the water in the top starts to disappear, sometimes over night. I have covered it with a towel with no success, I have wrapped it with surran wrap, no success. It is in a 68 degree room so its not evaporation. I think the water is being sucked back into the crock to mix with kraut and brine. Help. What is happening and how to stop it.

[Gutted]

Yes, I have had this happen as well. I think that it might be more common than is realised and not very hygienic.

Are you over filling the crock? It might be worth trying to fill it less and see if that makes a difference. There could be some back pressure that is causing suction.