7 Simple Reasons Your Instant Pot is Leaking Steam

Is your Instant Pot leaking steam while you’re trying to use it? There are several reasons your Instant Pot is leaking steam, but not all of them mean you have a problem. Find out why, below!

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7 Reasons Your Instant Pot Is Leaking Steam

While it is not uncommon for a little steam to come out around the edges of your Instant Pot lid when your pot is warming up, if your Instant Pot is leaking steam after it has come to pressure, you may have an issue. Below, we will cover x simple reasons your Instant Pot is leaking steam.

It’s Coming to Pressure

It takes your Instant Pot up to 30-minutes to come to pressure. During that time, you may see steam coming from under the edges of the lid or through the pressure valve on top of the lid. This is normal.

The Pressure Valve Is in the Wrong Position

When pressure cooking, the pressure valve located on top of the lid should be in the sealing position. If you have it in the venting position, you will continue to see steam coming out of the Instant Pot and it will never come to pressure.

Steam Coming Out of Pot in Sealing Position

There could be a number of reasons for the steam to come out of the pot in the sealing position. Here are a few possibilities:

Issues With the Sealing Ring

If you notice that there is still steam coming out after the pot has reached pressure, or it never comes to pressure, and you check the pressure valve, you may have an issue with the sealing ring.

Sealing ring is missing– If you washed your sealing ring and forgot to put it back, the Instant Pot will leak steam and never come to pressure.
The sealing ring is seated improperly– Make sure your sealing ring is fitting tightly inside the lid. An uneven set ring can create a partial seal.
You need a new sealing ring– If your sealing ring is warped, deformed, cracked, or has small tears, you will need to replace it.

The Lid Area Is Dirty

If your Instant Pot hasn’t been cleaned super good, the lid and the area it fits into may need to be cleaned. Food and debris can prevent the lid from sealing properly which may be why your Instant Pot is leaking steam.

The Lid Is Broken

Another reason steam may be escaping is if the lid has been dropped or damaged in some way. If the lid is bent or deformed, it will not be able to create a good seal. Thus, steam will escape from the sides of the lid.

There’s Not Enough Liquid

Your Instant Pot does not fully seal until it has built the right amount of pressure. If there isn’t enough liquid, it can’t build pressure. In order for it to seal correctly, you have to have at least 1 cup of thin liquid in your Instant Pot.

Your Using the Wrong Inner Pot

I’ve done it and I’m sure many people have. If you have two different sized Instant Pots, you may have grabbed the wrong size inner pot. If your Instant Pot is leaking steam, check to see if you’re using an inner pot that is too small.

Instant Pot Is Leaking Steam: What’s Normal?

While your Instant Pot is coming to pressure, it is normal for a little bit of steam to leak from the steam release valve as well as around the lid. You should not see a ton of steam coming from those areas. It should just be a little bit of steam here and there. Additionally, the steam should stop coming out once the timer begins.

More Instant Pot Resources

If you have other questions about your Instant Pot, we’d love to help you! Head on over to our Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners Facebook Group, and drop your questions.

7 Reasons Your Instant Pot Is Leaking Steam