Moka pot leaking often occurs when the upper and base chamber of the pot are loosely screwed. Besides, damaged gaskets, overfilled water reservoirs, and clogged spouts are common reasons for the issue.
This post will explain each reason that creates moka pot leakage. Moreover, we will discuss the possible solutions and how you can prevent the issue.
Read and explore.
Two Places Where the Moka Pot Leakage Occurs
As a user, you can notice the leakage of a moka pot from two places. Here is a short discussion about it.
Read: Our Recommended 8 Best Stainless Moka Pots
Leakage from the thread:
The thread is a sensitive portion of a moka pot which is the joining spot of the upper and lower chamber. If the gasket or seal of your moka pot becomes damaged, it can leak water or coffee from the thread.
Leakage from the pressure valve:
The leakage can even occur from the pressure valve if any internal component is clogged with dirt. A clogged component will increase the internal pressure, which can cause leakage during brewing.
Read: Are Aluminium Moka Pots Safe to Use?
Common Reasons Why a Moka Pot Is Leaking
We have already mentioned a few reasons for the issue. Let’s check out how they cause this problem.
The gasket is damaged:
The gasket is a crucial component of a moka pot that creates a tight seal between two chambers. But it can be damaged over time. A worn-out gasket will weaken the seal, resulting in water or coffee leaking.
The water reservoir is overfilled:
Overfilling the water chamber is bad since it can create excess pressure while brewing. This abnormal pressure will force water or coffee to come out from the pressure valve or thread.
The coffee ground is tightly packed:
Tightly packed coffee grounds into the filter can create a restriction in the flow of water. It hampers the mechanism of a moka pot which generates unwanted pressure inside. This is another reason for the moka pot leakage.
The spout or filter is clogged:
Dirt is the common enemy of a moka pot, as it can prevent water from flowing. If the spout or filter of a moka pot is clogged with dirt, it will create abnormal internal pressure. As a result, the coffee or water can come out from the valve instead of steam.
Read: Moka Pot on Electric Stove: Safe or Risky?
How to Solve the Moka Pot Leakage Issue
Moka pot leakage may seem like a critical issue. However, you can solve it at home by following these tricks.
1. Screw both chambers tightly:
Ensure that you have screwed the upper and base chamber tightly enough to prevent leakage. But remember that the screwing should not be over-tightened as it can tear the gasket and damage the thread.
2. Replace the gasket:
Check out the gasket of your moka pot. If you find any damage, replacing the gasket with a new one would be wise to make a tight seal between chambers for the next brewing.
3. Adjusting the water level:
Do not overfill the water reservoir of your moka pot. If you feel that the amount of water is insufficient, adjust the level carefully. You can also follow the precise instruction provided by the manufacturer.
4. Adjusting the amount of coffee grounds and packing pressure:
Similar to the water level, you should also check the amount of coffee ground in the filter and add or reduce the amount based on your need. Moreover, focus on the optimal coffee ground packing pressure to prevent further leakage.
5. Clean the spout and filter:
Cleaning a moka pot is the most effortless solution to prevent leakage. After each use, don’t forget to clean the spout and filter thoroughly. This practice will help ensure smooth water flow while brewing.
Read: Moka Pot on Electric Stove: Safe or Risky?
How can you Prevent Moka Pot from Leaking
The moka pot leaking issue is preventable at home. Here are a few precautions to avoid any leakage from your moka pot.
Pay attention to the warning signs:
The leakage can occur gradually with some prior signals. As a moka pot user, check carefully whether any warning sign appears. If you notice any abnormality or leak, inspect the issue and fix it quickly before it worsens.
Clean the pot regularly:
Cleaning can be the best preventive step against many moka pot issues. Regular cleaning, descaling, and good maintenance ensure the proper functionality of a moka pot.
Use high-quality parts:
It is known to all that high-quality parts perform better. Many moka pot issues occur due to poorly manufactured components. So, use high-quality gaskets and other accessories to avoid such issues.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions:
Every moka pot manufacturer provides a manual user guide to use the item in an accurate way. You should follow them to have high-quality coffee and keep the pot safe from trouble.
FAQs on Moka Pot Leaking
You should change the gasket whenever it becomes damaged. But the recommended frequency for replacing moka pot gaskets is every six months.
The packing should be optimal, not too much or too less. Both practices are bad for a moka pot functioning.
You can use a variety of things to clean a moka pot. But the cleaning item should be chosen based on the manufacturing material of the pot. For example, traditional kitchen dishwashers can cause carrion to aluminum moka pots.
Final words
Leakage is a common issue for moka pots. But it has easy fixes and preventive solutions at home. You can troubleshoot and fix the issue within a few minutes.
Remember that regular cleaning and proper maintenance have no alternatives to protect your pot from damage. Besides, you must be attentive to the prior warning signals to prevent leakage.
