the pressure regulator weight on my presto canner keeps rocking and spitting a lot of water, not a steady steam, is that right?

Diagnosis

This phenomenon is known as "chugging" or "spitting." In the Presto 01781 23-Quart model, the pressure regulator weight is designed to hover slightly on a cushion of steam. When the weight rocks violently and ejects droplets of liquid instead of a consistent, whistling stream of vapor, it indicates that the water level inside the pot is too high. As the contents reach a rolling boil, the turbulence pushes liquid water up into the vent pipe. Because water is denser than steam, it creates an uneven pressure release. The weight "dances" because it is being pushed up by bursts of liquid and steam rather than a steady flow of gas. This is often exacerbated if you are canning high-liquid foods (like soups or stews) or if you have overloaded the canner, which restricts the natural circulation of steam and forces the boiling water to surge upward toward the vent hole.

How to Fix It

To resolve the spitting and stabilize the regulator weight, you must calibrate the water volume and the loading arrangement. Follow these exact steps:

1. Carefully vent the canner and allow the internal pressure to drop to zero before opening the lid.
2. Pour out excess water until you have exactly 2 to 3 inches of water in the bottom of the pot. For the 23-quart model, this typically equates to roughly 3 quarts of water. Do not exceed this limit, as the volume will increase as you add your jars.
3. Ensure your canning racks are properly seated. The jars must be elevated off the bottom of the pot to allow steam to circulate freely underneath them. If jars are touching the bottom, they can create "hot spots" that cause the water to boil more violently.
4. Check the vent pipe for debris. Take a clean pipe cleaner or a small cotton swab and ensure there is no food residue or mineral buildup inside the vent hole that could be obstructing the steam flow.
5. Re-seal the lid and bring the canner to a boil. Allow a steady stream of steam to escape for 10 minutes before placing the regulator weight on the vent. This ensures the interior is fully saturated with steam before the pressure begins to build.

If That Didn't Work

• Inspect the Regulator Weight: Remove the weight and check for any internal clogs or warping. If the weight is dented or the hole is partially obstructed by lime scale (calcium buildup), it will not sit level. Soak the weight in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits.
• Check the Gasket Seal: If the lid gasket is pinched or worn, steam may be leaking from the rim, causing the pressure regulator to behave erratically because the pot isn't reaching the correct internal PSI. Replace the gasket if you see any cracks or if it feels brittle.
• Verify Load Density: If you have packed the jars too tightly together, you are creating a "wall" that prevents steam from moving. Ensure there is at least a half-inch of space between each jar to allow the steam to rise naturally toward the vent.
• Adjust Heat Source: If you are using a high-BTU gas burner, the heat may be too concentrated in the center of the pot. Lower the flame once the weight begins to rock to maintain a steady, gentle simmer rather than a violent boil.

Heads Up

• Never attempt to force the regulator weight down or "clamp" it in place if it is rocking; this can lead to a dangerous over-pressure situation.
• Always perform a "water test" (processing a pot of plain water) before your first official canning session of the season to ensure the vent pipe is clear.
• Avoid using soap to clean the vent pipe, as residue can create bubbles that mimic the "spitting" effect.
• Periodically check the vent hole for "pitting" or corrosion, especially if you use hard water, as this can change the aerodynamics of the steam release.