water keeps leaking from under the lid of my presto canner when it's coming up to pressure, is that normal?

Diagnosis

A small amount of steam escaping from the edges before the pressure regulator begins to rock is common, but a steady drip or stream of liquid water leaking from the rim of the Presto 01781 is not normal. This typically indicates a failure in the airtight seal between the lid and the pot, meaning the vessel is unable to maintain the internal pressure required for safe canning. When water leaks out, it often means the gasket is not creating a uniform compression seal against the rim of the canner. The root cause is usually one of three things: a degraded gasket (part number 01781-G), debris buildup in the lid's sealing channel, or an improperly seated lid. If the gasket has developed "flat spots" or microscopic cracks from repeated heating cycles, it will no longer expand sufficiently to plug the gaps. Additionally, if food particles or mineral deposits from hard water have accumulated in the groove where the gasket sits, the gasket cannot seat flush, creating a path for pressurized water to escape. You can confirm this by inspecting the rim for a "trail" of dried mineral residue or by noticing that the pressure gauge takes significantly longer than usual to rise.

How to Fix It

To resolve the leak and ensure a safe, pressurized environment, follow these precise steps:

1. Allow the canner to cool completely and ensure the pressure gauge reads zero. Carefully remove the lid and set it aside.
2. Gently pry the rubber gasket out of the lid's sealing channel using a blunt tool or your fingers. Do not use a sharp knife, as a single nick in the rubber will ruin the seal.
3. Inspect the gasket for "compression set"—this is when the rubber feels hard or has permanent creases that don't snap back. If the rubber feels brittle or shows visible cracks, replace it immediately with a genuine Presto replacement gasket.
4. Using a damp cloth and a mild detergent, scrub the entire circular channel in the lid. Pay close attention to the "corners" of the groove where grease or salt deposits often hide.
5. Wipe the top rim of the 23-quart pot with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any oil or debris that could prevent the gasket from gripping the metal.
6. Reinstall the gasket by pressing it firmly into the channel, ensuring there are no twists or overlaps in the rubber.
7. Place the lid on the pot and tighten the clamp or screw-down mechanism evenly. If using a clamp, ensure the tension is balanced across the entire circumference of the lid to avoid tilting, which creates gaps on one side.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for rim warping. Place the canner on a perfectly flat surface (like a granite countertop) and place the lid on top without the gasket. Use a thin feeler gauge or a piece of paper to see if there are gaps between the lid and the rim. If the rim is warped from overheating or dropping the pot, the unit is no longer safe for pressure canning and must be replaced.
• Inspect the pressure regulator vent. If the vent hole is partially clogged with debris, pressure can build up unevenly, forcing water out through the weakest point of the seal rather than through the regulator. Clean the vent with a thin wire or pipe cleaner.
• Verify the water level. If the canner is overfilled beyond the 3-inch mark from the top, the churning water can physically push against the lid seal during the boiling phase, causing "splash-over" leaks that mimic a gasket failure.
• Test with a new gasket. Even if the current gasket looks okay, rubber degrades over time due to high heat. A fresh, pliable gasket often solves leaks that are invisible to the naked eye.

Heads Up

• Never use soap or oil on the gasket to "help" it seal; this can degrade the rubber and cause the lid to slip during pressurization.
• Store the canner with the lid inverted or slightly ajar. Storing it tightly closed for months can permanently flatten the gasket, leading to leaks the next time you use it.
• Always perform a "dry run" test with just water before adding your jars to ensure the seal is holding and the gauge is reacting correctly.
• If you see water leaking from the pressure gauge itself, stop use immediately. This indicates a failed gauge seal and is a serious safety hazard.