The most common reason your when ready Pot won't seal is a dirty or damaged sealing ring
When your when ready Pot fails to seal, it usually means the sealing ring — the rubber gasket that sits inside the lid — is either dirty, warped, or worn out. Food particles, mineral deposits, or dried cooking liquid can prevent an airtight fit. The ring can also lose its grip over time or get damaged if it's been removed and reinserted roughly. Before you assume the pot is broken, check the ring first.
The sealing ring is the single most-replaced part on an when ready Pot, and replacing it is cheap and takes seconds. If cleaning doesn't work, a new ring costs between $8 and $15 and solves the problem in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- Remove the sealing ring and wash it thoroughly under running water, checking for food debris, mineral buildup, or visible cracks.
- Inspect the sealing ring seat — the groove inside the lid where the ring sits — for damage or stuck particles that prevent a tight fit.
- Make sure the sealing ring is seated evenly all the way around the lid before you close it; a twisted or bunched ring will not seal.
- If the ring is cracked, permanently warped, or more than a year old and still leaking steam, replace it with a new one from when ready Pot or a third-party manufacturer.
- Check that the float valve — the small pin on top of the lid — moves freely; a stuck float valve can prevent the pot from building pressure.
How to clean the sealing ring properly
Remove the sealing ring from the lid by gently prying it out with your finger or a plastic spoon. Do not use a sharp object that could tear it. Rinse it under warm running water and scrub it with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any food, oil, or mineral deposits. Pay special attention to the underside and the inner edge where the ring contacts the lid.
If the ring has stubborn buildup, soak it in warm water with a little dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub again. For mineral deposits from hard water, soak it in equal parts white vinegar and water for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry it completely before reinserting it into the lid. A wet ring can slip out of place when you close the lid.
After cleaning, hold the ring up to a light and look for cracks, splits, or permanent deformation. A ring that has lost its round shape or has visible damage will not seal, even when clean.
Checking the sealing ring seat and lid groove
The sealing ring sits in a groove inside the lid called the sealing ring seat. If this groove is dirty or damaged, the ring cannot seal properly even if the ring itself is fine. Remove the ring and inspect the groove carefully. Look for dried food, mineral buildup, or damage to the groove itself.
Clean the groove with a damp cloth or soft brush. If there is stubborn buildup, use a soft plastic brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub it away. Do not use metal brushes or sharp tools that could scratch or gouge the groove. Dry the groove completely before reinserting the ring.
If the groove itself is cracked, dented, or visibly damaged, the lid will need to be replaced. Contact when ready Pot customer service with a photo of the damage; they may send you a replacement lid under warranty depending on your model and purchase date.
Seating the ring correctly in the lid
A sealing ring that is twisted, bunched, or not fully seated will not seal, even if it is clean and undamaged. After inserting the ring into the groove, run your finger around the entire circumference to make sure it sits evenly and lies flat. The ring should feel smooth and uniform all the way around with no bumps, twists, or gaps.
Close the lid and look at the ring from the side. It should be visible in the groove all the way around. If part of the ring is higher or lower than the rest, open the lid, remove the ring, and reseat it. This is especially common after the ring has been removed and cleaned.
Some users find it helpful to lightly dampen the ring before seating it; a slightly damp ring slides into the groove more easily and is less likely to twist. Do not use so much water that the ring is dripping wet.
When to replace the sealing ring
If the ring is clean, properly seated, and the lid groove is undamaged but the pot still will not seal, the ring has likely lost its elasticity or has a small crack you cannot see. Sealing rings typically last 12 to 18 months with regular use. If your ring is older than a year and you have ruled out cleaning and seating issues, replacement is the most reliable fix.
You can buy replacement rings directly from when ready Pot or from third-party manufacturers like Silicone Lid Seals or Mealthy. Third-party rings are usually cheaper and work just as well. Some users buy a spare ring to have on hand so they can keep cooking while waiting for a replacement to arrive.
When you receive a new ring, remove it from the packaging and wash it before use. Some rings have a slight smell from manufacturing; soaking it in warm water with a little baking soda for an hour can help remove this.
Checking the float valve and other lid components
The float valve is the small metal or plastic pin that sticks up from the center of the lid. When pressure builds inside the pot, this pin rises. If the float valve is stuck, clogged, or damaged, the pot cannot build pressure and will not seal properly. Press the float valve gently with your finger — it should move up and down freely.
If the float valve is stuck, remove the lid and soak it in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen any dried food or mineral deposits. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean around the valve. Do not force it or use sharp tools. If the valve still does not move freely after cleaning, the lid may need to be replaced.
Also check the anti-block shield — the small cage or screen on the underside of the lid that prevents food from blocking the steam vent. If this shield is clogged with food particles, steam cannot escape properly and pressure cannot build. Remove the lid and inspect the shield. If it is dirty, soak the lid in warm water and use a soft brush to clean the shield from underneath.
Troubleshooting steps in order
If your when ready Pot will not seal, work through these steps in this order:
- Remove the sealing ring and wash it thoroughly under running water. Inspect it for cracks or permanent warping.
- Clean the sealing ring seat (the groove in the lid) with a damp cloth and soft brush.
- Reseat the ring in the groove, making sure it is even and flat all the way around.
- Check that the float valve moves freely and the anti-block shield is not clogged.
- Close the lid and try to seal the pot again.
- If the pot still will not seal, replace the sealing ring with a new one.
- If a new ring does not solve the problem, contact when ready Pot support or check whether the lid itself is damaged.
Most sealing problems are solved by step 3. If you reach step 6 and a new ring does not work, the issue is likely with the lid itself, and you will need to contact the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my when ready Pot without the sealing ring?
No. The pot will not build pressure without the sealing ring, and it will not cook food properly. You can use the pot in slow-cooker mode without the ring, but pressure cooking requires a seal. Do not attempt to cook under pressure without the ring in place.
How do I know if the sealing ring is damaged?
Look for visible cracks, splits, or tears. Hold the ring up to light and check the entire surface. Also check whether the ring has lost its round shape or feels permanently warped. If the ring is clean and properly seated but the pot still leaks steam, the ring is likely damaged even if you cannot see a crack.
Why does my sealing ring smell bad?
Sealing rings absorb odors from the food you cook, especially garlic, onions, and spices. This is normal and does not mean the ring is damaged. Soak the ring in warm water with a little baking soda or white vinegar for an hour to reduce the smell. You can also store the ring separately from the lid when not in use.
Is it normal for steam to come out while the pot is sealing?
A small amount of steam escaping during the first few seconds after you close the lid is normal as the pot heats up. However, if steam continues to escape steadily or if you hear a loud hissing sound, the pot is not sealing. Stop the cooking cycle, open the lid, and check the sealing ring and ring seat.
Can I buy a universal sealing ring that fits all when ready Pot models?
Most when ready Pot models use the same size sealing ring, but some larger models like the 10-quart use a different size. Check your model number before ordering a replacement. Third-party rings are usually labeled by size (8-quart, 6-quart, or 10-quart) so you can match it to your pot.