how to fix pressure cooker safety valve in stock
The safety valve inside a pressure cooker is a safety backup mechanism that comes into effect when the pressure inside the cooker turns uncontrollably high and finds no path to escape.
To release steam, the cooker has pressure regulating valves that Jiggle or extend outwards with the help of spring. Some release steam with the help of a computer chip!
If for any reason, the pressure regulating valve fails to release steam, the excessive pressure causes the safety valve to open up and release steam in a controlled way.
The other valve is located a little away from the pressure regulating valve. It is screwed on the lid of the cooker and is made up of synthetic rubbers like neoprene or hardened Viton.
If you see pressure steam coming out of the safety valve, it does not signify danger. It only points to some possible dysfunctions that need to be taken care of.
Damaged Gasket. A gasket is a rubber ring that helps to seal the cooker. A damaged or uneven placement of the gasket could lead compromise the seal of the cooker leading to pressure escaping from the safety valve.
Cheap quality pressure cookers made from an unknown brand are a safety hazard as they compromise on health and protection of the consumer. Low-quality safety valves malfunction easily causing steam to escape.
If the quantity of food and water is too less and water boils away, it can result in a burnt and empty cooker. Since the temperature and time duration is not controlled, the temperature inside the cooker becomes excessively high quickly leading to the safety valve breaking down.
If the pressure cooker is placed on a large flame, the flame starts licking the side walls leading to excessive temperature building and safety valve destruction
If the pressure cooker is not regularly cleaned and maintained, it can clog the pressure regulating valve forcing the safety valve to emit steam out of the cooker.
Some models come with a sealing feature that needs to be set manually. Forgetting to turn them on can cause the steam to escape from the safety valve.
For traditional pressure cookers, failure to manually adjust the temperature and pressure causes excessive pressure build-ups causing the safety valve to break or melt.
You can replace the safety valve from the outside by holding firmly the inside part so it doesn’t move. Use a screwdriver to rotate and twist the screw on the outside until it comes off.
Always buy from trusted brands as they ensure quality checks when it comes to material and usage. No amount of budgeting should compromise your safety and good health.
Make sure the rubber rings and the lid of the cooker are closed properly and in correct alignment. If the rubber ring has become loose, it is best to replace it.
Follow the tips above to avoid steam coming out from your safety valve. If, despite all precautions, the safety valve opens up, replace it with a new one.
General wear and tear are bound to happen in any cooking vessel over the years so don’t worry about it much. Fix the cause and all the best cooking scrumptious and healthy food!
New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller"s listing for full details.See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
Pressure cookers have become an essential part of everyday cooking. As they don’t have any complicated functionalities, they are quite easy to prepare.
However, in technological aspects, a pressure cooker is a bit complicated. In order ensure user-safety, they have been equipped with different safety features – among them safety valve is a crucial one.
Pressure cookers have to deal with a lot of steam pressure in the cooking process. At some point, it has to release the excess steam to prevent the cooker from blowing up or exploding.
This release happens through the safety valve that holds weight. When the pressure is too high, it lifts the weight and steam escapes through making a buzz sound.
One of them is a classic whistle with pressure regulating valve and another is pressure regular valve present a little away from the first one. It is fixed onto the cooker lid and made from synthetic rubber like hardened viton or neoprene which helps in maintaining the pressure and good seal.
When the pressure inside the cooker increases, the inner part of safety valve will sense the elevation. And when it exceeds the normal levels, the rubber will start to melt and disc will lift.
Once the excess pressure is released, the disk goes back into its position. And the safety valve will open only when other means of steam release have failed as a last resort to prevent any explosion.
Pressure or steam release doesn’t always mean danger. It mostly indicates some dysfunctions that need attention. We have mentioned some of the possibilities below for your reference.
Damaged gasket – Usually, a rubber ring is present to seal the cooker. When there is a damage to it or if placed unevenly, it can compromise the cooker seal and let the pressure escape through the safety valve.
Overfilled pressure cooker – If the appliance is filled up with food ingredients without any space left for the steam, then this can block the regulating valve due to food expansion or foaming.
If the pressure cooker is made from cheap quality and from on an unknown brand, then they are a safety hazard as they compromise on the protection and health of a consumer. They often have low-quality safety valve which malfunctions easily and lead the steam to escape.
When the food and water quantity is little and water boils away, this can result in burnt and empty cooker. And the temperature gets too hot very quickly, leading to break down of the safety valve.
If the pressure cooker is placed over a larger burner and on a high flame, then the flame starts licking the sides of the appliances, leading to high temperature build up and damaging the safety valve.
Not cleaning the pressure cooker regularly can lead to clogs in the pressure regulating valve and this lets the safety valve to emit the steam from the cooker.
Some of the models come with a manual setting sealing feature. In such case, never forget to turn them on or else the steam takes safety valve for escape.
If you suspect the pressure cooker is not because of the safety valve, then the first thing is to take the appliance to the nearest service centre. You can use the cooker without the lid on but it is better to avoid using it with the lid until you get it repaired.
Yes, it is possible to replace safety valve of a pressure cooker. And moreover, it is recommended to replace it if the valve is out of friction or damaged.
Replacing the safety valve can be done in two methods – one includes changing it from inside and another from the outside. Below are the clear instructions for the same.
Replacing from the outside – You have to insert a blunt knife and turn the screw into the hole from outside. Make sure to hold the screw on the inside while doing it. Turn the knife by turning the screw which loosens it up eventually.
Make sure the pressure cooker is filled up to only 2/3 full and the rest of 1/3 part has to be empty so that the foods have enough space to swell and foam.
It is important to add adequate amount of liquid into the pressure pot. If not, the water runs out quickly, cause rapid heat increase and lead to explosion. Not to say that burns caused food burns as well.
To maintain the pressure cooker longevity and prevent any disasters, it is important to check the safety valve and gasket on a regular basis. If there is any damage, getting it repaired or replacing is very important. Safety valve in a pressure cooker plays a very significant role.
We believe any questions and doubts about the safety valve has been clarified by the information present in this article. If it hasn’t then, write them to us in the comment section below.
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