One issue that many blender owners have discovered is the blender leaking from bottom. There is nothing worse when this happens especially when you are in a hurry. Often times the liquid seeps into the bottom and creates even more of a mess So what causes blender leakages and can they be fixed?
In general, a blender leaking from the bottom can be fixed, however, if the container itself is cracked, the blender may need to be replaced. Most often blenders leak from the bottom when they have a damaged gasket or o-ring. Incorrect blade assembly can also cause leaks. These issues can be resolved if the worn-out O-ring is replaced.
We all love our trusty kitchen appliances, and it’s great to fix them if you can. A leaky blender doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to throw it out, so let’s go over some of the primary causes for leaks, as well as some things you can do to fix them.
Blender Damaged Gasket (O-Ring)
The most common cause of blender leaks is a damaged or worn-out O-ring. This is a small rubber hoop that fits around the blender’s base. It sits between the blade cutter and the rest of the container’s interior. It may also be referred to as a gasket.
An o-ring creates a seal between the blender’s interior and the motor below. This is crucial because it prevents liquids and food particles from leaking out and interfering with the electrical parts. When an o-ring becomes old or damaged, the seal is weakened, so you may start to find leaks in the bottom of your blender. (Source)
Luckily, an o-ring is easy to replace! The basic construction of an o-ring is simple, and there are usually a variety of different options that will fit your blender. Some models might require specific sizes and designs though, so make sure you consult with the owner’s manual and keep the old o-ring on hand so you can compare it.
Most replacement O-rings are available for $10 or less. To replace an old one, simply detach the blender from the motorized base and unscrew the blade hub from the main container.
You should be able to see the rubber o-ring around the base of the blades. Simply peel up the old one and thoroughly clean the blades and the base. Once everything is clean and dry, you can insert the new o-ring and press it down firmly between the blade base and the blender connector.
The video below can give a visual guide to this process. Note that you shouldn’t place the o-ring underneath the blade hub’s base. Instead, it should rest on top of the base, just below the moving blades.
Other Factors That Cause Blender Leaks
An old o-ring is the cause of many blender leaks, but it’s not the only thing that can cause issues. Try replacing the O-ring before anything else because this is a cheap and easy fix. In most cases, it will resolve the leak, but if you find that you’re still having problems, it could be due to one of the issues below:
Blades not Aligned Correctly, Improper Base Fit
Not every blender container can work with every base. There are some brands that might be able to interchange smoothly, but you could run into a leaky blender if you try to match a base with an incompatible container. If the blades are broken or loose, that could also create an opening for the liquid to escape through.
The best way to solve this problem is to make sure that your container and blender base are compatible and lock together securely. If they are mismatched or the blades are damaged, you may need to order a replacement set.
Overfilled Cup
This isn’t a blender issue, but rather a usage problem. If you overfill your blender every time you use it, there’s a greater potential for the contents to spill out the top and bottom. It’s hard for a blender to contain the pressure when it’s mixing a full load, so you could run into some leaks if the cup is overfilled.
To resolve this issue, make sure that you leave empty space at the top of your blender container. Only fill the blender 3/4 full if you can, and try not to strain the mechanism too much by adding ingredients that are too coarse.
A Leak in the Container Itself
Finally, your blender might be leaking because there is a crack or hole in the main container. Sometimes these cracks are very fine and are difficult to spot. However, liquid is very good at finding weak spots to slip through! If you notice that your blender container seems to be strangely wet, or find liquid pooling near the bottom, there may be a crack in the main body.
Try filling the container with water and checking on it regularly. Wipe it down with a towel so you remove any excess humidity that might make leaks hard to spot. Let it sit for a few minutes, then feel the sides and bottom to see if there are any areas that are particularly wet.
If you do find a crack in the container itself, there isn’t really a surefire way to fix this. You’ll probably need to find a new container at that point. To prevent cracking containers in the future, try to store the blender in a safe box when not in use.
Excessive sun exposure can damage plastic over time, so keeping it safely tucked away will help keep the blender in good condition. Some harsh cleaning products (including vinegar) can also degrade blenders, so try to stick with dish soap and warm water when possible (Source).
Blender Brands That Experience Bottom Leaks
All blenders can get old and leak over time, but there are a few brands that might develop leaks more often than usual. These may be good products, but you’ll need to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not wearing out and making a mess with their bottom leaks. Some blender brands to keep an eye on include:
- Oster
- Ninja
- Magic Bullet
- Blendtec
- Nutribullet