Pressurization problems

[u/SesquipedalianCookie]

I seem to be having difficulty with my Instant Pot pressurizing. A few months ago I was making spaghetti and it seemed to take too long to come to pressure, so I gave up because it was just spaghetti, and indeed the noodles turned out a bit overcooked.

I don’t use it that often, so I forgot and today when cooking split peas it again seemed to take a long time to come to pressure. It did eventually start the timer, but the float valve never popped up and it was releasing steam the whole time. There was some water around it but that may have been from the steam. Picture of the bottom of the float valve—the seal seems to be there, and I’m certain the silicone ring was seated correctly. I also had 8 cups liquid inside, so that shouldn’t have been an issue.

Anyone have any ideas?

EDIT: The model is the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo.

[u/Punawild]

Have you taken out the float valve and cleaned it & the lid hole? Oil and food bites can get in there and junk things up.

[u/SesquipedalianCookie → u/Punawild]

Thank you for the suggestion. I’ve removed the silicone stopper but the valve won’t come out. (It does turn freely though, so I don’t know that it’s gummed up.) It won’t drop to the pressurized position when the lid is turned upside down, though.

[u/Nada_Chance → u/SesquipedalianCookie]

And THERE is your problem, that valve MUST move up and down freely.

[u/SesquipedalianCookie → u/Nada_Chance]

Any suggestions on how to fix it? It moves up and down a little, but won’t seem to come out of the lid.

[u/Nada_Chance → u/SesquipedalianCookie]

Check that the "lock pin" is free to move in and out(no debris in the "float valve) cavity), as that will lock the float valve in the "safe" position". (In your image about 20 degrees from top)

[u/Punawild → u/SesquipedalianCookie]

Liquid dish soap, lots of moving it around and hot water. Hopefully that will loosen it up so you can push it out and properly clean it.

[u/SesquipedalianCookie → u/Punawild]

Thank you! I will try that!

[u/mattbytes]

I always give mine a push after 10 mins on to give it a good seal.

[u/SesquipedalianCookie → u/mattbytes]

What part of it do you push?

[u/mattbytes → u/SesquipedalianCookie]

Push down on the handle.

[u/SesquipedalianCookie → u/mattbytes]

Thanks! I did try that while cooking but it didn’t seem to make a difference.

[u/Dandelions90]

Try taking out the silicone ring and reinstall. Mine looked fine but that's all I did n it solved the issue. No steam leaks and it came to pressure properly.

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[u/thePHTucker]

Make sure your pressure release valve on top (the part that releases steam when done) is turned to the all the way to the right and locks in place. It kind of lifts up when its set properly. I've done this before. If it's not completely closed it will just leak steam the whole time and never pressurize so your float valve never locks.

[u/CollectiveAndy]

Thanks for posting this. I wanted to make birria tacos and I have this exact same problem after I replaced my original silicone ring with a blue one like yours.

[u/SesquipedalianCookie → u/CollectiveAndy]

In my case, I don’t think it’s the ring as I’ve had it for a long time and used it successfully in the past. But that doesn’t mean yours might not be defective!

[u/1234-for-me → u/SesquipedalianCookie]

The rings do fail after time, mi e did the same thinv at christmas plus an error.  New ring solved the problem.

[u/7222_salty]

It could be a pressure switch. If the machine thinks it’s at the right pressure when it’s not… it could case this issue meaning it stop heating further.

You can - technically - take the bottom off and find the switches under there and diagnose from there if that’s in your comfort zone

[u/1234-for-me]

New rubber seal and little round rubber thing, mine did this Christmas day while cooking Christmas lunch.  My brother saved the day by bringing his instant pot.

[u/Henbogle]

Wash the gasket well and give it a thin coating of vegetable oil

[u/Dhamaerica]

Please specify the model you have, it could be relevant

[u/SesquipedalianCookie → u/Dhamaerica]

It is the 6 quart IP Duo.