Half-Handmade Yixing Teapot drips

[t-curious]

I recently purchased my first teapot. It's a new, 170ml, half-handmade pot from a reputable tea merchant for a little over $100.00. During the pour it drips a little, around 3 or so drops out of the lid seam, down the front. Is this normal for a pot at this price?

The lid has around a millimeter of slack when seated. Putting my finger over the air hole stops the stream immediately. I can fill it 2/3, put my thumb over the spout and turn it upside down and the lid stays on.

I've never used a Yixing teapot, so I have no idea. I'd ask the vender but I don't want to embarrass myself, if dripping is normal at this price point. -- Thanks

[victoria3]

I'd need to see a picture of your pot. If I pour too fast this might happen with a few of my pots.

[t-curious]

I'd need to see a picture of your pot. If I pour too fast this might happen with a few of my pots.

Here's a video:

http://www.videosprout.com/video?id=fd7 ... a929e12bd5

[victoria3]

I'd need to see a picture of your pot. If I pour too fast this might happen with a few of my pots.

Here's a video:
http://www.videosprout.com/video?id=fd7 ... a929e12bd5

Yeah that happens sometimes with certain pots, you need to keep angle less steep for the first few seconds. Can you return pot?

[plod]

I'd need to see a picture of your pot. If I pour too fast this might happen with a few of my pots.

Here's a video:

http://www.videosprout.com/video?id=fd7 ... a929e12bd5

I've had that (but worse) happen with both a cheap, no fuss teapot and another, better made one. With the cheaper one, problem is alleviated by pouring slowly. I also find that when pouring single handedly, the gentle forward pressure of my index finger on the lid stops or at least decreases the leak. Probably poor technique, but in this case it has its benefits.

Hope you figure it out! It doesn't look that bad at all, but if it bothers you, and you can return it, I'd consider it. My other tea pot drove me nuts, leaking all over my moments of zen. I gifted it to a messy brewer who could care less.

[t-curious]

Thanks for the help everyone. I'm going to keep the pot.

[Xeractha]

I assume your lid is significantly cooler than the pot itself and it doesn't seal perfectly. Preheat your lid aswell, not just the pot. If this isn't the case then I don't know.

[stevorama]

Seems kinda normal to me. As suggested try pouring with less of an angle in the first few seconds. That usually takes care of it for me. You could also not fill it as full of water for the same effect.