A slow or drippy pour can come from different places: the outlet, the leaf load, the lid area or an awkward fill level. Observe which part changes the flow before blaming the clay or attempting a repair. Use cool water for an initial handling check.
Separate water-only behavior from brewing
If a clean pot pours steadily with cool water but struggles with leaves, the leaf load and outlet deserve attention. If it drips at the lid even without leaves, that is a different observation. The Xi Shi evidence includes both outlet blockage and lid seepage, so one generic fix would miss the distinction.
Keep the vent clear without modifying it
A finger over a lid vent can change the pour. Position your grip deliberately and follow the maker’s handling directions. Do not drill, widen or poke at the outlet to imitate another pot’s flow; the evidence does not establish that a home modification is appropriate.
Account for the emptying time
For short infusions, tea continues to contact water while the pot empties. Note the actual routine rather than borrowing a customer’s reported seconds as a specification. If the movement remains awkward, choose a brewer whose controls fit your session rather than pouring from greater height or using more force.
Know when to ask the seller
A new leak, damage or a persistently poor lid fit warrants a seller conversation. Customer experience with the Fanggu and Dragon Egg includes both good fit and some seepage, but that does not prove every leak is normal or caused by technique.
Trace the source of a poor pour
- Observe with cool water. Identify the stream, lid edge and receiving point.
- Compare with the tea session. Note whether leaves or fill level change the behavior.
- Change one controllable factor. Use the documented handling method and a comfortable water level.
- Stop before modification. Ask the seller about unresolved fit or damage; do not grind, glue or drill.
Sources: Xi Shi Yixing Purple Clay Teapot, Handmade Antique Style Fanggu Yixing Zisha Teapot, Hand-made Heart Sutra Dragon Egg Yixing Zisha Teapot.
