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Ninja is one of the blenders under $200 that work decently on both light and heavy blending tasks. However, is it really safe to continue using a blending container with leakage- even the mildest? And if not, how do I fix a leaking Ninja blender?
Well, unfortunately, leakage is a pretty common issue on many blenders. It’s more common on the compact personal blenders like Nutribullet or Nutri Ninja that work while upside down. But the upright countertop machines can also develop the issue if neglected.
In this DIY guide, we’re going to look at why and how you can prevent your Ninja blender from leaking. But most of the hacks are universal and may work with similar blenders from other brands as well.
Cause: Why is my Ninja Blender Container Leaking?
As was just mentioned, leaking is a pretty common issue with blenders. But it also varies, whereby the leaked fluid can be the liquid blends you’re making, oil, or black goo.
Each of these forms of leakage has different causes that you must know and understand to get a suitable solution:
- A Cracked blender jar: it’s usually the first guess when one notices drops of smoothie around the motor base. In other cases, the leaking cracks on the container will be visible
- Overfilling the blender jar with ingredients: can also cause a leakage issue when the volume and pressure inside the container exceed the limit tested by the company. Thus, forcing the excess content to look for gaps to escape.
- Unsecured extractor blade Assembly for cups on the personal blender or the Ninja BL770 and BN801 Combo kitchen system can cause leakage issues as well.
- A loose/ wobbly blender blade: it’s a rare issue on Ninja countertop blenders with the removable total crushing blade. But when it happens can lead to the issue of leaking smoothies (or oil and black goo).
- A dirty gasket on the extractor blade: the debris buildup will affect how the gasket sits inside its groove. And this won’t deliver the airtight seal needed inside the blending cups, leaving spaces for the smoothies & puree to seep through.
- A Gasket not put back properly: even when clean, it will also be unable to deliver an airtight seal for the Ninja blender cups. Thus, causing leakage issues.
- A worn-out blender gasket is yet another reason your Ninja blending cups may lack a proper seal and cause them to leak liquids.
- An over-greased blender: this is one of the common causes of a black oily liquid leaking out from the bottom of the blending jar.
- A worn-out container bearing/s: can also cause your blender to leak oil and the black, gooey stuff
Effect: What Can Happen When Using a Leaking Ninja Blender?
Many of us, common consumers, will continue using our blender while even leaking. But doing so can lead to problems such as:
- Messy countertop, with whatever recipe you were blending spilled all over the surface. The liquids may also spill on the motor area, which can be tricky to clean, especially around the lock tabs.
- A Shattered blender container after the tiny crack that was leaking fails to hold the vigorous beating of frozen blocks anymore.
- A jammed Motor after the wobbly spindle shaft of the blade clogs up with food and can no longer turn.
- Burn-out motor if any leaking liquids reach the electronic components of the blender.
- Additional expenses that you’ll now need to use to buy a replacement container, extractor blade assembly, or another whole blender
Solution: How Do I Fix a Leaking Ninja Blender?
Simply, the best way to fix a leaking Ninja blender will be to address the cause of the problem. And in the section above, we’ve gone through at least nine reasons your machine might be having this issue.
So, we should also have nine possible solutions to this issue. But I’ve combined the fix for over-greasing and worn-out bearings as one:
- A Fix for Cracked blending jar
Once your Ninja blender container has cracked, you can only prevent leaking by either replacing or repair.
In repair, I’ve seen people say you can mend tiny cracks with Flex Seal tape since it’s super strong and waterproof. But the tape company has warned against using the product in areas where it may come in direct contact with food.
So, in my opinion, replacing the cracked Ninja blender jar is the best way to stop leaking.
(Note: you can also try some DIY plastic welding if you’ve got time).
- A Fix for Overfilled Blending Jar
If you know how to use Ninja blender right, then you’re also aware of the rule for loading the blending jar: You should always add ingredients until halfway or three-quarter level of the jar to have the final blend within the MAX line.
Physics Class: Solids (like whole foods) will have a slightly greater volume in liquid form (like when blended)
- A Fix for Unsecured Extractor Blade Assembly
Before you mount the ninja blender cups on the base, always make sure the extractor blade unit has been tightly secured. If the threads of the lid have worn out, get a replacement that can you can secure with a tight seal. Otherwise, your blender will keep on leaking through the bottom area.
- A Fix for Loose/ Wobbly Blender blade
The blade of your Ninja blender can be wobbly if the spindle shaft (screw) is loose or worn out (from the vigorous spinning). In the case of the former, you only need to tighten the screw, then the worn-out parts (gear coupling/ screw/ washers) are replaced.
Note: you’ll need to have a hand vice grip tool and a size 8 metric spanner to complete the task.
- A Fix for Dirty Blender Gasket
One of the reasons to clean a Ninja blender is to take care of delicate parts like the lid gasket and avoid issues like leaking.
But as you remove and clean the gasket, be gentle not to stretch or damage it in any way. Then make sure the component (and its groove on the extractor blade) dries well before putting it back to discourage mold.
- A Fix for Gasket Not Put Properly
The solution is simple: Put the gasket back in its place well before you screw the extractor blade on the Ninja blender cup. If everything is as it should be, your blender will have that secure airtight seal and should leak no more.
- A Fix for Worn-Out Blender Gasket
Like any other parts, the gasket on the extractor blade of your Ninja blender will wear out at some point. And whether it has overstretched, cracked, or broken into pieces, get a new gasket that matches immediately.
But for optimal convenience, I’d recommend getting the whole extractor blade assembly. On top of a preinstalled gasket, everything else, including the blades, bearings, and tightening threads will be brand-new.
- A Fix for Over-Greased Blender/ Worn-Out Bearings
Your blender won’t leak oil or that black goo if you don’t over-lubricate it. I’ve seen people pouring the oil directly from the bottle onto the spindle shaft and gear coupling- which is totally wrong.
To grease a blender, you should use something like a cotton swab to apply a gentle amount to the desired parts. Then, clean off the excess oil with a paper towel.
As for the worn-out bearings, replace them with new ones or get a new extractor blade/ blender jar.
Common Related Questions:
Why is my Ninja Blender leaking oil?
A Ninja blender leaking oil from the bottom of the extractor blade is mostly a sign of over-greasing the spindle shaft. But it could also be a sign either of the installed bearings has worn out and needs replacing.
Why is my blender leaking black stuff?
A blender leaking black stuff from the bottom of the container can be from dirty oil from the bearings connected to the blade. It can also be decomposed food remains that were previously trapped between the blade spindle shaft and the plastic gear coupling.
Take Care & Maintain Your Ninja
In conclusion, that’s everything you should know on how to fix a leaking Ninja blender. And as you can see, the solution will be straightforward to enact once you know what has been the cause of the leak all along.
In most cases, though, the issue of leaking on a blender happens from negligence or carelessness of the user. A cracked container, dirty gaskets, overfilling, and wobbly blades, these are all things you can easily avoid with proper care and maintenance.