A dripping spout is one of the most common frustrations with teapots. On a Yixing teapot, the cause is not always one single flaw. Dripping can come from spout lip shape, pouring angle, filter flow, lid venting, water level or the way the user stops the pour. Buyers should separate normal handling from design problems.
Why spouts drip
A spout may hold a small bead of liquid after pouring if the lip shape does not cut the stream cleanly. It may also drip if tea drains slowly through the filter and continues to feed the spout after the pot is tilted back. In some cases, the lid vent or fill level affects the stream.
What to inspect online
Good product photos can show the spout profile, opening, alignment and relationship to the body. A side view is useful because it shows the angle. A front view helps check symmetry. A close view of the tip helps judge whether the lip is sharp, rounded or thick.
How use affects dripping
Even a well-made pot can drip if it is overfilled or snapped back abruptly. Gongfu pouring usually works best with a confident, continuous movement and enough room inside the pot. If you brew over a tea tray, a tiny final drop may not matter; if you brew over a table, it matters more.
When it becomes a buying concern
For an expensive pot, unclear spout photos are a reason to ask for a pour video. For a daily pot, choose designs with documented spout and filter views, especially if clean pouring is a priority.
Practical checklist
- Review side and front spout photos.
- Check whether the filter may restrict flow.
- Avoid overfilling during use.
- Ask for a pour video if clean pouring is critical.
- Compare spout design together with capacity and shape.
Useful next pages
Spout dripping is best evaluated as a practical detail. The more clearly the spout is documented, the easier the buying decision becomes.