A leaking fountain pen is one of the most common problems pen owners encounter, and it is almost always fixable. Before you give up on a pen, work through this guide to identify the cause and resolve it.
First: Identify Where the Leak is Coming From
The fix depends on where the ink is going. The most common leak locations are:
- Inside the cap: Ink pooling inside the cap when the pen is stored
- Around the nib and feed: Ink flooding out of the nib section during writing
- From the barrel or filling mechanism: Ink leaking from the body of the pen
- From the cartridge or converter joint: Ink seeping from where the cartridge meets the section
Ink Inside the Cap
Finding ink inside the cap is common and does not always mean the pen is faulty. A small amount of ink on the inside of the cap is normal, as the nib stays moist by maintaining contact with the ink vapour inside the sealed cap. However, if there is a significant amount of ink pooling in the cap, the causes are usually:
- Storing the pen nib down: Gravity pulls ink toward the nib and it can seep out. Store pens horizontally or nib up. See our pen storage guide for more advice.
- Temperature changes: Ink expands when warm. Leaving a pen in a hot car or near a radiator can push ink out of the nib. Keep pens away from heat sources.
- Overfilling: Too much ink in the pen leaves no room for expansion. Leave a small air gap when filling.
- A loose or poorly fitting cap: If the cap does not seal properly, the ink can dry and the pen may leak. Check the cap seats firmly.
Ink Flooding from the Nib During Writing
If ink is flooding out of the nib while you write, the most likely causes are:
- Ink flow set too wide: If the tines have been spread too far apart (intentionally or accidentally), too much ink reaches the nib. See our guide to adjusting ink flow for how to correct this.
- Wrong ink for the pen: Some inks are very wet and may flood in pens with generous flow. Try a drier ink.
- Writing pressure: Pressing too hard can flex the tines apart and cause flooding. Write with a lighter touch.
- A damaged or cracked feed: If the feed is cracked, ink can bypass the normal flow channels. Inspect the feed carefully and contact the manufacturer or retailer if damaged.
Ink Leaking from the Barrel or Filling Mechanism
For piston fillers like Pelikan pens, ink leaking from the barrel usually indicates a worn or dried-out piston seal. The piston seal is a small rubber or silicone component that can dry out over time, particularly if the pen has been stored empty for a long period.
The fix is to re-lubricate the piston seal with a small amount of silicone grease. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants as these can damage rubber seals. If the seal is cracked or damaged, it will need replacing, which is best done by a pen repair specialist.
Ink Leaking from the Cartridge or Converter Joint
If ink is seeping from where the cartridge or converter meets the grip section, the cartridge may not be fully seated. Remove the cartridge or converter and push it back in firmly until you feel or hear it click into place. If the problem persists, the O-ring or seal at the joint may be worn and the cartridge or converter may need replacing. See our converter guide for more information.
Travelling with a Leaking Pen
Pens are particularly prone to leaking during air travel due to changes in cabin pressure. The pressure difference can push ink out of the nib. To avoid this, travel with the pen either completely full (leaving no air gap for pressure to act on) or completely empty and clean. See our guide on travelling with fountain pens for more advice.
When to Clean the Pen First
Before attempting any adjustment, it is always worth giving the pen a thorough clean. Dried ink or debris in the feed can disrupt normal ink flow and cause flooding or inconsistent behaviour. See our fountain pen cleaning guide for step-by-step instructions.
Still Leaking?
If you have worked through the steps above and the pen is still leaking, it may have a manufacturing defect or a component that needs replacing. If the pen was purchased from us, get in touch and we will help you resolve the issue. We are always happy to advise on repairs or replacements.