ExtrudoWhy is my 3D print nozzle drools during pauses?
Nozzle drools during pauses is usually caused by the nozzle stays hot while idle and slowly leaks plastic under its own pressure. A blob of plastic appears where the nozzle sat idle, such as after a pause or at the start of a print
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Quick reference
| Defect | Most likely cause | First thing to try |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle drools during pauses | The nozzle stays hot while idle and slowly leaks plastic under its own pressure | Enable retract on pause |
What it looks like
A blob of plastic appears where the nozzle sat idle, such as after a pause or at the start of a print
Most likely cause
The nozzle stays hot while idle and slowly leaks plastic under its own pressure
How do I fix nozzle drools during pauses? Step-by-step
- 1
Enable retract on pause
Turn on your firmware or slicer's 'retract on pause' setting so the nozzle pulls back filament during any stop.
Done when: No blob appears after a test pause and resume
- 2
Use a prime line or purge tower
Add a prime line or purge tower before the print starts so any initial ooze lands there instead of on the model.
Done when: Ooze collects on the prime line/tower, not the model
Frequently asked
What causes nozzle drools during pauses in 3D prints?
The nozzle stays hot while idle and slowly leaks plastic under its own pressure
How do I fix nozzle drools during pauses on my printer?
Follow the step-by-step fix above, starting with "Enable retract on pause". Each step includes a "done when" check so you know whether it worked before moving on.
Is this fix confirmed by other makers?
This entry is part of Extrudo's seeded defect library. Confirmation counts appear once real users report the fix worked.
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