Repair of kettles: basic malfunctions of electrical models, remedies

Classically shaped teapots have a wide bottom. Electric boilers have a smaller bottom around the circumference. They require less space on the table, but they have more height. This is done so that the devices can hold more water. Despite the practicality of modern devices, the repair of teapots remains a demanded service.

Features of work

Most of the models of electric kettles today turn off on their own after boiling water. There are modifications with manual shutdown. Before using it for the first time, it is recommended to fill the product with water and bring it to a boil. It is also necessary to wash the kettle at least 2 times before use. If the products have not been used for a long time, you should do the same. Modern devices are made of heat-resistant plastic or stainless steel.

Before cleaning electrical devices, disconnect them from the power supply. If they are cold, wash the outer surface with a damp cloth. The use of abrasive substances is prohibited. Water heating is carried out thanks to the presence of a special element inside the kettle. It is fixed to the body. Fixation is achieved using:

• threaded sleeve;
• metal nuts;
• screws holding the housing against the water-tight seal.

Often, these seals provoke leaks. In the latest models on the market, the disc cell is closed and located at the bottom of the water compartment. This is done to make cleaning the surfaces easier and easier. This measure also ensures better descaling. In various models, the seals are made in the form of:

• gaskets;
• washers;
• bushings.

As soon as the water boils, steam enters the tube or small hole, passing to the disc or bimetallic plate. These components are designed in such a way that when heated, they bend, thus turning off the kettle.

A protective device is provided in almost all models. It is responsible for turning off the device after boiling water. This element is triggered if someone turns it on without first pouring water. In addition, modern products are designed in such a way that the user can visually control the amount of liquid poured.

To connect to the power supply, a cord or wire is available, the feature of which is flexibility. It has a plug on one end and a power connector on the other. It has sockets for contact. A coiled power cord is provided to save desk space. It is also good for families with small children, as it is less accessible to them.

Products without cord

This device has a base-stand on which the block and the power connector are connected. Connection to the mains is carried out thanks to a cord that is connected to this very stand. Due to this design, the kettle can be taken without removing the plug from the outlet.

There are modifications that are installed in a fixed position on the base. However, modern products can be placed in either direction. The base also has a special compartment for storing excess cord. Cordless teapots contain:

• filter;
• steam outlet;
• indicator for determining the level of liquid;
• power connector;
• base;
• bimetallic disc.

Filling procedure

It would seem that there is nothing easier than filling a kettle with water. However, if this process is not performed correctly, serious problems and even accidents can occur. Before pouring water, you must unplug the power supply and disconnect the cord from the kettle.

Cordless models removed from the base. Be sure to see if the water is covering the heating element. Pour at least one cup into the kettle. Underfilling can cause failure of individual components of the device. If there is a lot of liquid, it will turn off without bringing it to a boil. In parallel, boiling water will splash out.

A snug fit of the lid is very important. Without it, the automatic shutdown device will not work. If the kettle is equipped with a cord, wait until the water stops boiling, and only then remove the plug from the outlet.

Electrical appliance repair

Before you start repairing electric kettles, it makes sense to check the basic things. For example, you should make sure that the kettle is turned on and that the plug is firmly plugged into the outlet. The power connector should also be well inserted. In a cordless teapot, you need to see if it is correctly positioned on the base.

Disassembly of the device must be carried out according to the rules. The classic option is to remove the base cover and then remove the mounting screws located at the bottom of the handle and at the top of the handle. Following this, the handle itself, the plastic rocker, and any details that interfere with further manipulations are removed. Raise the switch and inspect the metal plate for defects.

The presence of foreign inclusions

First of all, you need to inspect the filter. In modern devices there are mesh products for cleaning liquids from scale particles. These elements can be replaced in the workshop. The filter should not be removed until the water in the kettle has cooled down. Normally, these products are removed from the surface easily and without much effort. When they become clogged with scale particles, you have to wash them with a nylon brush under running water.

For more severe deposits, soak the filter in a descaler or plain vinegar overnight. Before using it, you will have to wash it thoroughly with water. You will also need a new filter to replace the damaged one.

Slow heating

Some users notice that the water starts to boil more slowly than usual. This may be due to a thick layer of limescale on the heating element. Gradually, it begins to overheat, which is why the protection switch is triggered ahead of time. To get rid of limescale deposits, use a descaler that does not damage the plastic.

For this procedure, fill the kettle half with water, bring to a boil. Turn off, remove the plug from the socket. Add the amount specified in the instructions to the water, leave until bubbles disappear on the surface. This is usually enough to fix the problem. If the deposits still remain, turn on the kettle and heat until the water fizzles. It cannot be brought to a boil. Drain the liquid, collect a new portion of water and boil. Drain again, rinse. If a lot of deposits have accumulated, you will have to re-process.

The kettle does not turn off

The circuit breaker sometimes fails when steam is not discharged properly. Normally, it goes to the bimetallic plate. She is responsible for the functions of the switch. This happens if the lid is not tightly closed. To fix the problem, they simply turn off the device, allow the water to cool. After that, close the lid so that it fits snugly to the surface.

The situation where the steam outlet is blocked is often the case with older kettles. In this case, steam is not directed through the appropriate hole or pipe. In modern products, the specified area is large, and therefore, to clog it, a larger amount of scale is required, which is detached from the heating element. To eliminate such a malfunction, descale the kettle, carefully inspect the steam outlet.

Breaker malfunctions

When absent automatic switch-off of the deviceprobably the switch is to blame. The bimetal plate cannot activate it. This happens when the switch pusher gets stuck or the plate itself is damaged. Classic switch types act as heating element fasteners. Therefore, checking such products and replacing them becomes a real problem. Accordingly, you cannot do without the help of a specialist in such cases.

The switch on the teapot-jug often plays the role of a separate part that is installed in the handle. Accordingly, you can inspect and check it by removing the casing. This can be tricky as sometimes screws with non-standard snaps and heads are used here. If the inspection of an element is accompanied by difficulties, it is better to shift this task onto the shoulders of a professional.

After removing the switch cover and handles, remove the rocker arm located at the top of the switch. The upper and lower parts must be marked so that in the future it is possible to correctly assemble the structure. Probably, the fastening screws, as well as several parts, will have to be dismantled. This is required to lift the switch.

In the future, the object is turned over and the disc is examined along with the metal plate. They check how smoothly the stroke of the pusher, which is responsible for controlling the switch, works. If there is no mechanical damage, touch the contacts with the probes. This is how the ability to pass current is checked. This procedure can be performed if the wire is disconnected from at least one of the contacts. If the wires are soldered, you have to head to the workshop.

Leakage detection

This problem is also not uncommon. This is not surprising, since electric kettles have been operating for a long time and sometimes cannot withstand such a voltage. A part is weakened, which leads to a malfunction of the device.

To figure it out, you need to study the structure diagram of the device. If you find a broken part, you must go to a specialized customer service center. Sometimes the water indicator is damaged. To determine the presence of such a malfunction, remove the cover that covers the switch. There is a plastic indicator here. It shows the presence of certain defects.

The appliance may leak due to weakening of the heating element. Quite often, it is possible to repair it by tightening the nuts and screws, which act as fastening the classic heating element. If the leak is not eliminated in this way, you will have to go to a specialized center. Experts who are well versed in problem solving work here.

When the gasket is damaged, then tightening the fastening elements alone is not enough. The gasket rarely provokes a water leak in the kettle, but if this happens, it is necessary to replace the damaged element with a new one. This is the only way to resolve this problem.

No heating

There may be several reasons for this. Probably, the plug, which is supplied with the kettle cord, is non-separable. You can try changing the fuse and see what results it gives. If all other devices powered by electricity have stopped working, you need to check the shield. It is worth making sure that the fuse has not blown. Sometimes this indicates the operation of the RCD machine.

When there is a malfunction of the cord and the presence of a break in the devices, the repair of electric kettles no longer makes sense. The easiest way is to go to a parts store and buy a new one. When the switch wears out a lot, it practically does not lock in the on position. In this case, you can change it in the workshop or buy a new water heater.

When the kettle is running even after the water has boiled, the protection switch may be triggered. It is recommended to leave the kettle without refilling for at least 10 minutes. During this time, the protection switch must close on its own. Damage to the heating element will prevent the kettle from working despite the measures taken. Sometimes it depends on the model. On some older modifications, after the protection is triggered, you have to turn it on yourself.