Instructions on how to repair a clothes steamer with your own hands
In modern everyday life, the steamer finds constant use. In case of improper operation, manufacturing defects, mechanical damage to internal parts, equipment failure is possible. After finding a breakdown, it is necessary to repair the steamers.
Description and function of the device
A clothes steamer is a handy household appliance designed to iron clothes by generating dry or wet steam. With the help of the device, it is possible to reduce the time spent on processing textiles and upholstered furniture.
Design and principle of operation
The principle of operation of the device is based on the generation of steam from the water poured inside thanks to the heating element. It is this element that is most often subject to breakdowns. In the absence of liquid in the tank, the heating element should automatically turn off, but in the event of a breakdown, it burns out and the device fails.
All types of steamers are similar in design and practically do not differ in appearance. The main part of the devices is the body, which houses the steam generation system.A fluid reservoir is attached to the body. In addition, the devices are equipped with a steam pipe with an iron, inside which the steam moves. An additional element is the stand, where there is a stand for a steam iron and hangers. The type of grates may differ depending on the steamer model.
Basic troubleshooting methods
The procedure for repairing a device depends on the specific type of failure. Before you start repairing the steamer, you need to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis and understand the features of the malfunction. It is also worth studying the information about the most common equipment failures in advance.
Lack of steam
The reason why the device does not emit steam is most often the formation of limescale. As a result, the heating element is less conductive of heat and the steam passages clog. With this malfunction, serious repairs are not required, and to fix the problem, it is enough to clean it mechanically or chemically.
Mechanical cleaning
For mechanical cleaning, you will need to disassemble the device. Due to the simple design, an ordinary screwdriver will suffice. The steam cooker is disassembled as follows:
- Disconnect electrical wiring and fluid supply.
- Remove the tubular electric heater and clean the scale.
- Rinse the tank with a solution of water and food grade vinegar. You can also use a specialized descaling solution designed for steamers.
When disassembling the case, it is recommended to make a schematic drawing or take photographs of each stage. This will help after descaling to correctly assemble the device without leaving unnecessary parts.
chemical method
The advantage of the chemical method is that it is not necessary to disassemble and even disconnect the device from the network. To remove the scale formed, the tank is filled with a mixture of water and vinegar essence at a concentration of 3%, observing equal proportions. Then the device is turned on and the solution is heated until vapor is formed, waiting for the liquid to completely evaporate. As a result, not only the heating element will be cleaned, but also the spray orifices and pipes, which are also often covered with limescale.
If the built-in heating element, spray and conductive tubes are not covered with scale, and the device still does not release steam, you will need to contact a specialist.
It is recommended to use the services of the service center of the company that produced the steamer.
Pump repair or replacement
A common reason why the steam does not flow and the device needs to be repaired is a breakdown of the pump. In this situation, it is easier to seek professional help, but situations may arise when you have to do the repair yourself. Opening the case does not require much work, but it will be necessary to turn it on in a disassembled state, which can lead to dangerous consequences.
To dismantle the structure, you must follow the precautions and follow the step-by-step instructions. Since the pump is installed parallel to the heating element, the following steps are followed for repairs:
- open the case;
- connect the device to the network;
- check the voltage at the pump contacts to match the indicator specified in the attached technical documentation;
- if the contacts work and there is voltage, remove the plug from the socket;
- with the help of a tester, they ring all the elements of the pump and, in the absence of a signal, wind new windings on the motor or replace them.
Steam flow
Excessive use of the steamer can cause faults on the hose. Even small cracks are enough for the steam to escape through them, and not through the stream. When faced with a problem, it is worth starting repairs immediately, as the holes in the pipe will gradually increase.
The best solution to the problem is to replace the hose. You can replace it yourself or contact the service center. It is important not to try to glue or wrap the holes. Electrical tape and scotch tape cannot withstand the effects of heated steam, so this method of repair will only take time and will not bring results.
Water heater problem
If the water does not heat when the appliance is turned on, the problem can have several causes and all are related to the components of the boiler. As a rule, heating does not occur due to a breakdown of the heating element, thermostat and thermal fuse. With this problem, it will not be possible to use the steamer for its intended purpose, since it will not convert the filled liquid into steam.
Heating element
To understand, the radiator does not work due to scale formation or is completely burnt out, you need to disassemble the device. Disassembly is carried out in the same way as for cleaning the heating element. For diagnostic purposes, the heater is called with a tester. If a breakdown is found, the repair will be impractical, therefore it is recommended to replace the defective part or the entire device.
Thermostat
The thermostat of a clothes steamer is a bimetallic relay. Its purpose is to stop the power supply when the heating temperature reaches a predetermined value. If diagnostics confirm that a faulty thermostat is the cause of the problem, it should be replaced.
Thermal fusion
The fuse is attached to the body of the grill with a special holder. Most often, the water in the device does not heat up precisely because of the breakdown of the thermal fuse. To diagnose and repair the element, it is necessary to disconnect the device from the mains and ring the wire on both sides. If there is no signal during tester dialing, the fuse is blown.
How to eliminate mechanical damage
Minor chips and cracks on the body of the device may not affect its operation, but serious mechanical damage leads to problems in daily use. It is almost impossible to eliminate large defects on the case, so it is better to replace the damaged element.
When is it worth contacting specialists
It is recommended to use the help of service center employees in situations where it is not possible to independently find out the causes of the malfunction or there are doubts about the effectiveness of the repair. Additionally, repairs may require the use of specialized equipment. Benefits of contacting a manufacturer's service center include:
- the presence in service of parts necessary for the repair of a specific type of liner;
- quick complex diagnostics, which allow you to establish the exact cause of the breakdown;
- repair by professional personnel with a quality guarantee.
Why you need to use clean water
Scale is the cause of most steam problems, so it is important to try to prevent it from forming. An effective way is to properly prepare the liquid. The best option is to use distilled water, which can be purchased from car dealerships and pharmacies.
Since buying distilled water frequently is expensive, you can prepare the water yourself using a kettle, water filter, and heat-resistant container.
To prepare the liquid, you need to boil water in a kettle, pour it into a heat-resistant container, let it steep and strain the sediment. It is recommended to use a container with a carbon cartridge for filtration to improve the quality of the liquid.
Rules of maintenance and operation
Regular maintenance of the device extends the operating life. For routine maintenance, we recommend that you periodically perform the following operations:
- every 50 hours of use, the boiler is rinsed with running water;
- the pipes going from the tank to the boiler are descaled;
- clean the water tank and pipes;
- wipe down all parts after treatment.
Periodically rinsing off minor deposits is better than removing a thick layer of lime scale later. For wiping, we recommend using a soft cloth that absorbs moisture well.