How to disassemble and repair an iron with your own hands, rules and step-by-step instructions
Despite the fact that household appliances are complex in design, users can repair irons with their own hands. However, in order to restore operability, it is necessary not only to identify the exact malfunction, but also to determine the design features of a particular device. In addition, it is impossible to eliminate a number of breakdowns with your own hands.
General device of an electric iron
Regardless of the type of model purchased, each iron contains:
- Outsole with integrated heating element. For irons, this part is usually completed with holes for the steam outlet.
- Thermostat. It is supplemented with a knob by means of which the temperature level is regulated.
- Water reservoir. Present in models with steam function.
- Terminal block located at the rear of the iron. An electric cord is provided to this part.
Modern irons are completed with a water outlet nozzle and forced steam vents. These components are located above the integrated tank.
In addition to these elements, the design of this technology provides for thermal protection, presented in the form of a fuse (for simple models) or a separate device.
How to properly disassemble
To disassemble the iron you will need:
- sharp knife;
- Screwdriver set;
- pliers.
Depending on the nature of the problem, a multimeter, sandpaper, insulating material, and a soldering iron with solder and flux may be needed. It is recommended to start the analysis with visible mounts. The first step is to unscrew each screw that enters the field of vision. After that, remove the cover from the back.
Then you need to pull the main part of the device, which is attached to the plastic latches. These are pricked with a knife. It is important to be careful at this stage, as excessive force will break the latches. If there are screws on the outside of the case, these elements must also be loosened.
Identify and correct faults
Basically, problems with the iron arise from faulty wiring, which is revealed when dismantling the back cover. Also, a fuse, heating element, thermal protection, or steam spray mechanism may fail.
Power cord
If the equipment stops working, then it is necessary to check the condition of the power cord. This requires a multimeter. Using this device, you must “ring” (touch) different parts of the power cord plugged into the outlet. If the LED lights up, the problem is elsewhere. But when the light flashes, it indicates a problem with the cord. This malfunction can be of two types: the integrity of the wires is broken, or the wires do not hold firmly to the contacts.To eliminate the first problem, you need to find the bend and isolate.
Heating element
If at the initial stages the malfunction is not identified, you need to contact the heating element, which is hidden under the sole. After dismantling the device, you need to check the resistance level of the heating element. Normally, this indicator does not exceed 250 ohms (the exact value should be specified in the passport). If the meter displays infinity, it means that the heating element has failed. In such cases, it is recommended to purchase a new iron, since the replacement of the heating element is done together with the soleplate, which is comparable to the cost of the device.
Thermostat
Thermostat problems are of a different nature. Before disassembling the iron, you need to scroll the part to the end. At this time, a click should occur, indicating that the contacts are closed. Leave the thermostat in this position and proceed to further check the component.
From this part in the direction of the heating element there are two contacts that must "ring". This procedure must be repeated, having previously unscrewed the thermostat all the way. In the first case, the multimeter should indicate the presence of voltage, in the second - the absence.
Thermostats fail due to acidification or contamination of contacts. Wires should be cleaned with sandpaper and rechecked with a multimeter. During the procedure, you should not strongly bend the plates. If the thermostat is difficult to turn, then turn the part back and forth several times (flat-nose pliers may be necessary), then rub the assembly with a pencil.
Fuse
In 50% of cases, an iron fault is caused by a blown fuse. This part is located under the body. After dismantling the iron, you need to check the condition of the fuse with a multimeter. If the device does not respond, then this part must be removed and a new one must be soldered.
Steam spray system
A malfunction of this system is caused by the accumulation of scale on the iron parts. In this case, you will need to disassemble the device and clean the internal components.
Blockage or failure of the steam button
This malfunction is caused by scale in the pump chamber. The latter is integrated into the handle of the iron, at the top of which is a steam supply button. To eliminate the malfunction, you need to disassemble this part, remove the pump (compact case) and push the ball, which fell out, back into the chamber.
Clogged steam outlet
Lack of steam is due to scale buildup in the iron reservoir. To solve this problem, mix a tablespoon of citric acid in a glass of water. Then you need to fill a separate container with the resulting solution so that the liquid covers the sole by 1-1.5 centimeters. Then this tank with the iron is placed on the stove. After waiting for the mixture to boil, you need to turn off the heat, wait 20 minutes and repeat the procedure.
Oxidation
If at the first stage of the inspection of the iron no malfunctions are detected, then you need to check the condition of the heating element. To do this, you need to remove the back cover, under which the terminals are hidden, connecting the electrical cord and the heating element.
Often problems with iron occur due to acidification of contacts. In this case, you need to strip the wires with sandpaper.
Features of working with various manufacturers
Manufacturers produce several models of irons, each of which, despite the external differences, is based on the same design. Therefore, the repair of devices of the same brand is carried out according to the same algorithm.
Scarlett
Scarlett irons have a standard design. In this regard, such devices can be repaired, guided by the given scheme.The only thing to consider is that for some models of this brand the bolts are located in inconvenient places.
Vitek
There is an emergency thermostat in Vitek brand irons. Therefore, in order to repair the device, it is necessary to check more details with a multimeter. Malfunctions of Vitek irons are basically the same as discussed earlier.
Tefal
Under the Tefal brand - cheap and expensive models of irons with additional details. This characteristic complicates the repair of this brand of equipment. In particular, some models have a non-standard back cover. And to disassemble such a technique, you will need to disconnect a number of additional latches.
Therefore, before proceeding with the repair of Tefal irons, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the scheme of a specific model.
Rules of maintenance and operation
In order to avoid premature breakdowns, it is necessary to observe several rules when using household appliances:
- pour boiled water into the tank;
- in case of overheating, turn off the equipment and wait for the soleplate to cool;
- regularly clean the sole of dirt with a specialized product;
- avoid getting water under the body of the appliance;
- do not bend or pull on the cord.
It is also necessary to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations. It is important to take into account the peculiarities of the operation of a particular iron model, which can be found in the attached instructions.