How to find the source of the problem and is it worth repairing the Tefal steam generator at home?
Steam generator Tefal has found application in everyday life and among professionals. When it comes to ironing, cleaning clothes, and freshening the air, a steam generator will come to the rescue.
But, like any other device, it is not immune from breakdowns. To know what to do in a given situation, you need to find the source of the problem.
In this article we will talk about the main faults Tefal steam generators and repairing household appliances with your own hands.
Content
Common causes of breakdowns
There can be many reasons, depending both on the user and on the design of the device. The most common include:
Using dirty water. Due to the large amount of iron salts, when it is heated, a plaque forms, which is very difficult to remove.- Presence of water in the device during storage, which leads to the same plaque, plus there is a decay factor, leading to corrosion of metal parts.
- Constant use of the device at maximum mode. This leads to overheating of silicone and plastic parts, the connections of which may develop leaks due to the expansion of the materials.
- Improper storage and careless operation. Do not over-tighten the power cord, because the wires usually break at the outlet of the device.
Let's take a closer look at the most popular breakdowns.
Doesn't produce steam - what's the matter?
Common reasons:
- scale and limescale - this may be due to the fact that unfiltered water was used;
- the internal coating of the equipment has crumbled - this is most often encountered by owners of budget/Chinese models with low-quality parts;
- electrical failure (for example, a pump, thermostat or thermostat may fail) - in this case, you should take the household appliance to a service center or start thinking about buying a new one.
As for the deformation of the internal coating, it is worth contacting specialists, since the device will need to be disassembled and then cleaned the boiler and channels. Parts may also need to be replaced.
Doesn't turn on
First of all, check the integrity of the wiring. This can be done by measuring the resistance.
If the device shows it, then the circuit is working; if not, then there is a break in the cable, thermal fuse, thermostat or the heating element itself.
Don't forget to check the power button, since due to the constantly high power the contacts could burn out and the body could become deformed, which often happens.
In any case, if you find smoke, immediately take the device for repair, as self-repair can lead to irreversible consequences.
Water leaks from the soleplate of the iron
Make sure the steam generator is not overfilled with water. Do not pour water to the very brim.
Also The reason may be the following situation: the sole of the iron has not warmed up, and you are already in a hurry to release steam. Give time for the soleplate to heat up to the desired temperature, and then only apply steam.
Otherwise, water will flow out of the sole. Also, the reason for the appearance of water from the sole can be careless kinking of the hose through which steam is supplied.
Rusty water flowed
The reason for this may be the high content of hardness salts, that is, the water contains a lot of iron, to eliminate the defect, you must use a water filter.
The steam generator itself must be rinsed with clean water, and at the same time prevent plaque and scale using Anti-scale or citric acid. In especially severe cases, you will have to figure out a mechanical cleaning device.
Stagnant water may also be one of the reasons.. It is highly not recommended to leave it for a long period of time, because it will deteriorate and plaque will form. It's better to fill it fresh every time.
"Spits"
If the device “spits”, this may be due to a broken valve. To make sure of this, you need to close the valve and turn on the device (but not in the “supply steam to the iron” mode). Now you should rock it.
What other problems might you encounter?
- Water level indicator won't turn off? The reason is a broken sensor. Replace it.
- Having trouble adjusting your pressure? The switch is broken. Replace it.
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White streaks appear from the holes in the sole. This indicates that the appliance is releasing scale.To prevent this from happening, you should rinse the steam heater after every 3-5 uses. If the water is hard, do this as often as possible.
- The plug allows steam to pass through. The reason lies in damage to the seal of the plug (in this case, contact the support center) or it is not screwed in completely.
What to consider when choosing spare parts for Tefal?
The Tefal steam generator may need to be replaced:
- soles;
- gaskets/seals;
- steam valve;
- back of the case;
- power cord;
- solenoid valve coils and more.
You should not buy spare parts at the first store you come across.. Trust only trusted companies that specialize in selling “original” parts.
It is not the best decision to buy suitable spare parts from other manufacturers. Parts must be designed specifically for your device model.
Where to order repairs?
Give preference to a service center that has been in existence for at least three years. As a rule, such companies value their reputation and will not make any mistakes.
They will have all the necessary parts for your steam generator model. As a rule, their diagnostics are free.
It is also important that one of the points of this company is to provide a guarantee for all repair work. If a company values its reputation and is confident in its employees, it provides a guarantee for service.
It would be a good idea to read reviews about the company., which offers repair of steam generators.
Before contacting a particular service center, analyze the cost of repairing a steam generator in your region.The price should not be very low (it is unlikely that experienced craftsmen will do their work for pennies). Stick to the golden mean!
DIY repair tips
Some steam generator malfunctions can be eliminated yourself with minimal skills and tools. But keep in mind that if the cause of the breakdown lies in poor contact of the cord, heating element, or if the skates are stuck, then you will have to disassemble the device.
This is because in most cases, fixing it yourself leads to even bigger problems.
To prevent this, if the device malfunctions, you should contact a service center. By entrusting the work to professionals, you will be able to bring your device back to life!
Useful video
DIY repair of a leaking water tank in a Tefal steam generator, video tip:
Conclusion
Many of the causes of breakdowns can be solved yourself. But if there is no proper experience in working with tools or the reason has not been identified, then The best solution would be to contact a service center.
