For many families, electric kettles are a necessary piece of kitchen equipment. However, they are susceptible to malfunction or breakdown over time, just like any other electronic device.
You might wonder if your electric kettle can be fixed if it has broken or is not working correctly. In this blog post, we’ll talk about some typical problems with electric kettles and offer advice on how to fix them.
We’ll also review some fundamental safety measures you should consider when fixing an electric kettle. By the end of this article, you should better understand troubleshooting and how to repair electric kettle’s common issues easily, ultimately saving you time and money.
How to Identify Common Issues in Electric Kettles?
Although electric kettles are typically dependable and long-lasting appliances, problems can arise over time.
Typical problems include:
- Not Switching On – If your electric kettle isn’t turning on, it might be because of a blown fuse, a broken thermostat, or a loose or damaged power cord.
- Noisey Operation – A malfunctioning thermostat or mineral buildup on the heating element may be to blame for any unusual noises your kettle makes, such as gurgling or hissing.
- Slow Boiling Time – A malfunctioning thermostat or a buildup of mineral deposits on the heating element may be to blame for your kettle taking longer than usual to boil.
- Leaking – A damaged or loose seal, a cracked or damaged kettle body, or a damaged heating element could all be to blame if your kettle is dripping water.
- Overheating – If your kettle is overheating, a broken thermostat or a clogged steam vent may be to blame.
Before making any repairs, it’s critical to determine the underlying cause of the issue. Others might need more complex troubleshooting or parts replacement, while some problems might be quickly resolved with simple cleaning or descaling.
Tools Required to Repair an Electric Kettle:
Before starting any electric kettle repairs, having the required tools and materials is essential.
Here are some items you may need:
- Screwdriver – To access the internal parts of most electric kettles, screws must be removed. Usually, a Phillips head screwdriver will do this task.
- Multimeter – A multimeter is handy for measuring electrical current, voltage, and resistance. This can be useful for checking the thermostat’s or heating element’s continuity.
- Descaling Solution – To remove mineral buildup on the heating element, use a descaling solution like vinegar or citric acid.
- Replacement Parts – You might need to swap out specific components, like the power cord, heating element, or thermostat, depending on the problem.
- Safety Gloves – Safety gloves should always be worn when working with electrical appliances to prevent electric shock.
- Cleaning Cloth – The exterior and interior of the kettle can be cleaned with a cleaning cloth or sponge.
Before starting any repairs, read the manufacturer’s instructions; some might call for particular tools or techniques. Additionally, unplugging the kettle before any repairs is crucial as exercising caution when working with any electrical parts.
How to Repair Electric Kettle – Common Issues?
With the help of an electric kettle, you can quickly boil water for tea, coffee, or other hot beverages. But over time, just like all appliances, they might develop issues.
Here are a few typical electric kettle problems and solutions:
The kettle is not turning on:
The power cord should be examined first if the kettle doesn’t turn on. Make sure the outlet is working correctly and that it is plugged in firmly. It might be necessary to replace the power cord if it is damaged.
A broken heating element or thermostat is yet another potential root of the problem. It might be necessary to swap out these components in this situation.
Leaking kettle:
A bad gasket or seal may be to blame if water drips from the kettle. It may be necessary to replace these parts if they become worn out over time. Unplug the kettle and drain any remaining moisture before fixing the leak.
After that, remove the lid and look for any signs of damage on the gasket or seal. Replacing a damaged gasket or sealing it with a new one is simple.
Burnt or metallic taste:
Tea or coffee may taste burnt or metallic if the mineral buildup is on the heating element. First, unplug the kettle and let it cool completely before attempting to fix the problem.
After that, add equal amounts of water and vinegar to the kettle and let it stand for 30 minutes. Throw away the vinegar solution after 30 minutes and give the kettle a good water rinse.
Loud noises:
A buildup of mineral deposits on the heating element may cause loud noises from your electric kettle. Use the same descaling procedure as above to resolve this problem. If the noise doesn’t go away, it might result from a broken thermostat or heating element, in which case these components need to be replaced.
Slow boiling time:
It may be because of mineral buildup on the heating element or a malfunctioning thermostat if your electric kettle takes longer than usual to boil water. To get rid of any mineral deposits, repeat the above-described descaling procedure. The heating element or thermostat might need to be replaced if the problem continues.
It is best to seek the assistance of a qualified electrician or appliance repair technician if you are uncomfortable trying any of these repairs on your own.
Key Takeaways:
- The power supply, heating element, and thermostat are the three components of an electric kettle that frequently experience issues.
- To prevent electric shock, unplug the kettle and let it cool completely before starting any repairs.
- You can check the power supply by connecting the kettle to another outlet or using a voltage tester.
- Replacement may be necessary if the heating element is damaged. This can be accomplished by investing in a new heating element and installing it by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- The electric kettle’s lifespan can be increased, and joint problems are avoided with regular maintenance and cleaning.
To Summarise:
Electric kettles are necessary for many families, but they can develop issues over time. Individuals can troubleshoot and repair common problems with their electric kettles by following the advice, ultimately saving time and money.
Those still deciding whether to make repairs should seek the assistance of a qualified electrician or appliance repair technician.
