Your Steam Generator Iron Is Not Producing Steam
Here we explain to you the various possible reasons why a steam generator will longer produce steam. There are several different potential causes for this problem, which often occurs with this type of appliance.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:
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The safety thermostat has tripped
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The adjustable thermostat is defective
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The control thermostat is faulty
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The pump has failed
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The heating element is defective
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The solenoid valve is blocked
WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of electric shock.
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything.
There is a risk of getting cut or injured.
The safety thermostat has tripped
The safety thermostat cuts the electricity to the appliance's heating element if it overheats. If this thermostat trips, which most often happens due to a build-up of limescale impeding the heating tubes, the appliance will no longer heat up. You can check the thermostat yourself and reset it (if this is possible on your appliance); it will normally be attached to the heating element. We also recommend thoroughly descaling your appliance. Once you've done this, you can then check the condition of the safety thermostat using a multimeter in ohmmeter mode. Place the meter's two probes on the thermostat's terminals (ensure you first disconnect all its connectors before carrying out this procedure). It should have continuity. If it doesn't, you will need to replace it.
The adjustable thermostat is defective
The adjustable thermostat enables you to set the temperature at the appropriate level for the clothes you want to iron. It also enables the appliance to produce steam. If the thermostat is defective, the appliance will not be able to heat up. This will cause it to produce drops of water rather than steam. Important: the selector control itself can sometimes get damaged. Gently manipulate it to check its condition. If the adjustable thermostat is defective, it will need to be replaced.
The control thermostat is faulty
The control thermostat regulates the temperature of the heating element. If it's defective, the steam generator will no longer be able to heat up, which means you'll therefore no longer get any steam. This thermostat will be located near the heating element. When it's working normally, you'll hear a click when the correct temperature is reached. If you're no longer hearing this, the control thermostat will probably be the cause of the issue and will need to be replaced. You can check the condition of the control thermostat using a multimeter in ohmmeter mode. If there's no continuity, the thermostat is faulty.
The pump has failed
The pump supplies water to the steam generator's heating element. If it's no longer working, the water won't be able to enter the element and the appliance will trip into safety mode. This will result in no steam being produced. If the pump has failed, it will need to be replaced.
The heating element is defective
The heating element heats the water inside your steam generator. If it's defective, it won't be able to heat the water and your appliance will not produce any steam. Try descaling your appliance and testing it again afterwards.
The solenoid valve is blocked
The solenoid is an electric valve that serves to maintain the pressure of the steam inside the heating element. The solenoid operates the instant you press the steam button. If the switch is defective or clogged up with limescale, the solenoid won't be able to open and your appliance will therefore not produce any steam. If this is the case, you will need to replace the switch; though if this doesn't appear to be the cause of the issue, it will be the solenoid valve you'll need to replace.