13-09-2024

How to Repair an Electric Kettle at Home

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How to Repair Electric Kettle at Home

As the cold days of winter roll in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hot drink from your electric kettle. If your kettle starts having issues, it might be tempting to replace it. However, try these easy electric kettle fixes before heading to the store. Repairing it can save you money and help the planet!

 

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Why Repair Your Kettle?

Replacing an electric kettle uses valuable natural resources. Repairing and reusing your kettle avoids producing 1 kg of CO2, the equivalent of 49 trees absorbing CO2 in a day! Now imagine if every household in British Columbia replaced a kettle each year—small repairs make a big difference for the environment.

 

Initial Checks Before Repairing

Safety first! Make sure the kettle is unplugged before handling internal parts, and never fully immerse an electric kettle in water. Now, let's go over some key things to check:

Common Electric Kettle Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Chalky Residue or Odd-Tasting Water

If your kettle has chalky residue or off-tasting water, it may need descaling. Limescale build-up from hard water can cause poor performance. Regular cleaning improves taste and prevents sensor issues.

 

How to Descale Your Electric Kettle

  1. Fill the kettle with a 1:1 ratio of water and distilled white vinegar or descaling agent.
  2. Boil the mixture and let it sit for 20 minutes.
  3. Unplug the kettle, then scrub the inside with a cloth. Use extra vinegar for stubborn deposits.
  4.  

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2. Electric Kettle On/Off Button Malfunctioning

If your kettle’s on/off button is loose or broken, it might just need re-fastening. Sometimes, cleaning the button area with a damp cloth can also help. If the button itself is broken, you may be able to replace it with a new one.

 

How to Fix the On/Off Button

If the button is just loose, it can often be clicked back into place. For more complex fixes, check out step-by-step instructions on sites like IFIXIT.com to source and replace the button easily.

 

3. Kettle Turns On and Off Unreliably

If your kettle is working intermittently, the contacts in the switch may need cleaning. Contacts are conductive surfaces that can corrode over time, blocking the circuit. Cleaning the contacts can restore your kettle’s function.

 

How to Clean the Contacts

  1. Unscrew the base of the kettle or the area near the handle and on/off switch.
  2. Spray the contacts with switch cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.
  3. Reassemble the kettle and flick the switch a few times to clear any residue.

 

Need In-Person Help?

For hassle-free trade services, call us at 0330 912 2323. We're here to help with free advice and expert support. You can also request a call back or find and book your local expert using your postcode!

 

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Conclusion

By repairing your electric kettle, you can save money, help the environment, and extend the life of your appliance. If you need help with repairs or want to hire a professional, HandyExperts is here to assist with all your home repairs!

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