Is a defective kettle making it hard for you to enjoy a hot cuppa without making a mess? Then find out why your kettle is leaking and how you can fix it in this article.
| The Location of the Leak | To Fix the Leak |
|---|---|
| Around the lid | Do not overfill Descale the lid Replace a broken lid |
| Around the spout | Descale the spout |
| Around the base | Keep it dry when filling Use a silicone sealant Replace under warranty |
| Around the viewing window | Use a silicone sealant Replace under warranty |
A leaking kettle is annoying and not to mention dangerous. So, take a closer look at how you can fix yours in the next section.
Identifying the Leaks and Fixing Them
Is it tricky for you to make a hot drink without getting water all over the kitchen countertop and floor? Drying the floor and the work surface every time you make a cuppa is a bit of a pest. That’s why coming up, you’ll find instructions on how you can fix the problem.
#1 Leaks Around the Lid
Does water leak from your kettle’s lid? Small amounts of water might leak from the lid while the water is boiling. Or, it might leak from the lid while you are pouring the water from the kettle, making it prone to spills.
Whatever the case, a leaky lid is a nuisance. So, let’s dive straight into how we can fix it.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The kettle was overfilled. Water expands as it boils. So, if you overfill the kettle, it will begin to leak when the water heats up. | Make sure you fill the kettle only as far as the “maximum” mark. You can find this on the inside or outside of the kettle. |
| Limescale is covering the lid. This will inhibit it from closing properly. If the lid cannot close properly, it will leak when you go to pour water. | Descale the lid using a kettle descaler or white vinegar. For more information on descaling, see the instructions below. |
| The kettle’s lid is broken. Water will leak as it boils and also when it is poured. | It might be tricky and expensive for you to find a replacement lid. If a replacement is not available, you will have to get a new kettle. If your kettle is still under warranty, you might be able to get a replacement free of charge. |
Ok, so we spoke a little here about descaling your kettle with a commercial descaler or white vinegar. Perhaps you’re wondering how you can do that. Take a look at the following instructions.
- If using a commercial descaler, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the limescale from the kettle. If using white vinegar, half fill the kettle with a part vinegar, part water solution.
- Boil the kettle
- Leave the solution in the kettle until it cools completely
- Once the contents have cooled, empty the kettle
- Use a soft sponge to clean away any stubborn limescale inside the kettle
#2 Leaks Around the Spout
Another place where leaks like to appear is around the kettle’s spout. This can make a mess when you come to pour the water from the kettle.
What can you do if your kettle is leaking from its spout? Take a look at the following tips.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Limescale is covering the spout. This is blocking the correct flow of the water. | Descale the kettle’s spout using a descaler or white vinegar. For more information on cleaning the spout, see the instructions below. |
| Limescale is clogging the scale filter. This is making it difficult for the water to pour. The water leaks around the spout. | Remove the scale filter and clean it with a cleaning cloth. Then reinsert the filter. |
Are you ready to clear the limescale from your kettle’s spout? Then take a look at these steps.
- If you are using a commercial descaler, follow the instructions included on the packet. If you are using vinegar, soak a cloth in vinegar.
- Wring the cloth then push it into the kettle’s spout. Leave it there overnight.
- Remove the cloth the next day. Wipe the spout with a sponge.
- Rinse the kettle with mild detergent a couple of times to remove the vinegar smell before you use it
#3 Leaks Around the Base
Does your kettle leak around its base? Then this is a particularly dangerous problem as the leak could be close to the power cord. If this is the case, it is best to discontinue the use of the kettle until you get the leak fixed.
Here are a couple of ways you can go about fixing a kettle that leaks at the base.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The kettle gets wet while you are filling it. Water runs down the side of it onto the base. Or the base gets wet as you are holding it over a sink. | Try to keep the kettle dry as you pour water into it. Dry it with a cloth if water spills down the side of it as you fill it. Keep it propped up as you hold it over the sink |
| There is a pinhole leak or a hairline crack somewhere on the kettle’s body. | Watch the kettle as it boils to identify where the leak is coming from. Once you have found it, cover it with a silicone sealant. For more instructions on using a silicone sealant, see the instructions below. |
| The kettle has a large leak. There was a problem with the manufacturing. | Check and see if your kettle is still under warranty. If it is, you may be able to get a free repair or a replacement. |
Ok, so we touched on using a silicone sealant here to repair hairline or pinhole cracks. Take a look at the method below that will guide you through this process.
- Identify the location of the crack. Mark it in chalk.
- Empty the water from the kettle and dry it thoroughly
- Apply the sealant to the outside of the kettle
- Allow the sealant to cure for the time recommended on the packet
- Rinse the kettle out twice before using it again
#4 Leaks Around the Viewing Window
From time to time leaks appear around the viewing window of some kettles. This is a more common problem with plastic kettles than it is with other materials because of the inferior quality of the plastic.
If a leak arises in the viewing window of your kettle, here is what you can do to fix it.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| There is a pinhole leak or a hairline crack in the viewing window. The viewing window has pulled away slightly from the kettle’s body. | Watch the kettle as it boils to identify where the leak is coming from. Once you have found it, cover it with a silicone sealant. |
| The kettle has a large leak in the viewing window. There was a problem with the manufacturing. | Check and see if your kettle is still under warranty. If it is, you may be able to get a free repair or a replacement. |
Conclusion
Has this article been helpful to you?
Hopefully we’ve been able to help prevent you from throwing away your perfectly good kettle.
If so, make sure you check out some of our other articles and free guides. You could even sign up to our email list.
Have a great day!
-Craig
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