How To Repair A Leaking Cordless Kettle

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A cordless electric kettle is an indispensable kitchen appliance thanks to its high water boiling speed and an auto shut-off system that turns it off once the water has boiled. Unfortunately, this handy appliance is prone to problems; the most common among them is leaking. So, how do you repair a leaking cordless kettle?

To repair a leaking cordless kettle, find the source of the leak first. Then, if the kettle has a plastic casing, you can seal the leaking point using hot-melt glue or cold welding. For glass kettles, besides sealing cracks, you can replace the jar because most glass models have spare jars.

If you’re looking for a solution to your leaking cordless kettle, you’re in the right place. This guide outlines everything you need to know about repairing a leaking kettle. Let’s get started!

How To Repair A Leaking Plastic Cordless Kettle

Let’s begin by looking at the plastic kettles.

If your plastic kettle leaks, the most probable cause would be a crack on its jar. However, your kettle leaking doesn’t mean you should immediately rush to the store for a new one. Sometimes, a minor repair that doesn’t necessarily involve a lot of technical work can help you save a few dollars.

So, it’s good that you learn how to handle leaking kettle repairs without digging deeper into your pockets.

Let’s get started.

Find the Source of the Leak

Depending on the model of your plastic cordless electric kettle, a drip can originate from different areas such as:

  • At the measuring glass window designed to control fluid filling
  • Anywhere on the kettle’s wall

So, if your plastic kettle starts dripping, you should first carefully examine your kettle to determine where the leak is coming from. You can do this by filling it with water and observing the point that’s causing the drip.

With the leaking area identified, the next thing to do is get into action.

Use Hot Glue To Seal the Cracks

One of the easiest and efficient ways to repair a leaking kettle is by using a hot-melt adhesive, which is also known as liquid nails. It’s a thermoplastic adhesive sold in cylindrical sticks and applied using a hot glue gun.

This glue is highly adhesive, strong, and durable, making it a perfect choice for plastic repairs.

Applying this glue to your leaking kettle is simple, but you’ll need an additional tool–a hot glue gun. Then, here’s how you go about it:

  1. Insert the hot glue cylinders into the gun.
  2. Allow the gun to heat up. The gun heats up and melts the glue for ease of application.
  3. Now gently apply the melted glue to the cracked spot in your kettle.
  4. Carefully spread the glue in a thin layer to cover the cracked area.
  5. Allow it to dry.

If properly applied, this melt glue offers a reliable seal to the dripping kettle upon drying.

You can check if the leak has been sealed by pouring water into the kettle, boiling it, and watching out for any drips.

Repeat the process at least three times to be sure of the results.

The beauty of using this adhesive is, it’s non-toxic, it withstands temperature fluctuations, and it’s elastic enough to resist ruptures. It’s also ideal for fixing a crack in the glass window, as well as the plastic kettle walls.

Go for Cold Welding Using Adhesive Repair Gel

Another way to repair a dripping plastic kettle is through cold welding. Unlike other forms of welding, which use heat as the primary factor, cold welding depends on adhesive gels to bind surfaces.

Here, you’ll need to get a cold welding adhesive gel from the stores. And unlike with the hot melt glue, you don’t need a separate special tool to apply it. You only need the dispenser included in the package to apply the glue.

Just put a uniform layer of the adhesive on the dripping surface, spread it gently, and leave it to dry.

But before reusing your kettle, be sure to check whether the crack has been entirely sealed by pouring water into the kettle and observing whether there are still any water drips.

If the dripping still occurs, empty the kettle, dry it, and add an extra layer of the sealant.

Replace Lose or Broken Handle

Besides cracks, leaking may also be triggered by a faulty handle.

If the leaking in your kettle is from the handle, it could be that it’s loose or faulty. If it has screws, tightening them can help with the leaking. However, for some kettle models, tightening the screws may not work. If this happens to you, consider replacing the entire handle. 

You can do the replacement yourself by buying a matching handle from the manufacturer or outlet stores. Additionally, you can seek help from a qualified technician or handyman.

Fix Leaking Bottom

Another possible trigger is a loose base if your kettle comes with a housing base.

If you spot the leak is coming from the bottom of your kettle, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Carefully unscrew and remove the bottom housing or casing.
    You can use an ordinary screwdriver.
    If you aren’t sure of how to unscrew your kettle, refer to its user manual.
  2. Remove the gasket and the heating disk.
  3. Now, examine the interiors by checking the casing and silicone gasket to establish the cause of the leak.
  4. If the issue is a cracked case, you can seal it using a non-toxic sealant.
    If the problem is the gasket, consider replacing it.
  5. However, if there isn’t any visible issue, it could be that the connection between the bottom case and the jar has loosened.
  6. Now, put everything back in place and screw tightly.
    Tightening the screws will help if loose screws are the cause of the leak.
  7. Pour water into the kettle and bring it to a boil.
    If you observe no leaks, it means your actions were fruitful.

How To Repair A Leaking Glass Cordless Kettle

Glass cordless kettles are becoming increasingly popular as people shift away from plastic kettles, some of which have a repulsive effect or an unpleasant smell. However, these glass models are highly delicate compared to the plastic ones, so they’re more prone to cracks.

If your fancy glass electric kettle starts to leak, you should identify the issue first.

If it’s a crack, you can seal it the same way you do with plastic kettles. However, some manufacturers don’t recommend using sealants and glues on glass jars because the features of glass can complicate the repair process.

Instead, they recommend replacing the glass jar. Most modern glass kettles have spare glass bulbs or jars readily available from the manufactures or selected outlet stores.

And if the leakage is from the bottom part, handle it the same way as a plastic kettle, as discussed above.

Additionally, you may also find that your kettle leaks near the power switch. If the switch is at the upper part, it could result from overfilling, which you can solve by boiling only the recommended water volume.

However, if the leak at the switch isn’t related to overfilling, it can be the manufacturer’s fault. At this point, you should consider reaching out to the manufacturer or retailer and filing a warranty form for a replacement or advanced repairs.

If none of these approaches seem to work for your kettle, you can consider contacting the manufacturer or involving a qualified technician.

FAQs About Electric Kettle Leaks

Let’s look at some frequently asked questions regarding leaking in electric kettles.

Why Do Kettles Crack?

Cracking in kettles may have several triggers such as:

  • Improper care: This is especially true for glass kettles. Glass doesn’t like sudden temperature changes; for example, pouring ice-cold water into a flask that has just finished boiling. The sudden temperature change can trigger cracking. Therefore, always allow your glass kettle to cool off completely before pouring in cold water.
  • You dropped it: Kettles are delicate, and dropping them exposes them to cracks. So, to avoid cracks, always handle your kettle with care. For example, avoid placing it at the edge of a countertop. Additionally, ensure it’s stored in a safe place when not in use.
  • Manufacturing defects: Some cracks originate from the manufacturer. They may be too tiny and invisible to the eyes, but their effect is often felt during operation.

Is It Safe To Use a Leaking Kettle?

Generally, it’s unsafe to use a leaking kettle.

A leaking kettle can lead to boiling water dripping into unwanted areas, which can cause minor burns and other injuries.

Another remote reason concerning the safety of an electric kettle is electric shock, which can occur if the water gets to the power socket or if the power cord connecting to the kettle base is faulty.

Therefore, if you notice that your kettle is leaking, it’s best to discontinue its use and address the issue first.

What Should You Consider When Getting Glue for Your Kettle?

When choosing a perfect gluing solution for your kettle, you should consider things, such as:

  • Non-toxicity (should be approved for use in the food industry)
  • Water-resistant
  • Should withstand high temperatures
  • Good adhesion
  • Fast drying time (preferably under room temperature)
  • Elastic enough to prevent ruptures

Conclusion

Cordless kettles are delicate kitchen appliances that should be handled with care. A small leak in your kettle means you won’t enjoy the privilege of having warm water on the go. However, some leakages are minor, and you can fix them by sealing cracks using hot melt glue or by cold welding.

In some cases, you may be forced to open the kettle’s base, especially if the drip originates from its bottom.

If you feel that the repairs are beyond your ability, consider getting help from a qualified technician.