Quick Overview
There are a few common reasons why an electric kettle may stop working properly:
- Limescale buildup
- Heating element failure
- Thermostat or temperature sensor issue
- Power cord problem
- On/off switch malfunction
The most likely culprits are limescale buildup inside the kettle preventing it from heating the water, a worn out heating element that no longer heats properly, or a faulty thermostat/temperature sensor not allowing the kettle to reach boiling point. Troubleshooting the specific issue will help determine what repairs or part replacements are needed to get your electric kettle working again.
Checking for Limescale Buildup
Limescale, a chalky white buildup of mineral deposits from hard water, is a common cause of electric kettles failing to heat properly. Here’s how to check for limescale:
- Unplug the kettle and allow it to cool completely.
- Add a small amount of white vinegar to the kettle, around 1-2 cups.
- Let the vinegar sit in the kettle for a few hours to dissolve any limescale.
- Dump out the vinegar and rinse the kettle several times with clean water.
- Plug in the kettle again and see if it heats properly to boiling now.
If the kettle now works, the issue was limescale buildup. To prevent future buildup:
- Use filtered or distilled water in the kettle instead of hard tap water.
- Empty the kettle completely after each use.
- Descale regularly with vinegar or a commercial descaling solution.
If the kettle still won’t heat properly, it’s likely an electrical issue rather than limescale.
Testing the Heating Element
The internal heating element in an electric kettle is designed to heat the water. Over time with continual usage, this heating element can fail or burn out.
Here’s how to test if the heating element is still functioning:
- Unplug the kettle and allow time for it to cool.
- Remove the scale filter inside the kettle.
- Visually inspect the exposed heating element for any broken wires, corrosion, or burn marks.
- Use a multimeter device to check for continuity in the heating element.
- Plug in the kettle briefly to feel if the element is warming up at all.
If the heating element is damaged or no longer heating, it will need to be replaced. Most electric kettles have replaceable heating elements that can be easily swapped out.
Replacing a Heating Element
To replace the heating element in an electric kettle:
- Unplug the kettle and empty out any water.
- Open up the base of the kettle to access the internal components.
- Remove wires, screws, plates as needed to reach the element.
- Unscrew or loosen brackets to fully remove the old heating element.
- Install the new replacement heating element, securing any brackets.
- Reattach any wires and reassemble kettle base.
Be sure to get an exact replacement element designed for your make and model kettle. The heating element needs to make secure contact to heat properly.
Testing the Thermostat
Inside an electric kettle is a thermostat or temperature sensor that helps regulate when the water has reached boiling point. If this thermostat malfunctions, it can prevent the kettle from properly shutting off at the right temperature.
To test the thermostat:
- Unplug the kettle and remove the lid.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal kettle temperature.
- Plug in the kettle and allow time for it to heat up.
- If the kettle doesn’t shut off after reaching boiling point, the thermostat is likely faulty.
The thermostat and heating element are often integrated as one part. This would require replacing both components at once.
Replacing a Thermostat
Follow these steps to replace the thermostat in an electric kettle:
- Unplug kettle and disassemble housing to access internal parts.
- Disconnect any wiring connected to old thermostat/element part.
- Remove any mounting brackets or screws holding old part in place.
- Install new combined thermostat/element part and secure in place.
- Reattach wiring to temperature sensor/thermostat terminals.
- Reassemble kettle housing and test for proper shut off at boiling temperature.
Getting the exact replacement part is key for proper temperature regulation in the kettle.
Inspecting the Power Cord
A damaged or malfunctioning power cord can prevent electricity from reaching the kettle causing it not to turn on. Here’s how to inspect the cord:
- Unplug the kettle and check along the entire length of the cord for damage.
- Look for cuts, exposed wiring, loose connections, bent prongs, burn marks etc.
- Wiggle the cord at the base of the kettle and where it plugs into the wall to check for loose connections.
- Use a multimeter to test connectivity through power cord.
- Plug kettle into different outlet to test if issue is wall socket.
Any damage to the power cord will require replacement by a qualified technician.
When to Replace a Power Cord
If any of the following are found, the power cord will need to be replaced:
- Exposed inner wiring
- Burn marks or melting
- Cut, split, or cracked cord insulation
- Loose connection at base of kettle
- Broken/bent prongs on plug
- No continuity/connectivity through cord
Do not attempt to splice or repair the damaged sections yourself. The kettle will require a brand new power cord for safe operation.
Testing the On/Off Switch
The on/off switch on an electric kettle connects or disconnects power to the heating element. Like any switch, it can wear out over time and fail to make proper contact.
To test the on/off switch:
- Unplug the kettle
- Open up the kettle housing and locate the on/off switch
- Disconnect the switch from the power wires
- Use a multimeter to check for continuity between pins when switch is on vs off
- Visually inspect switch for signs of wear, overheating, or damage
If the switch no longer properly connects or disconnects, it will need replacing.
Replacing an On/Off Switch
Follow these steps to replace the on/off switch in an electric kettle:
- Unplug power cord and disassemble kettle housing.
- Disconnect wires from old on/off switch terminals.
- Unscrew or remove any brackets or fasteners holding the switch in place.
- Install new on/off switch and secure properly in kettle housing.
- Reconnect wires to new switch terminals.
- Test switch function before reassembling kettle.
Be sure the new switch has the proper amperage rating and matches the original.
Conclusion
Electric kettles stop heating properly most often due to limescale buildup, worn out heating elements, faulty thermostats, damaged power cords, or bad on/off switches. By methodically testing each component and making necessary repairs or replacements, you can get your electric kettle working again. Proper maintenance and descaling will then help extend its life.
Summary Table
| Issue | Diagnosis | Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Limescale buildup | Descale with vinegar, replace with filtered water | Remove buildup, prevent with filtration |
| Heating element failure | Visual check, continuity test, replacement | Replace heating element |
| Faulty thermostat | Check function with thermometer | Replace thermostat |
| Damaged power cord | Inspect cord, connectivity test | Replace power cord |
| Bad on/off switch | Continuity check, test function | Replace switch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my kettle stop working even though it’s only a year old?
Even new electric kettles can stop working prematurely if used with hard water, which causes heavy limescale buildup. Frequent descaling is needed to prevent blockages from minerals in hard water. The heating element can also fail early if subjected to repeated boiling dry.
Is it worth fixing my old kettle or just buying a new one?
If it’s a simple issue like limescale or the on/off switch, fixing is probably worth it for an otherwise functional kettle. But if the heating element, power cord, or thermostat need repair, replacement may be better than sinking more money into an old appliance. Evaluate the fixable issue cost versus replacing the entire kettle.
Are replacement kettle parts easy to find?
Many kettle manufacturers sell replacement parts like heating elements, lids, filters etc. Generic universal parts can also be found at hardware stores or online. Matching the voltage and wattage specs is crucial when replacing heating elements or thermostats. Have the make and model number handy to find the right part.
Is it safe to remove scale buildup myself?
While vinegar or descaling solutions are effective DIY options for removing limescale, take care not to get any liquids on the heating element wires. It’s safest to consult a service tech if needing to disassemble internal kettle parts to remove limescale. Don’t use anything abrasive that can damage the kettle surface.
Why does my kettle keep failing even after replacing parts?
There may be an underlying issue repeatedly causing failures, like using hard tap water leading to recurring limescale or possibly a faulty base causing electrical shorts. Examine your kettle usage and environment to determine if a contributing factor needs addressed. Seek professional appliance repair help if the issue persists.