Fixing the leaking iron

[Beverly C.]

Ladies, I have a strange question. My Rowenta focus (steam iron I bought it several moths ago) started leaking and I just noticed that - while staying up late to finish my projects.
Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a way to fix this without sending it back to the manufacturer?
I'm really upset with this as I liked this iron so much.

UPD: had to return it, from what I found it seems that I'm not the only one with such a problem. I'll try Black and Decker instead.

[Helen W.]

sewing_lady, I have had the same problem with my Rowenta DG8020 Steam Irons, but like you, I like them so much I just live with it until something goes
wrong and then get a new one. I have found the cost to ship them back and get them fixed is often so much it is just better to get a new one, especially if out of warranty.
I have found if you clean them as the directions advise that can help. Since it is only a couple months old I would try to get them to cover it under the
warranty. Amazon is great that way. If you are dealing directly with Rowenta they will probably make you pay for the shipping and insuring it to be
sent back to them for repair or replace. I was thinking, with no proof, that maybe water in the steam hose cools after use, and then when you
start it back up that just comes out as water, not steam once it has warmed up. If you want to live with it, I put a hand towel on the end of the ironing board and hit
the steam into the hand towel before using. That usually takes the water out and then it does not leak while using it. But if you let it sit for awhile again you will get water in with
the steam. I assume you have using the type of water they suggest, and all their little suggestions that never worked for me. It is a very common problem if you
google it. But the steam irons are so good for the steam they put it out when working correctly I just keep buying them. HelenW

[Anne B.]

In my opinion, an iron is a iron. I never put water in my iron, I only put water in a spray bottle. That way I have steam when I need it and never water leaks which I don't need ever

[Barbara B.]

Ladywingnut, I agree.

[Barbara B.]

I used to own an Oliso which would never really leak unless you were really using a lot of steam. It also seemed to do better in horizontal position. I was thinking of upgrading to a Rowenta iron, which these guys thinks is the best steam iron for quilting when it comes to not leaking. Does anybody know anything about it and if it's really better? I would be using it for quilting but also for household chores like ironing clothes and even steaming drapes sometimes.

I just wish leaking wasn't a problem, especially when working with delicate fabrics.

[Diane R.]

ShanV - I've used Rowentas for years. They leak. One leaked catastrophically (as in the whole tank flowing all over the ironing board). We autopsied that one, and found that the tank inside is made of two parts, glued together. Obviously, the glue didn't hold up to exposure to water and heat.

I still use a Rowenta, but I never put water in it. If I need steam, I use a spray bottle.

[Helen W.]

Diane, I also have had many a Rowenta steam iron. And yes they have all leaked also. But I love the steam they give. So my workaround is
I put a wash cloth on the right end of the ironing board next to the tank. Just before I am ready to press using steam, I give it a several second shot of steam
into the wash cloth. The water comes out as a leak into the wash cloth, then I do my work. Then I go back to sewing etc. When ready to use again.
I give the first burst of steam into the wash cloth. I have not had problems with it leaking onto my projects. HelenW

[Diane R.]

Diane, I also have had many a Rowenta steam iron. And yes they have all leaked also. But I love the steam they give. So my workaround is
I put a wash cloth on the right end of the ironing board next to the tank. Just before I am ready to press using steam, I give it a several second shot of steam
into the wash cloth. The water comes out as a leak into the wash cloth, then I do my work. Then I go back to sewing etc. When ready to use again.
I give the first burst of steam into the wash cloth. I have not had problems with it leaking onto my projects. HelenW

Helen - I've done this too, and still had rusty water dripping onto my project. Unfortunately, the project was my daughter's wedding dress! Luckily, it was only the lining, and I was able to replace the piece. I know our water is super hard - maybe that makes a difference. Rowenta makes great irons, if only they'd solve the leaking problem.

D