Replacing a Broken Element in an Electrical Kettle

Posted on: 22 April 2015

Many people take their kettles for granted; it is only when the kettle fails to operate do they realize how much it is missed. Kettles can work for many years, and can heat water up quickly compared to using a stove, saving time and money. If you are particularly fond of your kettle, but the element is broken, this article will guide you through replacing the broken element.

Get an Exact Replacement Element

Sometimes, the best option is to contact the kettle's manufacturer directly and order a new element. Going to the hardware store may mean that you end up with an element unsuitable for the kettle. If you do go to the hardware store, take the kettle with you and show a member of staff there; they will be able to provide you with an exact replacement element.

Remove the Shroud

To access the screw that holds the element in place, you will need to remove the shroud. The shroud is a circular piece of equipment, and can be removed with a screwdriver. It is located on the outside bottom part of the kettle, where the element is connected to the body on the inside of the kettle. When the shroud is off, you can then remove the element itself.

Take Out the Broken Element

There is usually a washer behind the shroud, made of fiber. As it is made of fiber it can be removed by hand, and without needing to use a tool. When this has been taken off, grasp the element from inside the kettle, secure the kettle with your other hand, and pull. The element should come out and into the kettle. Lift this out and dispose of the broken element or put it in your recycling area for metals.

Clean the Element Hole

This is an ideal opportunity to clean the element hole. All water heaters will produce a kind of scaling, over time, when boiling water; remove this with a descaling product.  

Fit the New Element

It is a good idea to connect a washer made of rubber between the element and the body of the kettle. Once this rubber washer is in place, you can reconnect the fiber washer, and reconnect the shroud. Make sure both washers and the shroud are properly connected to ensure a tight fit.

Test the New Element

You can now fill the kettle up, and try boiling some water. If you have repaired the element correctly, it should work. It is wise to check the tightness of the shroud after boiling water the first couple of times after this repair; the rubber washer will loosen a little after boiling.

You can follow these instructions if you wish to simply descale the inside of your kettle, without replacing the element. For more information, consult an appliance repair specialist. 

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