How to Replace a Stuck Safety Valve on a Steam Cleaner

[@bfernanddes]

How do you fix an engaged stuck valve. The machine has been off for months and it won’t budge

[@justtina577]

before you start hammering try this - it worked for me (sc 3) and was so easy I am still amazed - I used a refill lint remover roller that I bought from Coles about the same size as an empty toilet roll fitted over the cap - it fitted over half the cap snugly and I was able to turn it very easily- it took seconds so save yourself some grief and 50 bucks If your Kärcher SC 1020 high pressure hot steam cleaner's valve gets stuck (like mine), do not despair, it can be fixed. What worked like a charm for me was an IKEA adhesive clothing dust remover (they sell them @ around 99 cents), because it has the same size as the valve and is quite sturdy as opposed to a toilet paper roll which is either too thick or tears easily. Apply your entire weight against it and fix the cleaner's with your legs. It worked for me.

[@eSpares]

Hi Tina, thank you for your post and we would never have thought to use something like that great idea.

[@zarrinrahman]

Just tried this lint roller method today and it worked! Thank you so so much for posting this!

[@PhilipMK701]

The lint roller worked! Thanks!

[@mary1517]

Wait. Can you explain a bit more what you actually did? because I'm having this problem right now and I think I'm missing something. English is not my 1st language, maybe that's why I don't quite get what I should d with that IKEA roller (because that's the thing I have for this).

[@PhilipMK701]

@@mary1517 take your lint roller (the round cardboard thing) and press it down over the cap. Make sure it’s tight and then twist on the roller - it works like you just make the cap higher so your hand can twist it.

[@johnnelson4677]

Great Video, unfortunately the cap was locked solid, so used the hammer to remove the cap as shown, then used the hammer to smash off the plastic moulding attached to the actual brass valve, this revealed an hexagonal top, my largest socket is 1 1/16", this fitted and the unit was removed.

[@RoslynTurner-s9t]

Hi i can't manage to get the piston back down.. help!

[@RetroBoy94]

will this work for other brand steamers?

[@SamAttia-f2j]

My lid is not turning at all. So what do you do for that? The screwdriver hack to lift the lid also doesn't work. Why wont it turn? I even tried pliers .

[@DavetheRaveDinkum]

Well that was easy, cheers. My issue was my cap was seized and the engaging tabs all snapped so it just spins, after popping the plastic cap off I just used a regular size pair of multigrips to release the inner part 👌

[@eSpares]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Glad we could help get your steam cleaner back in action...happy steam cleaning!

[@DeborahKnowland]

Hi! I have the same steam cleaner but my problem isn't that the caps turns freely - it is stuck instead. I can move it left and right only one/ two millimetres which means it would engage the valve. So I tried to force it open with my good Knipex pliers but to no avail. Is there anything I can do?

[@bfernanddes]

Oh man same issue

[@m4gician]

Thank you! This saved my steam cleaner. I took apart the lid, soaked them in CLR and scrubbed it and it works perfectly.

[@eSpares]

Hi m4gician, thank you for your post and well done for sorting it.

[@nial6840]

Our SC2.600C trips the fuse as soon as I plug it in. What could it be?

[@bruhsrs9247]

Worked instantly, thank you legend (:

[@eSpares]

Hi, thanks for your comment...nice to hear that our video has helped you out!

[@GiuseppeTorres68]

I am going to try this now. Though in my case, not only cannot I remove the safety cap, the electrical circuitry trips the circuit breaker as soon as I attempt to turn the steam cleaner on. I looked at the other video of yours, I opened the plastic assembly, dried the inner case (it was not very wet, perhaps some condensation), checked the impedance of the motor (34ohm, instead of 14ohm, as you explained in the other video). I wonder what next steps are in my particular case. If I change the cap but I have a broken boiler I will have to change two parts, hopefully it will all work. As I have an SC1 model, would I be able to reuse the accessories if I bought the basic version of a later model - at least it is new and not reconditioned...

[@philthompson8574]

This happened to after using it only 2 times!!

[@mary1517]

Same for me, and it got me very disappointed in such a well know product...

[@kel4834]

Mine is stuck solid doesn’t even turn round like that iv tried everything

[@dawnradford8999]

Our KARCHER model is SC 5.800 C & the Maintenance closure cap is different to the one shown in the video. We have got the existing plastic top off but there is no spring visible!

[@eSpares]

The valve will work the same as the cap will disconnect when pressure is in the cleaner. There should be some type of clutch as shown at 3:05. Until this engages you will not turn the valve body.

[@KOCH4444]

It helps. Many thanks.

[@eSpares]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Glad our video has helped you!

[@Leopoldina2711]

simply great, thanks but no replacement safety caps on your website ?

[@eSpares]

Did you not see the 'pop up' at 2:38?. You can get to the part by clicking the i link button top right of the image or go to: www.espares.co.uk/search?SearchTerm=Karcher%20Steam%20Cleaner%20Safety%20Lock

[@eSpares]

Hi, Leopolina2711 the safety valve is on our website, please check www.espares.co.uk/product/es1535221/steam-cleaner-safety-lock?ApplianceTypeId=1316&ManufacturerId=877 just copy and paste into your browser.

[@keshgenga1380]

Hi! Great video! In my case, the water comes out at the top where the safety valve is. So, is this safe? Do I need to get a new safety valve?

[@eSpares]

Hi Kesh, if there is water is will be very hot and not safe to use, you will need to replace the valve.

[@Audiotechnical]

Exactly what I was looking for on the internet. Fairly annoyed with myself that I didn't find/watch this 'before' I took a wrench to the cap and applied so much pressure to make it turn, something snapped, and now it turns freely, but does not engage! Pretty sure I snapped some plastic part within the safety valve! Oh well, at least now I can remove the cap with this method, and purchase a replacement.

[@eSpares]

Hi Matt, it is a common problem so do not blame yourself. Hopefully all will be back in working order soon.

[@ianmcfarlane-toms3639]

Ordered the replacement cap from espares, followed instructions but can't "push the piston back down". How small an allen key did you use. Otherwise wasted £35 on a replacement cap!

[@eSpares]

Hi Ian, we had a allen key set so used the smallest one we could get to go into the hole to push the piston down.

[@binilc6238]

The plug is too expensive. i was thinking if it was possible to custom make a BSPP SS plug with a Viton O ring and a socket head. Since we are over riding the safety feature, one should be extra careful to remove the plug only after the pressure is fully released.

[@kristarichards5182]

How do you remove the safety valve if the caps teeth have broken off? I’ve tried with vice grips to “grab” the valve but it just slips off the rubber.

[@eSpares]

Hi Krista, we explain in the video the method we used at 1.40, it can be tight and you may break it but as you are repacing it dont worry as it may be the only way.

[@kristarichards5182]

Sorry, i mean that i can't get the valve out at all. I have no problem with it braking and having to replace it but i can't replace it until i can actually get it out. I saw in another video it was suggested that water pump pliers were the way to go. I'll buy some tomorrow and hope that works although i dont really think its going to work any different to the vice grips.

[@Borland.88]

Столкнулся с такой проблемой, клапан завис и крышка прокручивалась. Произошло это после того как керхер после работы был оставлен с средством от накипи внутри на сутки.Решение было простым довести до закипания потом стравить пар через рукоять нажатием курка и крышка легко открутилась.

[@eSpares]

Здравствуй Артур Борланд, Спасибо за ваш пост и действительно хорошую информацию, молодец

[@chadshel1241]

We do the descaling after 8hours i pull out the water and rinse and fill again to use but its not functioning anymore.the boiler is hot but the theres no steam coming out in the hose.hope u can help

[@eSpares]

When descaling you should try and rinse any build up out of the tank via the filling connection. It is possible some of the scale may have entered the pipe or connection and blocked it. Try descaling again and leave the cleaner to work for some time to try and dissolve any blockage.

[@MatthewSoar]

I have removed the housing but still cant get the clutch to engage. The piston doesnt seem to stay down and I cant get the main body out. Any other help?

[@eSpares]

Pull the spray trigger to release any pressure in the boiler as this would keep pushing the clutch apart. You could also try placing an object in the cap instead of the spring to push the clutch down and force it to engage.

[@zayedahmed8932]

My karcher sc5 safety lock plastic lid broke off the bottom metal valve. How do i take it off? Thanks

[@eSpares]

Hi Zayed, once the cap is off you can use the parts to remove the rest of the valve as shown at 2:55.

[@benalvatur4858]

Just purchased the SC1 and the safety cap won't come off after its first use. Not impressed if this is the only option for me now after one go. Surely that isn't right

[@eSpares]

Hi Ben, you are right that is not normal for that to happen so soon, get in touch with the manufacturer as it should be under the guarantee.

[@jenniferpedley5527]

You made it look so easy.. I’m pretty sure I just made mine worse haha can you come do this one.. use it as an example for your followers 😅

[@szymciooo84]

Hi eSpares.The old plug after this action is no longer recoverable? only new?

[@eSpares]

The plastic does not glue well and the old valve will have limescale in it so easily stick again, we recommend replacing but it is up to you.

[@A2Z1Two3]

Is there a maintenance procedure that we can use after use to prevent the valve sticking? That would seem a more sensible approach than just waiting for it to fail!

[@KielanGaming]

Mine just took a few taps with a soft hammer in the unscrew direction and a plumbers wrench to unscrew it, then soaked the cap in white vinegar to disolve the lime scale and treat the threads, good as new, gonna only use water from my distiller in future...

[@eSpares]

Hi Kielan, nicely done and we like the information about the white vinegar as that is a good tip that has worked for you well done.

[@tonyatwell642]

The main body still wont unscrew...what can i do?

[@eSpares]

Hi Tony, unfortunatley the way this is designed it is not easy to remove and you can see from other comments you will have to break it to get it off, use the method shown by Mat in the video as use a flat blade screwdriver.

[@lg_believe333]

Should you descale the steamer (SC 1122 - 8yrs old) before placing the new plastic cap onto the steamer, so it doesn’t get stuck again? : Dissolving 2 descaling sticks into 1 litre of warm water. Pouring the solution into the boiler and allow it to react for approximately 8 hours. DO NOT screw the NEW safety lock onto the appliance while you are de-scaling. Thanks.

[@paulcohen1555]

WHY the safety valve popped? If the cause is not found and fixed, the new one may fail!

[@pokiou]

mine just got stick.. went to use the removal technic and just broke the asembly... the karcher is now in the bin.

[@eSpares]

Hi pokiou, we do see a lot of complaints about this valve and its design but sorry it didn't work out.

[@CR-bc1zt]

But Karcher have decided to be awkward fuckers and on the S3, there is no cap. Very difficult to open

[@TheAw999]

Thnx for help 4 years and still can't open

[@maxfriedenberger8043]

Does this stuck safety value happen a lot on these steamers?? Is this from using tap water??/

[@eSpares]

Hi Max, it is not from using tap water that the valve fails, but if it does fail it can be stuck and difficult to release which is why we made the video to help.

[@maxfriedenberger8043]

Thanks Matt should you use distilled water in these steamers?

[@eSpares]

Hi Max, you can use tap water but be aware if you have hard water mineral deposits can build up which can affect the amount of steam released, it is recommended to use distilled water by some manufacturers.

[@maxfriedenberger8043]

thanks Matt like your video and honest opinion!!! I subscribe to your channel, keep up the great information!!!!

[@eSpares]

Thanks Max 😊

[@yassergabr20101]

nice Mat

[@eSpares]

Thanks Yasser. 😊

[@only1ydk]

What ever happened to Josh?

[@eSpares]

Josh decided he wanted to travel the world. 😊

[@michelleharlow493]

Only been used 4 times & lid stuck & not coming off like video. Want to kick it up & down the street until it's resembling confetti. Waste of money !

[@eSpares]

Hi Michelle it can be difficult to remove, but don't give up as it will eventually come out.

[@nixonsmateruby1]

I just plugged mine in for ten seconds then unplugged and top unscrewed like normal.

[@eSpares]

Hi nixonsmateruby1, we are surprised that has worked as that is defiantly a new way to try.

[@kentmorley22]

It did not work. It is not coming out. I am going to just throw the entire thing in the bin. Waste of money.

[@eSpares]

Hi kentmorley22, it can be a pain to get out but worth persevering as it does come out.