5 Problems With Bissell SteamShot (And Their Solutions)
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There are 5 common problems that people encounter when using the Bissell SteamShot. If you are dealing with a problem right now, please troubleshoot it using this simple guide.
You can use the quick navigation tab below to find the answer to a specific problem.
IMPORTANT: Not using your Bissell SteamShot the right way may cause problems. If you have not taken the time to learn, you can learn how to use the Bissell SteamShot and its attachments first.
1. Bissell SteamShot produces no steam
There are three reasons why a Bissell SteamShot is not steaming. If the indicator light fails to turn on, there is a problem with the cord. If the indicator turns on but won’t turn off, there is a problem with the heating element. Lastly, if the indicator turns off but there is no steam, the steam nozzle may be blocked.
If the indicator light fails to turn on, there is a problem with the cord
Check the cord. Unplug the machine and run your hand along the cord while looking for damage or exposed wires. If the cord is damaged, get it fixed or buy a new machine.
If the indicator turns on but won’t turn off, there is a problem with the heating element (water not getting hot)
Once the machine has been filled with water, plug the Bissell SteamShot into a functioning outlet. Try using a different outlet if the first one does not work. The indicator light will turn on.
After about 30 seconds to 2 minutes, the indicator light should turn off. This indicates that the Bissell SteamShot is ready for use. If the indicator turns on but won’t turn off (the water is not getting hot), there is a problem with the heating element.
You can buy a new unit or contact Bissell if you are still under warranty.
Never add anything except cool water. Not only will it cause damage to the heating element, but it will also void your warranty. Always unplug the steamer before filling/refilling.
If the indicator turns off but there is no steam, the steam nozzle may be blocked
If the Bissell SteamShot has successfully heated up the water (the indicator light will turn off when it’s ready), but there is no steam when you press the trigger, the steam nozzle may be blocked.
Here’s how to check and unclog the Bissell SteamShot if the nozzle is clogged:
Take the tool off from the Bissell SteamShot and see if it sprays without the tool connected. If the machine produces steam without the tool attached, clean and unclog the spray tip on the tool with a paperclip.
If the Bissell SteamShot does not spray without the tool, wait at least 5 minutes for the machine to cool down. Then clean and unclog the nozzle using the end of a paperclip.
2. Bissell SteamShot is spraying hot water
There are two possible reasons why a Bissell SteamShot is spraying hot water:
- You are tilting the machine too much. Do not tilt it more than 45° during use.
- You overfilled the water tank. Always use the measuring cup to fill the water tank.
The Bissell SteamShot is designed to not be held at more than a 45-degree angle. Do not tilt the steamer more than 45° during use as boiling water could spill with the steam.
If the Bissell SteamShot is tilted too far (and this varies based on how much water is in the tank), the machine can dribble or spray water from the nozzle. Try spraying the machine while holding it level.
Additionally, the water can dribble from the Bissell SteamShot's top-valve as it is heating up and the nozzle can shoot hot water rather than steam for the first minute or so if you overfill the water tank.
Always use the measuring cup to fill the Bissell SteamShot. While it may seem okay to put the unit under the tap and fill it up, it's best to use the measuring cup to hit the max fill of 360ml or 6.6oz as the jug is labelled.
3. Bissell SteamShot safety cap issues
There are two common issues with the Bissell SteamShot safety cap. Either steam is coming out of the safety cap, or the safety cap will not come off, even after spinning it counter clockwise.
Steam coming out of the safety cap
If there is steam coming out of the Bissell SteamShot safety cap, there is nothing to worry about. Steam coming from the cap area is normal. This is how the machine vents to prevent too much pressure building up.
However, it is important to not hold the machine near the cap area. If you feel like the machine is continually spraying steam from the safety cap, or is spraying a large amount of steam, contact Bissell Customer Support.
The cap is stuck (will not come off)
The Bissell SteamShot water tank cap will not come off the machine if the steam temperature inside the tank is too hot. Unplug the machine and allow it to cool before opening the cap.
Before opening the Bissell SteamShot water tank cap, relieve pressure inside the machine by holding the steam trigger. Once cooled, the cap should become unstuck and come off.
The safety cap must be pushed down and turned counter clockwise in order to be removed.
4. Bissell SteamShot indicator light problems
Fill the Bissell SteamShot with water and plug the machine into a working outlet.
The Bissell SteamShot indicator light will light up (orange) when the machine is building up pressure and heating the water. Once the machine has finished heating the water, the light will turn off. Before using the steamer, it is important to wait for the indicator light to shut off.
On average, the Bissell SteamShot takes about 30 seconds to 2 minutes to heat up and produce steam. If the indicator light will not turn off, there may not be enough water in the machine.
Unplug the machine and wait for it to cool. Fill the tank using the measuring cup and try again.
If the indicator light won’t turn off, there may be a problem with the heating element. You can either contact Bissell Customer Support or buy a new machine.
5. Bissell SteamShot has no power
If your Bissell SteamShot has no power, unplug the machine.
The first thing you need to do is to inspect the entire length of the power cord and the plug. If the cord is not smooth and/or the prongs are damaged, Bissell SteamShot will not receive power from its cord.
Second, check to see if the outlet is working. Test the outlet by plugging in a phone charger or small appliance. If there is no power to the outlet, test a different outlet in a separate room.
Reset the circuit breaker if needed.
Make sure the Bissell SteamShot has time to heat up before using. The light will turn on when it is heating and will turn off when it’s ready to use. If the machine still has no power, contact Bissell Customer Support.
Conclusion
And there you go, the short, yet complete troubleshooting guide for every Bissell SteamShot problem out there. By taking the time to fix your steamer, you should be able to use it for a long time.
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