Why Is My Bissell Steam Mop Leaking Water? (SOLVED)
Cleaners Talk is reader-supported. This post contains affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no additional costs to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Even when you are using only distilled water and using the lowest steam setting, your Bissell steam mop is leaking out from the back vent. Here’s why:
The most common reason why a Bissell steam mop is leaking out from the back vent is because of a cracked or damaged cap on the water tank. Often, the rubber gasket on the tip is damaged, causing the machine to not produce an efficient steam and leak water out the back vent.
You can either replace the rubber gasket on the tip of the cap, or replace the water tank entirely.
Replacement Water Tank with Cap for Bissell
- SUITABLE FOR: The hot steam mop water tank is compatible with Bissell models 19404, 19401, 1940N, 1940, 19402, 19408, 19409, 1940A, 1940F, 1940Q, 1940T,...
- WATER TANK REPLACEMENT: PowerFresh water tank provides a flexible and easy-to-install steam mop replacement for more effective and safer cleaning. The Cap...
- HASSLE-FREE CLEANING: The water inside the tank heats up and produces steam, and produces steam to sanitize sealed hard surfaces. It does not require any...
That being said, there are 5 possible reasons why your Bissell steam mop is leaking. In this post, we will help you troubleshoot the issue so you do not have to break the bank for a new steam cleaner.
5 Reasons Why Your Bissell Steam Mop is Leaking Out the Back
Here are the 5 reasons why your Bissell steam mop is leaking water out the back vent, explained in greater detail, including each of the solutions:
1. You are using too high of a steam setting
If you recently got the Bissell steam mop, you may be excited to give the machine a go without first checking it. The steam mop may appear to be leaking, but it may just be soaked from using too high of a steam setting.
Before trying anything else, try selecting a lower steam setting. In most cases, there should not be any excess water on the floor, and you can now use the machine effectively.
If you have been using the lowest steam setting, but the steam mop is still leaking, you may be holding down the trigger longer than needed. Make 3 back and forth strokes and release the trigger.
Remember, the trigger can be pressed intermittently for even less steam. You can always control how steam is released by the machine, so learn to control the steam output with your hand.
2. You are not moving the steam mop while turned on
Another common reason why your Bissell steam mop is leaving excess water on the floor is because you are not moving the steam mop enough while it is turned on.
A steam mop should remain moving while turned on. If it sits in the same spot for too long steam builds up, leaving excess water on the floor.
The excess water may confuse some people because it seems like the steam mop is “leaking”, when in fact, it is simply leaving water on the floor because it is idle.
The pad may also get soaked from using too much steam in one area.
Remember to replace a very wet mop pad with a dry one occasionally while using a Bissell steam mop to avoid excess water and streaking on the floor.
3. Check for cracks on the water tank and the cap
By far, the most common reason for a leaking Bissell steam mop is damaged water tank, especially its cap. Be sure to inspect both the water tank and the cap for cracks or damage.
Check the water tank to see if there are any cracks or leaks on the tank itself.
They may be hard to see, so make sure you are inspecting the tank with enough lighting. Also, make sure to have water in the tank while inspecting to see if it is dripping.
Another thing to look at is the cap on the water tank to make sure it is not cracked and that the rubber gasket on the tip of it is still attached to the unit.
In some cases, the rubber gasket is still attached, but it is damaged, causing the water tank’s rubber nozzle to fit loosely on the back of the tank. Make sure the water tank’s rubber nozzle is secured tightly on the back of the tank and placed correctly in the machine.
If the water tank or the cap is cracked or damaged, do yourself a favor by buying a replacement water tank. You can breathe new life to your current steam cleaner for just about $10, instead of buying a new steam cleaner that may cost $100,
4. The water tank is not seated correctly into the unit
If there is nothing wrong with the water tank, then it may not be installed correctly onto the unit.
Check to make sure the water tank is seated correctly and pushed securely into the unit. The tank has to be firmly pressed into the steam mop in order to work properly.
If the water tank is not seated correctly into the unit, it can leak excess water onto your floors.
5. Adding something else other than water in the tank
Last but not least, a Bissell steam mop may be leaking because you have been adding something else other than water in the tank.
While not common, putting cleaning solutions may cause a breakdown of the gasket and/or other parts of the machine, or worse, degrade the plastic and rubber components in the machine.
It may not happen instantly, but the components of the steam mop may have continued to sustain damage as time goes by, until one day, it has been degraded.
Steam mops work best by using water only. If you want to add some fragrance into the machine, you should read our simple guide of what you can and cannot add to a steam mop.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Bissell
If you are still having issues, even after going through the list of possible solutions from the troubleshooting guide above, you should definitely contact Bissell.
There is a 2-year warranty on a Bissell steam mop so please, do yourself a favor and contact Bissell to make a warranty claim! It is part of what you paid for when you bought the steam mop, so you really should make the most out of it. Bissell will likely repair or replace it for you free of charge.
In our experience, we just reached out to the Bissell customer service department and explained that our Bissell 1940W Steam Mop was dripping water and releasing steam from the vent hole on the back.
After a few quick questions we were informed that they would be sending us a replacement unit. It is really that quick and simple. Thankfully, the Bissell customer service is nothing short of spectacular.
Final Words
And there you have it, a quick solution to the question: why is my Bissell steam mop leaking out the back vent? Nine times out of ten, the problem lies in the rubber gasket surrounding the water tank’s cap.
Your best bet is to replace the water tank entirely. Remember to use the lowest steam setting and move the steam mop back and forth while using it. If all else fails, contact Bissell.
They would be more than happy to find a solution for you.
Related articles: