If your Morphy Richards Power 2400W SteamElite Plus Steam Generator (model 332013) is dripping, spitting or releasing water from the soleplate instead of steam, there are several checks you can carry out.
The SteamElite Plus may occasionally release small amounts of water during steaming, particularly if the iron hasn't reached the correct temperature or the base unit is moved during use.
However, continuous dripping, excessive water discharge or water pouring from the soleplate isn't normal operation and may require further investigation.
Follow the steps below to identify the possible cause.
1. Check the Soleplate Temperature
One of the first things to check is whether the iron has reached the correct temperature before steam is used.
The SteamElite Plus has a temperature dial on the iron and a separate steam level control on the base unit.
What to Do
- Turn the temperature dial to the appropriate setting for your garment, following its care label.
- Allow the iron to heat up.
- Wait until the temperature indicator light on the iron goes out.
- Check that the selected steam level indicator on the base has stopped flashing and remains illuminated.
- Use the steam trigger only when both the soleplate and steam system are ready.
Important: The temperature indicator light going out means the soleplate has reached its selected temperature. It doesn't mean the iron has switched off.
If the soleplate temperature is too low for steam ironing, water droplets may escape instead of being converted into steam.
Does the Temperature Setting Affect Steam?
Yes. The SteamElite Plus manual provides guidance on which temperature and steam settings are suitable for different fabrics.
Lower temperature settings may not be suitable for steam ironing.
Always follow your garment's care label and the appliance's temperature guide rather than increasing the heat beyond what the fabric can tolerate.
2. Check How You're Using the Steam Trigger
The SteamElite Plus has a steam trigger for continuous steam delivery and, on applicable versions, a separate steam boost button.
If water droplets appear during use, try adjusting how steam is applied.
What to Do
- Allow the iron and steam system to reach their selected operating temperatures.
- Use the steam trigger for shorter periods.
- Release the trigger between applications of steam.
- Check whether the water droplets reduce or stop.
The user manual specifically recommends using steam for shorter periods to help avoid small amounts of water being released from the soleplate.
Are You Using Steam Boost?
If your version has a steam boost button, use it separately from the continuous steam trigger.
The manual advises that using both controls together can interrupt steam delivery.
After using steam boost, allow up to approximately 5 seconds before requesting another boost.
Do not press the steam trigger and steam boost button together.
3. Keep the Steam Generator Base Stationary
Sudden movement of the steam generator base during ironing can cause water droplets to appear at the soleplate.
What to Do
- Place the base unit on a firm, stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Ensure it is positioned at the same height as your ironing board or below it.
- Avoid moving, lifting or jolting the base while ironing.
- Allow the appliance to operate normally and check whether the dripping stops.
The manual specifically advises against moving the base unit during ironing because sudden jolts can cause water droplets to be released from the soleplate.
4. Check the Water Tank and Water Type
The SteamElite Plus requires water in its clean water chamber for steam ironing.
What to Check
- The detachable water tank is correctly fitted.
- The clean water chamber contains sufficient water for steaming.
- The water level doesn't exceed the MAX filling line.
- Water has only been added through the clean water chamber's filling cap.
- The recommended water mixture is being used.
Recommended Water Mixture
For model 332013, Morphy Richards recommends:
- 50% tap water
- 50% deionised, distilled or demineralised water
Never use more than 50% deionised, distilled or demineralised water.
Do not add scented ironing water, perfume, starch, vinegar, chemical descalers or other additives.
Using the recommended water mixture helps reduce mineral deposits and maintain the appliance.
Please note: The manual doesn't identify an incorrect water mixture or filling level as an automatic explanation for water pouring from the soleplate. These checks help establish that the appliance is being used and maintained correctly.
For further information, see:
What Water Should I Use in My SteamElite Plus?
5. Is This Happening During the First Use?
If you're using your SteamElite Plus for the first time, you may notice occasional small water droplets as the steam system begins operating.
The manufacturer recommends ironing over an old towel when using the appliance for the first time.
What to Do
- Set the appliance up on a stable surface.
- Select a suitable temperature and steam setting.
- Wait until the temperature indicator goes out and the selected steam level indicator remains illuminated.
- Use the iron over an old towel initially.
- Apply steam for short periods and check whether the droplets stop.
Occasional small droplets may be normal. Water pouring continuously from the soleplate is not.
Do not continue using the appliance if it is discharging large amounts of hot water.
6. Could Limescale or Auto Clean Be Related?
The SteamElite Plus has an automatic cleaning system designed to remove mineral deposits from its internal boiler.
Auto Clean operates after approximately 5 litres of water have been used, once the appliance has cooled completely and is next switched on.
You cannot manually start Auto Clean before it is due.
If the descaling indicator is flashing, allow the automatic cleaning cycle to complete before attempting normal steam ironing.
After the cleaning cycle has finished and the appliance has cooled completely, empty the dirty water chamber as instructed in the user manual.
Do not add descaling chemicals, vinegar or cleaning solutions to the water tank.
For more information, see:
How to Descale Your SteamElite Plus (332013)
If Auto Clean isn't completing correctly, see:
SteamElite Plus (332013) – Auto Clean & Descaling Troubleshooting
7. When Might Water Dripping Require Further Investigation?
If you've completed the checks above and water continues to escape from the soleplate, further assessment may be required.
Examples include:
- Water pours from the soleplate rather than occasional small droplets.
- Water continues to drip despite the iron reaching the correct temperature.
- The appliance releases substantial amounts of hot water when the steam trigger is used.
- Water continues escaping after the steam trigger has been released.
- The appliance repeatedly leaves clothing excessively wet during normal steam ironing.
These symptoms don't automatically confirm a manufacturing fault, but they shouldn't be dismissed as normal operation.
If substantial amounts of hot water are escaping, stop using the appliance and allow it to cool.
8. Still Experiencing Water Dripping? Contact Customer Support
If the water dripping continues after following the troubleshooting steps, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.
To help us assess the issue, please provide:
- Model and serial number: Your model is 332013. Please provide the serial number from the appliance's rating label or a clear photograph of the label.
- Description of the problem: Confirm whether you're experiencing occasional droplets, continuous dripping or water pouring from the soleplate.
- When it happens: Tell us whether it occurs during initial heating, while using the steam trigger, after releasing the trigger or throughout ironing.
- Temperature and steam settings: Confirm which settings are being used.
- Water type: Tell us whether you're using tap water, deionised, distilled or demineralised water, including the proportions if using a mixture.
- Video evidence: Where safe, provide a short video showing the water escaping during normal operation. Do not attempt to reproduce a hazardous leak or handle escaping hot water.
- Full UK postcode: Please confirm your postcode.
- Troubleshooting completed: Tell us which checks you've carried out and the results.
- Proof of purchase: Please provide this if available, as it may be required for a warranty assessment.
If you've already supplied any of this information, there's no need to send it again.
Our Customer Support team will review the details and advise on the appropriate next steps.