Repair and Troubleshooting Tips for your Water Flosser
Having trouble with your water flosser? For people who don't like using traditional string floss, a water flosser is a gentle alternative that cleans your teeth using a stream of pressurized water. It's helped countless people clean their teeth without the discomfort of string floss. But like any appliance, it's also susceptible to accidents, malfunctions, breakage, and leaks.
Fortunately, most of these problems are easily resolved and can be fixed at home with minimal tools or experience. Got a problem with your water flosser? Here are some of the most common issues and helpful advice on getting your flosser back up and running.
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Common Water Flosser Problems
In general, long-term use with high water pressure and without adequate cleaning can create problems for the device. To keep your flosser running for as long as possible, clean your flosser regularly and make sure that the equipment is properly positioned. Drain out the water in the reservoir after use--don't leave it standing inside the tank. Taking good care of your device is the best way to eliminate the need for repairs and replacement.
1. WATERPIK WATER FLOSSER IS LOUD
Some water flossers can be very noisy and bothersome to those around you, especially if they are sleeping!
The Fix:
Unfortunately you cannnot stop the motor from making the noise that it makes; you can however purchase a quieter model such as the H2ofloss® Quiet Design Water Flosser. Or the Waterpik Ultra which was designed to be quiter than previous Waterpik models.
2. WATER FLOSSER IS LEAKING
As with any water-related appliance, leakage is always a possible issue. If a part becomes damaged or disengaged, the flosser might leak from the tip, the base, or the reservoir. Blockage can occur after prolonged use, preventing the water in the tank from flowing through the appliance.
The Fix:
If you're experiencing leakage with your Waterpik between the tip and the handle, remove the tip and reinstall it to make sure that it's properly engaged. If the reservoir is leaking, make sure that your device came with a black reservoir valve--if it's missing, you'll need to buy a replacement. Otherwise, make sure the valve is positioned right side-up. Experiencing leaks from the hose? It's likely that the hose is damaged, so you'll need to contact the company for a replacement.
3. WATER FLOSSER MOLD & MINERAL DEPOSITS
Mold, mineral deposits, and hard water build-up can also become an issue, as deposits frequently build up inside appliances with standing water.
The Fix:
When using an appliance that contains standing water, mineral and hard water deposits are always a possible issue, as well as mold growth. Make sure that you regularly clean the appliance with vinegar and warm water to keep your flosser safe and bacteria-free. You can also clean the reservoir in the top rack of your dishwasher. The tip can be soaked in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
4. LOW PRESSURE
Waterpik water flossers normally have a range of pressure settings. If you are still seeing issues at the highest pressure setting, read on below.
The Fix:
If there's no water flow or you're experiencing inadequate pressure, there might be a blockage in the device. Check the tip and make sure that you clean it regularly. The black reservoir valve can also become clogged, so make sure you clean the valve as well. Inadequate pressure can also result from a misplaced reservoir valve or hard water deposits inside the appliance.
5. WATER FLOSSER IS MESSY
Ok, maybe not that messy. First-time users might experience some splashing, which can make a mess on the bathroom counter. This is simply down to improper use of the device and can be easily remedied.
The Fix:
If your flosser is splashing water, try closing your lips around the tip of the flosser and leaning over the sink so that the water drains out of your mouth. It can be a bit difficult to get the hang of it at first, but after a few tries you'll be able to figure it out.
6. WATER FLOSSER IS NOT WORKING
In addition to problems with the water flow, the equipment might stop working or malfunction. Parts can become damaged or broken and require a replacement. The soft tip can become torn or worn out, especially if the device is typically set to high pressure. If the appliance is clogged or the reservoir is not positioned correctly, you might experience inadequate water pressure. In some cases, the motor might stop running altogether.
The Fix:
If your Waterpik water flosser does not work: If the motor stops running altogether, contact the manufacturer. In the case of lost, damaged, or misplaced parts, call the manufacturer for information on buying a replacement. Waterpik has excellent warranty options, some as long as 3 years for specific models. The tip should be replaced at least once every six months to keep your flosser working effectively.
A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT
Overall, a water flosser is a valuable tool for people who want to keep their teeth clean but don't like using string floss. The flosser is easy to use and gentle on teeth and gums while still removing grime and bacteria. Slight malfunctioning is always a possibility, but most issues can be resolved quickly by cleaning or replacing the parts. If you keep your flosser clean and hygienic and replace the tip frequently, your flosser will enjoy a long life that keeps your teeth clean for months or even years to come.
Check out our best Waterpik reviews here!
Sources:
https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/buying-guide/what-is-a-water-flosser/
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/721845/Waterpik-Technologies-Wp-900.html?page=16
https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/blog/how-to-clean-waterpik-water-flosser-vinegar/
https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/product-support/frequently-asked-questions/
https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pdfs/WP-100-instruction-manual
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Water-Pick
Aurora is the lead editor here at pearlywhytes.com. She is one of those people who actually likes going to the dentist. She loves to write about anything health related, but oral health is her most passionate topic. Her free time is spent partaking in family activities and experimenting in the kitchen.
