FAQ
TL;DR: 76 % of steam-station failures are caused by scale, not electronics [Tefal Service Data, 2021]. “Clogging starves the boiler of water” [Elektroda, Krzysztof Druś, #17082397]. First rule: descale via the boiler port, then test the 47 W pump.
Why it matters: Following three low-cost checks fixes most GV8980 ‘no-steam’ complaints without replacing parts.
Quick Facts
• Pump rating: 230 V AC, 47 W, 50 Hz [Elektroda, nioop, post #17018385]
• Boiler temperature during steaming: 145–155 °C (typical) [Tefal Manual, 2016]
• Factory steam output: 120 g min⁻¹ [Tefal Manual, 2016]
• Descaler price: PLN 1.20–10 per 250 ml [Elektroda, nioop, #17089056; #17088335]
• Limescale alarms use a magnetic float sensor [Elektroda, Krzysztof Druś, #17018555]
Why does my GV8980 click but produce no steam?
The boiler stays dry because scale blocks the pump outlet or steam valve. The solenoid still clicks, so you hear it, but no water reaches the heater [Elektroda, supermarcin88, #16896804; Krzysztof Druś, #17018486].
How do I test the pump safely?
- Disconnect hoses, submerge the inlet in water.
- Apply 230 V AC for 5 s.
- A healthy 47 W pump delivers ≈90 ml in that time [Elektroda, Krzysztof Druś, #17549765]. If flow is intermittent, replace it.
Which replacement pump matches CEME E50301 EN 15240J4?
Any 230 V, 47 W Ulka type EP5 or AT502529100 fits and shares 45–55 psi output [Elektroda, nioop, post #17018385] Keep the original brass outlet nipple when swapping.
What part number is the white outlet elbow shown in the photo?
Tefal lists it as CS-00129469 [Elektroda, nioop, post #17018367] It is reusable after cleaning unless cracked.
My water-empty lamp never lights—why?
The tank houses a magnetic float; if you remove the tank upside-down or the magnet sticks, the Hall sensor reads “full” [Elektroda, Krzysztof Druś, #17018555]. Clean the float and insert the tank upright.
Best descaling chemical for a blocked GV8980?
Use a 10 % citric-acid solution or branded liquid descaler; both dissolve CaCO₃ five times faster than 6 % vinegar and leave no odour [Elektroda, palmus, #17149404; ChemScale Report, 2020].
Three-step boiler-only descaling procedure?
- Drain boiler via rear plug, then close plug.
- Pour 200 ml hot 10 % citric solution directly into boiler port.
- Heat for 5 min, unplug, wait 2 h, drain, rinse twice with clean water [Elektroda, nioop, post #17088075]
Edge case: pump runs constantly yet no steam—what now?
A stuck steam valve can vent pressure internally; the boiler never heats, so steam never forms. Replace the solenoid valve if its coil gap exceeds 0.3 mm [Elektroda, supermarcin88, post #17019204]
Can I power the pump dry for testing?
Do not. Running dry overheats the ceramic piston in under 30 s, cutting lifespan by 40 % [Ulka Tech Note, 2019]. Always prime with water first.
Why does water drip from the soleplate instead of steaming?
Cold iron + open boiler valve equals liquid water flow. Ensure the soleplate reaches full temp before pressing the trigger [Elektroda, Krzysztof Druś, #17018453].
Station stays silent; only ‘No water’ light shows—fault?
The control board blocks heating when the float sensor reads empty. If the tank is full, suspect a failed Hall sensor or broken wire on the sensor PCB [Elektroda, amadeofather, post #18408298]
Statistic: how often do blocked steam stations need parts?
Krzysztof Druś repaired >80 % of units by cleaning alone, replacing parts in <20 % of cases [Elektroda, Krzysztof Druś, #17019198].
