Earlex Online Help Desk

Q. My house lights trip when the unit is switched on.
A. This normally means the element has overheated generally due to the unit being tilted during use. You can purchase a replacement from our Customer Service Team.

Q. I have filled the unit with hot water as per instructions but it will not come on.
A. Empty it out and refill with cold water. Occasionally, filling the boiler from empty can trip the thermal cut-out.

Q. The unit almost comes to boil but switches off again or just gets warm.
A. This is either due to being filled with hot water or it requires descaling. Use ordinary kettle descaler and follow manufactures instructions.

Q. What is the steam pressure?
A. Approximate 2psi (0.1 bars). It is not sold as a pressurised system.

Q. What is the small button on the back for?
A. That is a pressure release valve in case the hose or attachments get blocked.

Q. There isn't much steam coming out anymore.
A. It is nearly empty. Refill with clean water.
A. It requires descaling. See instruction manual.
A. The hose or attachments are partially blocked. Let them cool off then blow down them.

Q. There is water spitting out of the hose.
A. It is overfilled. Switch off and empty some out.
A. Steam is condensing in the hose. Switch off and hold hose upward for a few seconds. Then switch on and continue.

Q. The floor towels keep falling off.
A. When fitting them, cross the drawstrings over then pull so the towel goes over the edge of the head. Tie one string off then pull the other one as hard as possible. Tie it off to its adjacent hook and repeat previous with other string. Then tie them together.

Q. Will it clean my oven?
A. It is good for regular cleaning but deposits that have been left for a couple of years will need an appropriate cleaner applied to the oven.

Q. Can I put additives in my cleaner?
A. No, this will damage it and invalidate the guarantee. 

Q. What about laminate flooring.
A. Yes but avoid steaming it for long periods otherwise it will warp or lift from the adhesive.

Q. The spray is very blotchy/ splatters.
A. The paint requires thinning further (100 - 200ml of the appropriate thinner).


Q. It is spraying intermittently 
A. The pickup tube is loose. Push in.
A. The container is not tight enough. Hold the pot and turn the gun. A. The paint requires more thinning/mixing.

Q. It has stopped spraying during use.
A. The nozzle may be blocked with paint. Also check the air feed hole underneath the nozzle.

Q. I am getting an 'orange peel' effect.
A. The paint is being applied to thick. Turn the volume down, spray lighter coats, and use a smaller nozzle.
A. The paint is drying before it hits the surface. Hold the gun closer to the item being sprayed.
A. Gun is not being held perpendicular to surface. Keep wrist and arm straight and move whole body. Keep gun an even distance from surface.

Q. Can I get different size nozzles? 
A. Yes you can get 1.0, 1.5 and 2.5mm for the HV5000 and HV7000 and 1.5, 2.5mm for the HV3000

Q. Will it spray exterior emulsion/masonry paint?
A. Yes but with a lot of dilution and a 2.5mm nozzle. It is best for walls and smaller areas rather than a whole house exterior because you will need to apply approximately 3 coats.

Q. Do I need to mask anything?
A. Although there is minimum overspray with HVLP you will always get a spray mist in the atmosphere, so it is advisable to mask over appliance sockets, light fittings etc. Also cover any furniture in the area you are spraying with appropriate sheeting.

Q. Can i use paint in the 4l container
A. No, only fence treatment or very thin liquids

Q. Will the gun I use do different types of paint?
A. Yes, but for different thicknesses, different size nozzles are also available to get an improved finish like 1.5mm for gloss paint.

Q. Does the viscosity guide cover all makes of sprayer?
A. No it is only for Earlex sprayers.

Q. I have thinned the paint to the correct viscosity but it splatters everywhere.
A. You will need to thin it further. This because the viscosity test is a general guide to get the paint flowing. The timings can vary between brands of paint. Try adding 100 - 200ml of the appropriate thinner then stir. Next lift out your stirrer and the paint should be run off it rapidly. When it starts dripping the drops should be perfectly round like rain drops and not clingy or lumpy.

Q. What do I thin the paint with?
A. Water if water based. White spirit if solvent based. Cellulose if cellulose paints.

Q. Can I spray Hammerite?
A. It is possible to spray but you will need to thin it nearly 50:50 with Hammerite thinners.

Q. The paint I want to spray says ' for brush or roller use only'.
A. This usually because the paint manufacture does not test it for spraying, however most will spray with dilution. Always check with manufacture or our service department first.

Q. Can I use my paint sprayer for artificial suntan solution?
A. No because the unit is not certified for this use or any other use not specified in the instructions. It will also invalidate the manufactures guarantee.

Q. Can I put any wallpaper stripping additives in my unit?
A. Although some of these additives are designed for wallpaper strippers they are not recommended for ours because they can damage the components.

Q. How do I remove stubborn paper?
A. Score the paper either with a knife or perforating tool (Porcupine PPF1). Then use steamer as normal.

Q. Can't I just hold the plate on for longer?
A. Do not hold it in the same spot for more than 10 seconds. There is a risk it will burst the plaster underneath.

Q. How close can I get to light switches with the plate?
A. Do not allow water or steam to enter light switches or power points. Isolate the power at the main fuse box and then remove the face plate. This will allow you to remove any old paper that is stuck behind the socket/switch with a by hand with a damp sponge. Replace face plate when finished.

Q. It safe to remove Artex?
A. Normally Artex can be removed using the same method for wallpaper although the steam time will be longer. CAUTION: Some textured finishes may contain asbestos which may be hazardous to health and which are subject to licensing controls operated by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).

Q. How about ceilings?
A. Always wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) when using any Earlex appliance. In this case, you will need eye and hand protection due to possible hot water discharge from condensing steam.

Q. What are the filtration levels?
A. The standard fit yellow cellulose filters are 107 microns.
A. The white polyester filters are 15 microns.

Q. Dust is coming out from the blower hole.
A. The filters are clogged and require replacing.
A. They are damaged and require replacing.
A. The dust is to fine for the filters. Use collection bags WDACC19R.
A. The foam/paper filters are not fitted securely. 
1.	Slide foam filter over float cage ensuring all vents are covered and there is a 10mm gap before the base of the motor housing.
2.	Slide paper filter gently all the way over the top of the foam filter and onto the shoulder of the motor housing.
3.	Seal the top of paper filter with the elastic band so the band pulls into the gap.
Note: it is important that the paper filter is completely enclosing the foam otherwise dust will escape through.

Q. Can it be used for ponds and drains?
A. Yes and we recommend fitting the heavy duty WD filter WDACC13.

Q. What is the tech spec of these vacs as the catalogues conflict with each other?
A. Specification: 230v, Air flow 33Ltr/sec, 1100W motor, Capacity 12ltr wet, 13.5ltr dry
WD1000 - Hose length 1.8m, Working length 6M, paper filter
WD1100 - Hose length 4m, Working length 8m, cartridge filter
WD1200P - Hose length 4m, Working length 9m, cartridge filter, MIN PTO Approx 75watts Max PTO 1800W