Wiktor Wise
Electric toothbrushes are a convenient way to maintain oral hygiene, but they can sometimes break or malfunction. When this happens, you may be able to fix it yourself by replacing the brush head or cleaning the charger post. If the problem is more serious, such as a faulty charger or internal repairs, it's best to seek professional help or send it to an authorized service center, especially if it's still under warranty. This guide will teach you how to identify common issues with your electric toothbrush and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them, helping you save money and extend the life of your device.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fixing a Broken Electric Toothbrush
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common issues | Brush heads, charger, internal repairs |
| Tools required | Screwdriver, multimeter, fine emery cloth, electrical contact cleaner |
| Steps | Unplug the charger, clean the charger post, remove the brush head, run the brush head under hot water, reinstall the brush head, replace the battery |
| Repair services | Braun/Oral-B Authorized Service Center, small appliance repair shops |
| Warranty | Oral-B electric toothbrushes are covered by a 2-year warranty, including repair costs and return shipping |
| Out-of-warranty repairs | Cost covered by the user, quote provided by the service center prior to repair |
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What You'll Learn
Replacing the brush head
If your electric toothbrush isn't working, the problem could be a worn or faulty brush head. Fortunately, the brush head is easy to replace. You can buy replacement brush heads from the manufacturer or from aftermarket suppliers, typically at drug or discount stores.
Before you begin, unplug the toothbrush's charger from the outlet. You can then remove the brush head from the toothbrush driver. Run the brush head under hot water with the brush running for a minute to loosen debris and sanitise the head. If you're not replacing the head, but simply cleaning it, you can reinstall it now.
If you are replacing the head, you'll need a new one that's compatible with your toothbrush model. To install the new brush head, simply reverse the removal process. First, ensure that the toothbrush is unplugged. Then, attach the new brush head to the toothbrush driver. Finally, plug the charger back into the outlet.
If you're repairing another part of your electric toothbrush, you'll likely only need a screwdriver and, possibly, a multimeter. However, if you're repairing a sealed electric toothbrush, internal repairs should be left to a professional.
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Fixing a broken charger
If your electric toothbrush charger is broken, there are a few things you can try before deciding to replace the entire unit or sending it off for professional repair.
Firstly, check that the power is on at the outlet you are using. If the appliance still doesn't work, test the electrical cord and battery recharger with a multimeter and replace the cord or charger if needed. If the unit still doesn't work, you can try cleaning the charger post. Unplug the charger from the outlet and use a fine emery cloth to clean the charger post. Spray the charger post with electrical contact cleaner and then wipe away any excess. If the charger is shocking the user, it is best to have it serviced by a professional or replaced entirely.
If you are confident in your ability to repair the charger yourself, you can open up the unit and inspect the internal components. For example, if you have a Braun/Oral-B toothbrush, you can find your nearest service centre and send the product directly to them, but this will be at your own cost. Alternatively, you can attempt to replace the battery yourself, following a guide or video. You will need a screwdriver and possibly a multimeter. You can order replacement batteries online and follow reassembly guides or videos.
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Replacing the toothbrush battery
If your electric toothbrush is not working, there are a few things you can try before replacing the battery. Firstly, check that the power is on at the outlet, and test the electrical cord and battery charger with a multimeter, replacing them if necessary. If the toothbrush still does not work, clean the charger post with a fine emery cloth and spray it with electrical contact cleaner. If the toothbrush still does not work after this, it may be time to replace the battery.
To replace the battery in your electric toothbrush, first identify the type of toothbrush you have. You can do this by locating the Type number or HX number on the toothbrush handle. Once you have the correct type number, you can follow a repair guide specific to your toothbrush. Repair guides can be found online and usually include step-by-step instructions and videos.
If you have an Oral B/Braun Vitality toothbrush, you can follow these steps to replace the battery:
- Using a small adjustable spanner, place it around the flat white plastic part of the toothbrush and twist it anticlockwise.
- After twisting about 30 degrees, the white plastic should disengage from the main body of the toothbrush.
- Once released, the inner mechanism should slide out easily. Be careful not to lose the spring at the bottom of the mechanism (inside the copper coil).
- Set aside the main body and the spring, as you won't need these until you're ready to reassemble the toothbrush.
- On one side of the mechanism is the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The PCB controls the charging of the cell (battery) and also drives the motor.
- De-solder the four tabs that hold the PCB and cell in position. Two of the tabs go to the motor, and the other two go to the positive and negative of the cell.
- Bend up the negative tab on the cell to enable the PCB to be removed.
- Once the PCB is removed, the cell can be slid out of the body of the mechanism.
- Insert the new cell, ensuring that it is the correct type and size for your toothbrush.
- Reassemble the toothbrush by following the above steps in reverse.
It is important to note that internal repairs of electric toothbrushes should be left to professionals, especially if the power handle is sealed to prevent shock. If you are not comfortable replacing the battery yourself, you can take your toothbrush to a small appliance repair shop for assistance.
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Repairing internal faults
If your electric toothbrush is not working, there could be an internal fault that needs fixing. The power handle is typically sealed to prevent electric shocks, so internal repairs should be left to a professional. However, if you are confident and competent enough to open up your toothbrush, you can attempt to fix it yourself.
Firstly, ensure you unplug the charger from the outlet. You can then open up the toothbrush using a small adjustable spanner, twisting it anticlockwise around the flat of the white plastic part of the toothbrush. After twisting about 30 degrees, the white plastic should disengage from the main body, and you can carefully slide out the inner mechanism.
Once opened, you can inspect the internal components with a magnifying glass. If you have a soldering iron, you can attempt to re-solder any broken joints. You can also clean the charger post with a fine emery cloth and electrical contact cleaner.
If the internal fault is due to a broken or faulty battery, you can replace it with a new one. You will need to de-solder the four tabs that hold the PCB and cell in position. Two of the tabs connect to the motor, and the other two go to the positive and negative ends of the cell. After removing the old battery, you can slide the new one into the body of the mechanism.
Finally, you can reassemble the toothbrush by placing the internal mechanism back into the main body and twisting the white plastic clockwise to engage it.
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Sending it to a service centre
If you're not confident in your ability to fix your electric toothbrush yourself, or if the problem is with the internal components of the toothbrush, it's best to send it to a service centre.
Firstly, check if your toothbrush is still under warranty. If it is, you may be able to get the repair done for free. For example, Oral-B electric toothbrushes are covered by a 2-year warranty, and all repair costs and return shipping fees are covered by the company during this time. You can find your nearest Oral-B service centre online, and send your toothbrush directly to them, including all components that came with the unit at the time of purchase, proof of purchase, and a letter including your name, return address, contact details, and a brief explanation of the problem.
If your toothbrush is no longer under warranty, you can still send it to a service centre, but you will have to cover the cost of the repair yourself. Before sending it off, it's a good idea to call the service centre to discuss the problem and get a quote for the repair.
It's important to clean your toothbrush before sending it off, and to make sure it's worth the cost of repairing it. If the repair cost is too high, it might be more cost-effective to simply buy a new toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can range in price from $20 to $200, so it's worth considering whether repairing your current toothbrush is the best option for you.
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Frequently asked questions
First, make sure the power is on at the outlet. Then, test the electrical cord and battery recharger with a multimeter and replace the cord or charger if needed. If the unit still doesn't work, clean the charger post with a fine emery cloth and spray it with electrical contact cleaner.
The problem could be with the brush head. Try replacing it with a new one to see if that solves the issue.
You can order a replacement battery online and follow a guide or video tutorial to install it. You will likely need a small adjustable spanner and a screwdriver.
If your toothbrush is still under warranty, you can send it to an authorized service center, and the repair costs will be covered. If it's out of warranty, you can still send it to a service center, but you will have to pay for the repairs yourself. You can also take it to a small appliance repair shop.
