Have you noticed that after cleaning under a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner, wet footprints remain, and the water tank emptys faster than usual? This is a common problem that can lead not only to dirty divorces on the floor, but also to serious breakdowns of the device. In 80% of cases, leaks are due to improper operation, but sometimes faulty factory defects or wear of parts.
In this article, we will discuss the 7 main causes of leaks in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Xiaomi Dreame and others, give step-by-step instructions for elimination (including dismantling and cleaning), and also tell you how to prevent repeated leaks. If your vacuum cleaner is still on warranty - do not rush to disassemble it yourself: at the end of the article there is a checklist when you should contact the service center.
For convenience, we've created a table of compatibility instructions with popular models and added an FAQ with answers to frequent questions, and if you're not sure why the leak occurred, take our survey below to narrow down the possible problems.
1. Clogging or damage to the water tank
The most common cause of leaks is microcracks or blockages in the water tank. In Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and Dreame W10 models, the tank consists of two parts: a reservoir for clean water and a container for dirty water. If one of them breaks (for example, due to a fall or overheating), water begins to leak even when turned off.
How to check:
- 🔍 Visual inspection: Take out the tank, wash it and inspect it carefully in good light.Cracks are often located at the seams or in the places where the tubes are attached.
- 💧 Tightness test: Fill the tank with water, put it on a dry wipe and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- 🧼 Valve cleaning: At the bottom of the tank, there are silicone valves that eventually get clogged with dust.
If the crack is small (up to 2 mm), it can be temporarily sealed with a waterproof sealant (for example, Loctite 595). However, this solution is short-lived - after 1-2 months the tank will still have to be replaced. Original parts for Xiaomi cost from 800 to 2 500 rubles depending on the model.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use superglue or epoxy to repair the tank – they are toxic and can damage the internal parts of the vacuum cleaner when heated.
Check the tank for cracks | Test tightness with water | Clean silicone valves from dirt | If cracks are detected, order a new tank-->
2. Incorrect installation or wear of sealing rings
The sealing rings (gassing) ensure tightness of the connections between the tank, hoses and the pump. In the models Xiaomi S10+ and Dreame D9 there are three:
- Between the tank lid and the hull.
- On the hose to the pump.
- At the place where the tube is attached to the washing module.
Over time, rubber loses elasticity, cracks or crumples, which leads to constant dwindles, especially when the vacuum cleaner moves over uneven surfaces, and gaskets typically wear out after 1.5 to 2 years of active use.
How to eliminate:
- 🔧 Replace the rings: Buy a remake for your model (cost - from 300 rubles). Before installing new rings, lubricate them with silicone grease (for example, grease them with silicone, WD-40 Specialist).
- 🧹 Cleaning the grooves: Dirt in the seal grooves can interfere with the tight fit.Brush them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
| Model vacuum cleaner | Number of gaskets | Life of service (when properly operated) | Cost of remake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite | 2 | 12–18 months | 250-400 rubles. |
| Xiaomi Dreame W10 | 3 | 18-24 months | 500-700 rubles. |
| Xiaomi S10+ | 3 (including pump laying) | 24+ months | 800-1,200 rubles. |
⚠️ Warning: If the leak has not disappeared after the gaskets have been replaced, check the tightening density of the fasteners. The twisted screws can warp the plastic and create new gaps.
Once a month | Once every 3 months | Only when leaks appear |Never cleaned-->
Breakdown of the electromagnetic valve
The electromagnetic valve is responsible for the metered water supply to the cloth. In Xiaomi models, it is located at the bottom of the body next to the detergent module. If the valve jams in the open position, the water flows continuously, even when the vacuum cleaner is standing still.
Signs of valve failure:
- 💦 Water drips from the vacuum cleaner even when turned off.
- 🔊 A weak click is heard when the cleaning is turned on (this valve is trying to work).
- 📉 Mi Home Apps display Error 12 or Water leak detected error.
How to fix:
- Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the mains and remove the bottom cover (screwdriver T5).
- Find the valve, which is a small black box with two wires.
- Clean it with alcohol and check the rod's mobility, and if it's not moving, the valve must be replaced.
The cost of a new valve is between 600 and 1,500 rubles. It takes 15-20 minutes to replace it, and it doesn't require soldering. In 30 percent of cases, the problem is solved by simply cleaning the valve contacts from oxidation.
💡
If the valve is working properly, but the water is leaking anyway, check the integrity of the tubes connecting it to the tank, which can rub against the body during prolonged use.
4. Water overflow due to faulty level sensor
The water level sensor prevents the tank from overflowing. If it fails, the vacuum cleaner does not control the volume of liquid and can overflow it, leading to leaks, a problem that is common in models with automatic refueling (e.g., Xiaomi DreameBot X30 Ultra).
How to diagnose:
- 📊 In the Mi Home app, check the sensor readings in the Device Status section. → If the water level is 100%, but the tank is empty, the sensor is defective.
- 🔧 Take the tank apart and inspect the float (a small plastic cylinder) and it should move freely up and down.
Repair:
- If the float is stuck - clean it from plaque (use acetic solution to remove lime deposits).
- If the sensor is broken, replace it (price: 400-900 rubles). In some models, the sensor is assembled with a tank cover.
What if the sensor works, but the water is still shimmering?
5. Clogging or damage to hoses and tubes
The water from the tank goes to the detergent via silicone or plastic tubes, and over time, they will:
- 🧱 They are clogged with lime plaque (if you use hard water).
- 🐭 Running on the body or wheels.
- 🔥 Deformed from high temperatures (for example, if the vacuum cleaner worked near the battery).
How to clean the hoses:
- Disconnect the tubes from the tank and pump (carefully so as not to break!).
- Wash them with warm water with citric acid (1 tbsp. spoon per 1 liter of water) or a special means to remove scale.
- Blow the hoses with compressed air (you can use a bicycle pump).
If the tube is torn, replace it. The original hoses for Xiaomi cost from 200 rubles, but you can use analogues from Dreame or Roborock (check compatibility by diameter).
💡
Use only distilled or filtered water – this will prolong the service life of hoses and valves 2-3 times.
6. Software failures and firmware errors
Sometimes leaks are not caused by mechanical failures, but by firmware errors. 3.5.8_2103 and 4.1.2_2205 For Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, there was a bug that caused the vacuum cleaner to mis-dose water when cleaning carpets, which led to excessive moisture and diffuses.
How to update firmware:
- Open the Mi Home app and go to the Device Profile → Software Update.
- If the update is not available, download the latest version from the official website and install it manually through Settings → About device → Local Update.
If the problem remains after the update, reset the settings:
Settings → Additional → Reset to factory settings⚠️ Warning: Before resetting, untie the vacuum cleaner from your Mi Home account, otherwise after the reboot it may not connect to Wi-Fi.
Mechanical damage to the shell
Blows, falls or improper assembly after cleaning can lead to cracks in the body.
- 🚗 Lower cover (especially in zonas of wheel fastenings).
- 🔌 The tank compartment - if it is skewed during installation.
- 💡 Sensor area (for example, after a failed attempt to clear lidar).
How to detect a crack:
- Light a flashlight along the body - small cracks will cast shadow.
- Check if the plastic creaks when you press suspicious areas.
Repair:
- Small cracks (up to 1 cm) can be sealed with epoxy resin (for example, Poxipol).
- Large damage requires replacement of the body (cost - from 1,500 rubles).
If the case is badly damaged and the vacuum cleaner is warranted, do not repair it yourself. Xiaomi service center may refuse free repairs due to signs of interference.