I have burned through several Rowenta irons. They usually last 5-6 years the main thing that goes wrong is the steam. I also had one that just did not get hot enough anymore. I bought a Sunbeam Steam Master for $23.00 last year and I am sold on them. Cheaper than Rowenta and I can buy several before I touch the Rowenta price.

I have always just used tap water, but the it was a lot older so it may be that the new ones are different.