I never put water in my irons. If I want steam I have spritzy bottle to mist a bit of water then iron. I have never had any luck with any iron when it comes to the steam feature. They all leak eventually and some sooner then others so I just quit putting water in them. Seemed to extend the life of my irons after that. My Walmart special just bit the dust this weekend (was probably about 5 to 7 years old) but I knew it was at deaths door because it wasn't getting hot like it used to. I went to Big Lots and got a refurbished Rowenta for $30. So far so good but I have barely used it. The only complaint I have is that even with auto off it really isn't off, just down to warm. I have to unplug it. I took a closer look at the dial and sure enough there is no "Off". Never noticed that in the store.