I have that exact same iron. I know it's been more than 5 years now. I do empty the water out of it when I am finished using it. I live in an area of hard water so I use a 50/50 mixture of distilled and tap water. Knock on wood, no leaks or spitting. I do use mine dry more than with steam because I use a lot of starch. I do suggest getting the Rowenta iron cleaning kit for the sole plate. Works better than any thing I have tried and I believe I have tried just about all of them.