I have a rowenta iron. When I am ironing the

I have provided a link to a manual that seems to belong to your model. But unsure what features your model has. This is not available for some reason at the Rowenta USA website.
Refer page 7 of the manual available at this site
http://laundry.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/rowenta/1103898336__4605.html?p=1

Self Clean - prolongs the life of the iron
The Self clean function flushes dirt and scale particles
out of the steam chamber.
To operate:
• Fill the tank with untreated tap water up to the maximum
mark and heat the iron to max. temperature.
• Unplug from the mains.
• Hold iron over a sink horizontally, push the steam control
3 past the position and into the Self Clean position
and hold it there: steam will now begin to build up.
After a few seconds water and steam will emerge from
the soleplate, rinsing dirt and scale particles out of the
steam chamber.

After approx. 1 minute move the steam control slide to
the position.
• Insert mains plug and allow the iron to heat up again.
• Wait until the remaining water has evaporated.
• Unplug from the mains and allow iron to fully cool
down.
• When cool, the soleplate can be wiped with a damp
cloth.
We recommend using the Self Clean function approx.
Every 2 weeks. If the water is very hard, the iron should
be cleaned weekly.
Self Clean Valve
The self clean valve prevents the drip hole into the steam
chamber from furring or blocking up. To ensure the iron
continues to function properly, open and close the valve
by sliding the steam control to max then min a few times
after use.

Absolutely! As long as you kept your receipt and are still within the warranty period, by all means take it back.

The following web blog about Rowenta steam irons has some tips on maintaining the iron:
http://www.nasa1.org/iron%20rowenta.htm
The following web blog explains the issue of not using distilled water:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg011421358265.html
I guess the bottom line is that it takes a higher temperature for distilled water to boil. It also explains that will cause the unit to spit, drip, and leak.
Try affordable spring water, and you should get better results.

Hi,
Here is a tip about Irons that leak water...

My Steam Iron is Leaking Water
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5301301-steam_iron_leaking_water

heatman101

cheap irons are better as they are subject to the problems of heat steam and corrosion
cost to repair will exceed the price of a new on e and that will also if parts can be obtained

Hi,
Try using different water...

Here is a tip that will help you with that problem...

My Steam Iron is Leaking Water
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5301301-steam_iron_leaking_water

heatman101

either the water has sat in the iron too long between uses

or its the iron in the water you use.
you will have to flush out the old water.

try distilled water

Are you using distilled water to refill your iron? Distilled water can cause drips if used all the time. Refill with tap water and see if the drips stop.

Your water could have high iron content, therefore empty out the old water and use Distilled water in the iron.

If you are using Distilled water already then it's a problem with the inside of the iron. Get a new iron.

This problem is the way that rowenta seals the water tank. If the iron is disassembled and the seal is properly put on it will not leak,, however this seal is a silicone based product and not just an off the shelf gasket. I have sealed and repaired some using a high temp silicone