Espresso Machine Troubleshooting Guide

1. Why is my espresso machine not pumping water?

Common causes: Empty water tank, clogged intake filter, air lock in system, or faulty pump motor.

Solution:
• Check and fill water tank, ensure it's properly seated
• Clean water intake filter (usually at tank connection)
• Purge air by running hot water without portafilter
• Listen for pump noise - no sound may indicate pump failure requiring professional repair

2. Why is my espresso coming out too slowly?

Causes: Too fine grind, overfilled basket, excessive tamping pressure, or clogged shower screen.

Solution:
• Adjust grinder to coarser setting
• Use proper dose (18-20g for double shot)
• Apply consistent 30lb tamping pressure
• Clean shower screen and group head weekly

3. Why is my espresso weak or watery?

Causes: Too coarse grind, stale beans, under-dosing, or insufficient tamping.

Solution:
• Grind finer until extraction takes 25-30 seconds
• Use fresh beans (roasted within 2-4 weeks)
• Verify dose weight with scale
• Ensure level, firm tamping

4. Why is my espresso machine leaking water?

Causes: Worn group head gasket, cracked water tank, loose connections, or damaged internal tubing.

Solution:
• Replace group gasket annually (DIY possible)
• Check tank for hairline cracks
• Tighten all visible connections
• Internal leaks require professional service

5. Why is my espresso machine not heating up?

Causes: Tripped thermal fuse, faulty thermostat, broken heating element, or heavy scale buildup.

Solution:
• Perform thorough descaling first
• Check power outlet and machine fuses
• Allow 15-20 minutes warmup time
• If no improvement, heating element likely needs replacement

6. Why is my steam wand not working?

Causes: Clogged steam tip, milk residue blockage, or insufficient boiler pressure.

Solution:
• Soak tip in hot water or descaling solution
• Use pin to clear steam holes
• Always purge before and after steaming
• Check boiler pressure gauge (1-1.5 bar normal)

7. How do I descale my espresso machine?

Complete descaling process:
1. Mix descaling solution with water per manufacturer instructions
2. Fill water tank with solution
3. Run brew cycle halfway, pause 15-20 minutes
4. Complete cycle, run solution through steam wand
5. Rinse thoroughly with 2-3 tanks of fresh water
6. Run a test shot before making coffee
Frequency: Quarterly (every 3 months). Use soft water to reduce scale buildup.

8. Why does my espresso taste bitter?

Causes: Over-extraction, water too hot, dark roast beans, or dirty equipment.

Solution:
• Coarsen grind or reduce extraction time
• Verify water temperature (195-205°F ideal)
• Try medium roast beans
• Deep clean all coffee contact surfaces

9. Why does my espresso taste sour?

Causes: Under-extraction, water too cool, light roast beans, or channeling.

Solution:
• Grind finer to increase extraction
• Ensure machine fully heated (20+ minutes)
• Improve distribution and tamping technique
• Consider darker roast for less acidity

10. My grinder runs but no coffee comes out.

Causes: Burr jam from foreign object, broken burr carrier, worn burrs, or clogged chute.

Solution:
• Remove hopper and check for stones or debris
• Clean thoroughly with brush
• Inspect burrs for damage or wear
• Replace burrs if edges are rounded (every 300-500 lbs)

11. Why is there no crema on my espresso?

Causes: Stale beans, incorrect grind, low pressure, or using pre-ground coffee.

Solution:
• Use beans roasted within 2-4 weeks
• Ensure 9 bar brewing pressure
• Grind just before brewing
• Check machine pressure gauge during extraction

12. Why is my espresso machine making loud noises?

Causes: Vibration pump normal operation, worn pump, scale buildup, or loose components.

Solution:
• Some noise is normal for vibration pumps
• Descale if grinding/whining sounds occur
• Tighten loose panels or drip tray
• Grinding noise may indicate pump replacement needed

13. My pressure gauge shows incorrect readings.

Causes: Faulty gauge, pressure relief valve issues, or actual pressure problems.

Solution:
• Test with blind basket to verify actual pressure
• Clean or replace OPV (over-pressure valve)
• Gauge replacement is usually simple DIY fix
• Professional calibration may be needed

14. Machine keeps running and overfills shots.

Causes: Faulty flow meter, stuck button, or programming issue on automatic machines.

Solution:
• Reset to factory settings if programmable
• Clean button contacts with alcohol
• Manually stop shots until repaired
• Flow meter may need replacement

15. Display shows error codes.

Common codes: Fill tank, descale needed, grinder blocked, or service required.

Solution:
• Consult manual for specific code meaning
• Try power cycling (off for 30 seconds)
• Perform indicated maintenance
• Some codes require technician reset

16. Machine gets too hot or overheats.

Causes: Faulty thermostat, scale preventing heat dissipation, or PID controller malfunction.

Solution:
• Descale thoroughly
• Check for blocked ventilation
• Thermostat replacement often required
• Don't use until repaired (fire hazard)

17. Portafilter is stuck or won't lock in.

Causes: Coffee grounds in threads, worn gasket, or bent portafilter ears.

Solution:
• Clean group head threads thoroughly
• Replace gasket if over 1 year old
• Check portafilter ears for damage
• Never force - can damage machine

18. Machine won't turn on at all.

Causes: Power supply issue, blown fuse, faulty switch, or safety thermostat tripped.

Solution:
• Test outlet with another appliance
• Check power cord for damage
• Inspect internal fuse (unplug first)
• Reset thermal safety switch if accessible

19. Coffee has metallic or strange taste.

Causes: New machine needs seasoning, scale buildup, or water quality issues.

Solution:
• Run 10-20 shots through new machine
• Descale quarterly and backflush regularly
• Use soft water (not distilled or hard water)
• Replace water filter if equipped

20. Should I repair or replace my machine?

Consider repair if:
• Machine is under 5 years old
• Repair cost is under 50% of replacement
• It's a quality brand (Lelit, Breville, Rancilio, La Marzocco, Jura)
• Only needs gaskets, seals, or descaling

Consider replacement if:
• Over 10 years old with major issues
• Multiple components failing
• Repair exceeds 60% of new machine cost
• Parts are discontinued

We sell: Lelit, Breville, Rancilio, Eureka, Baratza & more quality brands
Not sure if we fix your machine? See our complete repair list

☕ Grinder Troubleshooting Guide

Common Grinder Problems & Solutions

1. Grinder runs but no coffee comes out:
• Check for foreign objects (stones, sticks) jamming burrs
• Inspect burr carrier for cracks
• Clean clogged chute with brush
• Replace worn burrs (edges should be sharp, not rounded)

2. Inconsistent grind size:
• Worn burrs need replacement (every 300-500 lbs coffee)
• Check burr alignment and calibration
• Clean coffee oil buildup
• Ensure hopper is properly seated

3. Grinder making loud grinding noise:
• Foreign object in burrs (immediately stop and check)
• Burrs touching (needs recalibration)
• Worn burr carrier or motor bearings
• Coffee beans too oily or stale

4. Grinder won't turn on:
• Check safety switches (hopper, grounds bin)
• Test thermal overload protection (let cool 30 min)
• Inspect power cord and switch
• Motor capacitor may need replacement

5. Coffee clumping or static:
• Add 1-2 drops of water to beans (RDT method)
• Use anti-static spray on catch bin
• Check humidity levels (40-60% ideal)
• Clean chute and exit point regularly

Grinder Maintenance Schedule

Daily:
• Empty and wipe hopper
• Brush out grounds from chute
• Clean dosing area

Weekly:
• Deep clean with grinder cleaning tablets
• Remove and clean hopper thoroughly
• Vacuum around burr chamber

Monthly:
• Remove upper burr and clean both burrs
• Check burr sharpness and alignment
• Clean all coffee oil residue

Annually:
• Professional service and calibration
• Replace burrs if needed
• Motor bearing inspection

Grinder Brands We Service

We sell and service: Eureka, Baratza, Breville grinders
We also repair: Mazzer, Compak, Mahlkonig, Rancilio, and most major brands

Need grinder repair? Book an appointment or call (510) 859-4425

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