Maintenance & Repair

How often should I backflush my espresso machine?

Backflush with plain water after every session and with detergent about once a week for daily use. Only machines with a three-way solenoid valve can be backflushed; on machines without one, clean the group and screen by hand instead.

How often should I descale my espresso machine?

It depends entirely on your water hardness, not on a fixed calendar. On hard tap water, every two to three months. On soft or properly filtered low-mineral water, once a year or less. The better answer is to use low-scale water so you rarely need to descale at all.

Why is my portafilter leaking around the group head?

Almost always a worn or coffee-caked group gasket. Replace the gasket, which is a cheap part, and clean the group seat and portafilter rim while you have it apart.

How do I clean my coffee grinder?

Brush out the chute and burr chamber every week or two, and strip the burrs for a proper clean every few months. Never wash burrs or the chamber with water, and never put anything metal near a running grinder.

What is a realistic espresso machine maintenance schedule?

Daily: water backflush, wipe the wand and screen. Weekly: detergent backflush and a screen soak. Every few months: strip the grinder burrs and check the gasket. Annually or by water hardness: descale and replace the group gasket and shower screen.

Why does my steam wand have weak pressure or spit water?

Weak, wet steam usually means the boiler has not reached steam temperature or the wand tip is blocked with dried milk. Purge before steaming, soak the tip, and give a single boiler the full 30 to 60 seconds it needs to climb.

How do I set my espresso machine to 9 bar?

Adjust the over-pressure valve, the OPV, while running water through a blind basket and watching the gauge. Many machines ship set at 10 to 12 bar and come down to a more useful 9 bar with a small turn of one screw or nut.