Information

Find answers to frequently asked questions about espresso machine repairs, maintenance, and our services at espresso in San Leandro, California. We're here to help you keep your espresso machine in top condition.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most common questions we receive at espresso, addressing everything from troubleshooting common issues to understanding our repair process. If you don't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us!

What questions do customers ask you the most?

Q: Water is leaking from the portafilter/group head during brewing.

A: The most common cause is a worn-out group gasket (rubber seal). Inspect the gasket for hardness or cracking and replace the group gasket.

Q: Clear water is leaking from the bottom or back of the machine.

A: This indicates a leak in the pressurized circuit. The machine needs to be opened to locate and replace the failed internal hose, fitting, or solenoid valve.

Q: No water is coming out when I try to brew or flush.

A: First, check the water tank position. If correct, the issue is a clogged line due to scale or a faulty pump. Perform a deep descaling; if flow doesn't restore, test and replace the water pump.

Q: Espresso is coming out too slowly (just dripping).

A: (After checking for an overly fine grind) This is a clogged dispersion screen or internal brewing component blocked by coffee oils and scale. Perform a thorough backflush and chemical descaling.

Q: My machine has low pressure (gauge is low) and the shots are weak.

A: This points to a failure to generate or maintain pressure. Test the pump output pressure and inspect the Over Pressure Valve (OPV) for failure. Replace the faulty component.

Q: Espresso is coming out too fast and tastes weak/sour.

A: This is usually a user issue: grind is too coarse, under-dosing the coffee, or under-tamping. (Service: Advise user on proper technique/grinder setting).

Q: My coffee is not hot enough.

A: Causes include heavy scale buildup (insulation), a failing heating element, or a faulty sensor/thermostat. Deep descale and, if the issue persists, replace the thermostat or heating element.

More frequently asked questions

Q: The machine won't turn on or heat up at all.

A: This is an electrical failure. Check for a blown internal thermal or power fuse. If the fuses are intact, the main control board is likely faulty and requires replacement.

Q: The built-in grinder is making strange noises or not grinding beans.

A: The usual culprit is a foreign object (e.g., a small stone) jamming the burrs. Remove the object or, if the motor is burned out from the jam, replace the grinder motor/assembly.

Q: My machine is making a loud rattling/screaming noise during operation.

A: This is often a vibration pump struggling for water (check the tank) or nearing the end of its life. Inspect the water intake and replace the vibration pump if the noise persists.

Q: The steam wand is not producing steam or the steam is very weak.

A: The steam tip is clogged with dried milk. Clear the steam tip with a pin. If that fails, the internal steam line is scaled, requiring a specialized descaling cycle.

Q: The steam wand is constantly dripping or hissing.

A: The steam valve is not sealing properly. The machine needs to be opened to replace the worn-out seals or gaskets within the valve assembly.

Q: How often should I descale my machine?

A: Descale every 1 to 3 months depending on water hardness, or immediately when the machine indicates. Neglecting descaling is the most common cause of major breakdowns.

Q: Is it worth repairing, or should I buy a new one?

A: If the repair cost is less than 50% of the cost of a comparable new machine, and the model is good, repair is usually recommended.

What are the main espresso machine issues you fix?

 

1. Water System Failures & Leaks

This is the most common category, often caused by scale buildup (limescale) or wear and tear on seals from high pressure and heat.

  • Pump Failure: Replacing the vibration pump or repairing the motor in a rotary pump when it can no longer generate the necessary pressure.
  • Major Leaks: Diagnosing and replacing internal components like solenoid valves (which control water flow), cracked hoses, or broken fittings deep within the machine.
  • Scale Removal (Severe): Performing a professional, intensive chemical descaling when the boiler or internal pipes are severely clogged, leading to poor flow or heating problems.
  • Group Gasket Replacement: Shops handle high-volume replacement of worn-out group head seals/gaskets that cause leaks around the portafilter during brewing.

2. Heating and Temperature Issues

These issues prevent the machine from reaching or maintaining the correct temperature (typically 195°F to 205°F for brewing).

  • No Power/No Heat: Diagnosing and replacing a blown thermal fuse or power fuse, or troubleshooting issues with the main control board or relay.
  • Inconsistent Temperature: Replacing a faulty heating element or a thermostat/sensor that is giving incorrect readings, causing unstable temperatures and bad-tasting coffee.

3. Flow and Pressure Control

These repairs relate to the delicate balance of hydraulics and electronics that ensure a perfect shot.

  • Blocked Flow: Clearing blockages in the flow meter (which measures water volume) or the internal valves that restrict water flow, leading to shots that drip out slowly.
  • Pressure Calibration: Adjusting or replacing the Over Pressure Valve (OPV) to ensure the machine limits pressure correctly, protecting the system from damage and ensuring consistent extraction.

4. Grinder Malfunctions (Super-Automatics)

For machines with built-in grinders (super-automatics), shops handle complex mechanical faults.

  • Motor/Burr Replacement: Replacing worn-out grinder burrs or repairing/replacing the grinder motor when it fails to turn or is making excessive noise.
  • Clearing Jams: Disassembling the grinder to remove foreign objects (like small stones) that have jammed the burrs.

5. Steam and Milk System Problems

  • Steam Wand Repair: Replacing seals and gaskets in the steam valve that are worn out and causing the wand to constantly drip or hiss.
  • Weak/No Steam: Fixing blockages or failures in the steam boiler or thermoblock that result in insufficient steam pressure for frothing.

Why should someone choose you over another repair shop?

1. Unmatched Expertise and Quality

  • Certified Technicians: Our team consists of WOC-certified (or industry equivalent) technicians who specialize exclusively in espresso and coffee equipment. We don't just fix, we restore.
  • Specialization (The Niche Advantage): Unlike general appliance repair shops, we are coffee equipment specialists. We know the unique internal mechanics of every major brand, from La Marzocco and Rancilio to Jura and Breville.
  • Guaranteed Parts: We use only OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or high-quality, approved aftermarket equivalents, backed by a 90-day parts and labor warranty on every repair.

2. Speed and Efficiency

  • Rapid Diagnostics: We offer a guaranteed 24-hour diagnostic turnaround (for most issues), so you know exactly what is wrong and how much it will cost quickly.
  • Extensive Parts Inventory: We maintain a large stock of common high-failure components (pumps, gaskets, solenoids). This means faster repairs and less downtime for your home or business.
  • Loaner Program (For Commercial Clients): For our commercial partners, we offer loaner machines during long repair periods, ensuring your cafĂ© never loses revenue.

3. Complete Transparency and Trust

  • No-Surprise Pricing: We provide a flat-rate diagnostic fee that is waived if you proceed with the repair. Our quote is itemized, comprehensive, and guaranteed—no hidden fees, ever.
  • Visual Documentation: We provide photos or video of the faulty part during the diagnostic process, so you can see exactly why the repair is necessary, building trust and confidence.
  • Honest Repair vs. Replace Advice: We won't repair a machine that isn't worth it. We offer honest advice on when it's better to replace, ensuring you make the most cost-effective decision.

4. Added Value and Prevention

  • Preventative Maintenance Check: Every repair service includes a complimentary 12-point preventative maintenance check (e.g., boiler check, seal lubrication) to head off future problems.
  • Scale and Water Quality Consultation: We offer a free water hardness test with every service and provide customized recommendations for descaling frequency and filtration systems, extending your machine's life.
  • Educational Support: We give you practical tips and best practices tailored to your specific machine to help you prevent the same failure from happening again.

Is there anything customers should check on their machine before calling?

Pre-Call Customer Checklist

  • Power: Is the machine plugged in firmly to a working outlet, and is the main power switch ON?
  • Water Level: Is the water reservoir full and securely seated, or is the plumbed main water tap fully open?
  • Slow Flow Check: Did you test a shot with no coffee (empty basket) to rule out an overly fine grind?
  • Cleaning: Have you cleaned the dispersion screen and backflushed the group head recently?
  • Descaling: Is the descaling indicator light currently on?
  • Leaks/Seals: For leaks around the portafilter, is the rim of the portafilter and the group head perfectly clean of stray coffee grounds?
  • Steam Wand: For weak or no steam, have you cleared the small holes in the steam tip with a pin or paperclip?

Your espresso questions answered

Still have questions? We're here to help! Contact espresso in San Leandro, California, for expert espresso machine repair and maintenance.