Authorised De’Longhi service agent0420 767 058
Self-help guide

Espresso machine troubleshooting guide

Quick checks a technician would do first. Work through the problem you’re seeing. If it still isn’t right, call or text 0420 767 058.

Always switch off and unplug the machine before checking anything inside. Steam and boiler water are scalding.

Machine won’t turn on or heat

  1. Check the power point and switch are on.
  2. Check the machine is set to the correct temperature.
  3. If it has an electronic timer, make sure it isn’t in sleep mode.

Still cold or dead? It may be an element, thermostat or electrical fault. Bring it in.

No steam from the wand

  1. Check the steam tip isn’t blocked. Clear the holes with a pin.
  2. Make sure the steam knob isn’t broken or slipping.
  3. Check there’s steam pressure on the gauge, about 1–1.2 bar operating.

Little or no steam on a clean wand usually means scale or a valve fault.

No hot water

  1. Make sure the hot water knob isn’t broken.
  2. Check the boiler has heated fully.
  3. Check the water supply or tank.

A hot-water valve or solenoid may need replacing.

Leaking water

  1. Remove the drip tray and check the waste box or drain isn’t blocked.
  2. Check the group gasket is sealing when the portafilter is locked in.
  3. If the leak continues, turn off the power and water supply to the machine.

Don’t keep running a leaking machine. Water and electrics don’t mix.

Portafilter won’t fit or leaks

  1. Clean the group head and filter holder.
  2. Check you’re using the right basket for the filter handle.
  3. Replace the group-head gasket if the portafilter is hard to lock in.

Hard, cracked gaskets are one of the most common service jobs.

Coffee runs too fast or too slow

  1. Check the pressure gauge: 7–9 bar for rotary pumps, around 15 bar start-up for vibration pumps.
  2. Make sure the filter holder is locked in and the correct basket is used.
  3. Check the grind isn’t too fine and the dose is right.

Right grind and dose but still wrong? The pump or pressure settings may need attention.

Grinder not grinding

  1. Check the grinder is switched on and the hopper shutter is open.
  2. Adjust the grind ring one notch at a time.
  3. Make sure the beans aren’t too oily or the grind set too fine.

If nothing helps, the burrs may be worn and need replacing.

Poor milk texture

  1. Make sure the milk frother is clean and fitted correctly.
  2. Purge the steam wand before and after each use.
  3. Try a different milk. Fresh, cold full-cream textures most easily.

Weak steam despite a clean wand points back to scale or boiler pressure.

Repairs · Southport

Still not working? Book a repair

Call or text with your machine’s make, model and fault. Then drop it in to Unit 2, 50 Johnston Street, Southport.

Call 0420 767 058 Email us
Gaggia commercial espresso machine on the bench at Protech Espresso