Troubleshooting Guide
Machine Warning Signs
Understand what your machine is telling you. Audio/visual symptom library with severity ratings and solutions.
Understand what your machine is telling you. Audio/visual symptom library with severity ratings and solutions.
Your machine communicates through sounds, smells, and visual signs. Most problems start small—a strange noise or slight leak—and worsen if ignored. Early detection prevents expensive repairs.
This guide helps you interpret what your machine is telling you and decide whether to address it yourself or call a technician.
✓ Severity Levels:
Listen to your machine. Different sounds indicate different issues.
🟢 Normal Pump Sound
Steady, consistent whirring when pump is running. Slightly louder during warm-up. This is normal.
🟡 Labored Pump (Grinding Sound)
Pump sounds strained or makes grinding noises. Often indicates scale buildup in water lines or pump cavitation.
Action: Descale immediately. If noise persists, pump may need service.
🔴 Pump Failure (No Sound)
Pump doesn't run or makes no sound. Machine won't pull shots. Pump may have failed.
Action: Stop using machine. Call technician. Pump replacement needed.
🟢 Normal Click
Single click when you stop the pump. This is the solenoid valve closing. Normal.
🟡 Rapid Clicking
Solenoid clicks repeatedly or chatters. Often indicates scale buildup or low water pressure.
Action: Descale. Check water line for kinks. If persists, solenoid may need cleaning or replacement.
🔴 No Click
Solenoid doesn't click when stopping pump. Water continues flowing. Solenoid failure.
Action: Stop using machine. Water damage risk. Call technician.
🟢 Occasional Crackling
Rare crackling during heating. Usually just mineral expansion. Normal.
🟡 Frequent Crackling/Popping
Constant crackling or popping sounds. Indicates scale buildup on heating element.
Action: Descale immediately. Scale reduces heating efficiency and can damage element.
🔴 Loud Banging
Loud banging or explosion-like sounds. Indicates dangerous scale buildup or heating element failure.
Action: Stop using machine immediately. Risk of boiler damage or explosion. Call technician.
🟡 Slight Squeak
Lever makes squeaking sound when moving. Usually just needs lubrication.
Action: Apply food-grade grease to pivot points. Squeak should disappear.
🟡 Stiff Lever
Lever is hard to move or moves inconsistently. May indicate corrosion or worn springs.
Action: Lubricate. If stiffness persists, springs may need replacement.
What you see can tell you a lot about machine health.
🟢 Drip from Group Head (Normal)
Single drops from group head after pulling shot. Normal. Gasket is sealing properly.
🟡 Slow Leak from Portafilter
Water seeps around portafilter during shot. Gasket is worn.
Action: Replace group gasket ($5-15). Easy DIY job.
🟡 Leak from Water Tank Connection
Water drips from where tank connects to machine. Usually just needs tightening.
Action: Tighten connection. If leak persists, seal may need replacement.
🔴 Steady Stream from Machine Body
Water streams from machine body or underneath. Indicates internal leak or boiler crack.
Action: Stop using machine immediately. Risk of electrical hazard. Call technician.
🟡 Surface Rust (Cosmetic)
Light rust on exterior or non-critical parts. Doesn't affect function.
Action: Clean with vinegar or rust remover. Cosmetic only.
🟡 Rust Inside Machine
Rust-colored water or rust spots visible inside. Indicates soft water corrosion.
Action: Switch to Recipe B (soft water enhancement) or filtered water. Prevents further damage.
🔴 Heavy Corrosion
Significant rust throughout machine. Water tastes metallic. Machine may fail soon.
Action: Professional inspection needed. Corrosion damage may be irreversible.
🟡 Light Scale
Thin white coating on heating element or inside tank. Early stage.
Action: Descale soon. Switch to filtered water.
🟡 Moderate Scale
Visible scale buildup. Water flow may be slightly reduced.
Action: Descale immediately. Do this every 2-3 months.
🔴 Heavy Scale
Thick scale deposits. Water flow is noticeably slow. Machine may overheat.
Action: Descale multiple times. Consider professional cleaning. Switch to filtered water.
🟡 Brown or Cloudy Water
Water from machine is discolored. May indicate rust or sediment.
Action: Run water through machine for 30 seconds to flush. If persists, descale or check water source.
🟡 Metallic Taste
Water or espresso tastes metallic. Indicates corrosion inside machine.
Action: Switch to mineral-rich water (Recipe B). Prevents further corrosion.
Burnt Smell
Electrical or burnt plastic smell. Usually indicates heating element issue or electrical problem. Stop using machine and call technician.
Musty or Moldy Smell
Indicates mold growth in water lines or milk system. Run cleaning cycles. Replace water filter. Clean milk system thoroughly.
Slight Rubber Smell
Normal when machine is new. Fades over time. Not a concern.
Call a technician if you experience:
Early detection prevents expensive repairs. When in doubt, descale and clean. Most issues are preventable with regular maintenance.
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