Servicing & Maintaining Your Espresso Machine

It’s essential to keep your espresso machine well maintained. Depending on your quantity of coffee sales, it is suggested that you have your machine serviced at intervals of 6 to 12 months. You should also use filtered and softened water with your espresso machine

How best to service your espresso machine…

Pre-and post-flush each group.
Use your machine to flush the steam wands.
Microfiber cloths and a little steam or some diluted glass cleaner can be used to clean steel. Clean as necessary.
Learn how to backflush your machine and make sure you do it daily.
Back flushing is vital to the quality of your coffee and your machine.
We suggest running a water backflow at the end of your week, followed by a chemical backflow, and then a second water backflow.
Watch the color of the suds exiting the 3-way valve during chemical backflush (1/4 teaspoon of backflush powder). When said suds are smooth, it is possible to stop the chemical stage.
Please note that traditional lever machines do not require back-flushing.
Use warm water from your machine every day if your machine has a heat exchanger (HX) or dual furnace. Heat a cup or create a cup of tea, which may result in deposits of scale.
Replace shower screens and group seals as needed. 12-months are a prevalent interval to do so in most instances.
Use water suitable for your espresso machine to avoid descaling.
Descaling is a professional job and with heat exchangers and dual boiler machines it is best prevented wherever possible.

Water Pressure

The ideal pressure for espresso machines is somewhere around 2 BAR or 25 PSI. If your water line pressure is too high your machine may develop leaks. A pressure regulator is recommended for your setup to avoid possible damage. When installing a pressure regulator, it should be located between your water filter and the espresso machine. The eventual reduction in pressure is also one of the ways to indicate that your water filter cartridge needs to be replaced.

Somewhere around 2 BAR or 25 PSI is the perfect pressure for espresso machines. Your machine may create leaks if your water line pressure is too high. To prevent possible harm, a pressure regulator is suggested for your setup. It should be placed between your water filter and the espresso machine when installing a pressure regulator. Another way to show that your water filter cartridge needs to be replaced is reduced water pressure.

Water Quality Facts

Before you fill it with water the first time, it is imperative to know the quality of the water going into your machine. Two main elements of water quality need to be considered.

Filtration–Water filtration is required to remove impurities from the water. Tiny particles that are too tiny for the eye to see can block your espresso machine. Please be conscious that water filtering does not soften the water as the minerals are not dissolved from the water. The only way to soften water is through a dedicated softening filter.
Hardness–Water hardness is described as the quality of minerals dissolved in water. High mineral concentrations in your water can cause severe performance issues in your machine. Minerals can lead in limescale build-up within your devices leading to severe maintenance problems that are not covered by the warranty. Different areas have varying rates of water hardness. To find out your water’s hardness level, use Water Hardness Test Strips is suggested. If the hardness is below 50PPM or 3 Grains per Gallon, a water softener is not required, but installation of one is still suggested as water hardness concentrations can alter over time (it is recommended that you inspect your water hardness at least once every three months).

Water Softening

If a water softening filtration is installed, we highly suggest that you inspect the hardness frequently to know when to replace the cartridge. The frequency of altering the cartridge will differ based on the hardness of the inbound water and the quantity used.

Be aware that you should not use distilled or deionized water with your machine. Distilled and deionized water has zero mineral content that may sound nice, but in fact it will cause the machine to fail as it requires a few minerals dissolved in the water to detect its presence in the boiler. In addition, water without minerals will not generate excellent coffee tasting as these minerals assist obtain the finest flavor from coffee.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse osmosis is frequently used as a softening method, but if it is too efficient you run the same risk of malfunction as when using distilled or deionized water. Many who use an RO filter will use a calcifier to add a touch of dissolved minerals to the water after filtration. If you have a RO system installed, it’s essential to check the water hardness to make sure it’s appropriate for your device.