It’s easy to panic when your beloved espresso machine starts acting up— but don’t fret! There’s likely a simple fix to the problem. Even more complex issues can be solved with some elbow grease and know-how.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common issues espresso machines have and how you can solve them at home. If these solutions don’t work, it could be time to contact the manufacturer or an espresso machine repair shop.

Let’s dive in!

Disclaimer: If your machine is under warranty, be sure you’re careful not to perform any major repairs that could void it.

1. Your Espresso Machine Won’t Turn on

If you go to turn on your espresso machine and it's unresponsive, there are a few things to check.

• Check the power source: Did you recently move your espresso machine to a new outlet or plug it into a power strip? Make sure the outlet or power strip you’re using can power high-voltage appliances.
• Check your breaker: It's easy for electrical systems to get overwhelmed— particularly if they’re older. If you’ve recently run too many appliances at once, you could have tripped your breaker. Locate your breaker and reset it if necessary.
• Inspect power cord: Examine your power cord for any visible fraying or exposed wires. If the cord looks damaged at all— unplug the appliance and call the manufacturer for help.
• Check for safety features: Sometimes espresso machines have safety features like thermal fuses. Refer to the user manual to troubleshoot any safety that may be preventing your machine from turning on.

2. Water Isn’t Flowing

If your machine is making noises but won’t push liquid through the portafilter to pull a shot, here are some things to check:

• Fill the water reservoir: It may sound simple, but it's easy to forget to check your water reservoir and ensure it stays full. Always make sure you’re checking your water reservoir levels so your pump doesn’t run dry.
• Check waterline: If your espresso machine is plumbed in via a water line, make sure that all of your connections are tight.
• Clean your water system: It may be time to descale your machine. Hard water sometimes builds up and can prevent your espresso machine from operating properly. Pick up some descaling powder and refer to your manual to properly clean your machine. For Breville machines, be sure to use the Breville brand descaling solution.
• Listen for your pump: Listen for your pump: If you don’t hear your pump turning on, then it may be time to repair or replace your machine's pump. Pumps in most machines will need to be replaced after some time. This can be done at home. If you’re savvy, you can do this yourself. Otherwise, you can always send it back to the manufacturer or bring it to a reputable repair shop.

3. Espresso is Weak

If your espresso shots aren’t as strong as you’re used to and aren’t tasting quite right— it could be time to make some adjustments to ensure you’re getting the best quality espresso every time.

• Check Coffee Grind: How fine or coarse you grind your espresso will have a big impact on how your express tastes overall. Try grinding your coffee beans finer.
• Review Coffee Dose: You may be using too little espresso grounds in your shots. It’s recommended to aim for a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio. This means that for a double shot, you’ll want to weigh out 18 grams of ground espresso.
• Tamp the Coffee Properly: Uneven tamping or tamping too tight or too loose can affect the quality of your espresso shot. Check out our Expert Guide to Tamping Espresso for all of the best tips and tricks.
• Check Water Temperature: If the water passing through your portafilter isn’t the proper temperature, your shots are likely not going to taste great. Aim for around 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Water is Leaking

No one wants to have to clean up pooled water on their countertop every time they make a drink. This is not normal and should be fixed as soon as possible.

• Locate where the water is leaking: You may have a worn gasket that needs replacing. This can often be fixed from home, but if you’re not comfortable performing the fix yourself, you can always bring it to a repair shop or contact the manufacturer.
• Check the waterline: If your espresso machine is plumbed in from your home's waterline, check to make sure the connections are still tight. Loose connections can cause water to leak.
• Check your water reservoir: Make sure your water reservoir is properly attached to your espresso machine. A loose reservoir may cause leakage. Also, inspect your reservoir for any cracks or damage.

5. Fix a Noisy Pump

If your espresso machine is starting to make noises that don’t sound normal, it could be your pump acting up. Jura machines are known to have some of the longest lasting pumps on the market, but they even require replacements every so often.

This is true for home espresso, prosumer machines, and even expensive commercial models like the La Marzocco lineup.

Here are some things to check:

• Ventilate the pump: If there's any air in your pump, it’ll make a noise that can sound alarming. Run your espresso machine without any coffee grounds in the portafilter to purge the system of any potential air bubbles.
• Inspect for blockages: There are a lot of moving parts in an espresso machine, and blockages happen. Inspect all of the components of your machine and look for any buildup. Be sure to keep your espresso machine clean to prevent buildup from becoming a problem. Check out our espresso machine cleaning supplies.
• Oil the pump: Some espresso machine models require a bit of lubrication as part of their standard maintenance. Check your user manual to see if your machine recommends oiling your pump, and follow your manufacturer's guidelines on how to do that.
• Choose a level surface: If your machine is off-centered it can cause your pump to not operate properly. Make sure to always place your espresso machine on a flat and level surface.

6. Steam Wand Issues

If your steam wand isn’t working like it should, here are a few ways to get it operating like it should:

• Clean your steam wand: One of the most common issues with steam wands is blockages. Ensure you’re properly cleaning your steam wand out between uses, but also deep cleaning it regularly as well. There could be a blockage preventing your steam wand from operating at full pressure— or at all!
• Adjust your steam pressure: Some machines allow you to manually adjust your steam wand’s pressure. Consult your user manual to see whether or not this is possible with your machine. If so, you can try dialing up the pressure.
• Check your boiler temperature: Some machines take longer than others to fully heat up when they’re first turned on. Also, some machines require a few minutes between brewing and steaming. Always ensure your machine has plenty of time to heat up before using it, and follow your machine's recommendations on how long to wait between brewing and steaming.

7. Espresso Isn’t Hot

If your espresso machine isn’t getting hot enough, your espresso shots likely won’t taste as strong as you used to. This can dramatically affect the quality of your drinks. Here are some common reasons your espresso may not be as hot as it should be:

• Check boiler temperature: If your espresso machine's boiler isn't getting hot enough, then your espresso shots won't extract properly, and they likely won't taste very strong. Some espresso machines come with a built-in temperature gauge. Some budget machines don't have a built-in gauge, but you can always check your espresso shot temperature with a food-grade thermometer as well. If your boiler isn't heating up like it should, refer to your user manual to see how to adjust your boiler's temperature— if possible. In some models, you may need to bring your machine into a repair shop to fix this issue.
• Ensure your machine is properly warmed up: Some machines, like the Breville espresso machines, heat up in just 3 seconds. Other machines can take upwards of 15 to even 45 minutes to fully warm up. Always make sure you're letting your machine properly warm up before using it

Regular Maintenance is Key

It's critical that you follow regular espresso machine maintenance to keep your espresso machine operating as it should. This is true for semi-automatic and automatic machines, and even the most expensive commercial espresso machines require maintenance over time— so don't feel discouraged if your machine starts acting up.

Some regular maintenance like changing pumps and replacing gaskets and seals can be done at home with a little know-how, tools, and elbow grease. If you’re not comfortable performing maintenance yourself, you can always bring it to a service center and leave it to experienced technicians. In some cases, you may have to ship your machine out, but shipping costs can add up quickly.

There are some things you can do to keep your espresso machine operating properly for longer though:

1. Use Filtered Water

Hard water builds up fast inside espresso machines, and the calcified deposits can interfere with some of the more delicate components in your espresso machine. Using filtered water will not only help your drinks taste better, but it'll also keep your machine's internal parts operating better for longer.

2. Clean Your Steam Wand Regularly

Milk deposits can build up and prevent your steam wand from working properly. Always purge your steam wand for a few seconds after making a beverage to clean it between uses.

3. Follow a Daily Cleaning Routine

Clean the drip tray, water reservoir, and drip grate daily to prevent the buildup of coffee grounds and residue. Always empty the drip tray and rinse your machine's components with hot water.

4. Descale Your Machine

Mineral deposits can build up in your machine's boiler system and on the internal components. Use a descaling solution and follow the descaling schedule in your machine's manual.

5. Flush the Group Head

Before and after each use, flush the group head by running a short burst of hot water through it. This helps remove any coffee oils or grounds that may affect the taste of your espresso.

Final Thoughts

It can feel disheartening when your espresso machine starts acting up and your morning cup of coffee doesn’t taste like it's supposed to. But regardless of whether you're having issues with grinders, gaskets, leaks, or pumps— there's likely a simple solution.

If you want to try your hand at home espresso repair— just ensure you’re mindful not to void your warranty. Replacement parts and accessories like gaskets, switches, shower screens, pumps, and more are available online through most espresso machine manufacturers.

We hope this guide helps you keep your coffee equipment healthy and working properly! If you still have questions, reach out to a Curated Coffee & Espresso Expert. They’re more than happy to help!