Espresso machine leaking water

Symptoms

• Water dripping from around the portafilter during brewing
• Puddle forming under the machine
• Water leaking from the drip tray overflow
• Steam wand dripping when not in use

Likely causes

• CommonWorn or dirty portafilter gasketThe rubber seal hardens with age and coffee residue, letting water escape around the group head.
• CommonOverfilled drip trayIf the tray isn't emptied regularly it overflows and looks like a leak.
• PossibleLoose or cracked internal hose fittingVibration and heat cycling over years can loosen or crack connections.
• PossibleCracked water reservoirSimilar to drip coffee makers, plastic tanks can crack from age or impact.
• PossibleFaulty steam wand valveA worn valve seal can let water seep through when idle.

What to do

1. Empty and clean the drip tray, then run a shot to see if the leak is actually overflow rather than a new leak.
2. Remove the portafilter and inspect the black rubber gasket in the group head for cracking, flattening, or coffee buildup; clean it with a damp cloth.
3. Check the reservoir for cracks by filling it and looking for drips from outside the machine.
4. Look underneath the machine (with it unplugged and cooled) for wet hose connections or fittings.
5. Replace the portafilter gasket if it looks worn; these are inexpensive and commonly available for most machine models.
6. If the leak is from an internal hose or fitting rather than the gasket or tray, have an espresso machine repair technician inspect it.

Tools and parts

• Cloth

When to call a pro

If the leak traces to an internal hose, boiler, or fitting rather than the portafilter gasket, have a repair technician handle it rather than opening the machine's electrical housing yourself.

Safety