Symptoms
- Espresso comes out fast and watery instead of thick
- Little to no crema on top
- Pressure gauge reads low if the machine has one
- Shot pulls in under 15 seconds
Likely causes
- CommonGrind too coarseCoarse grounds let water pass through too quickly, preventing pressure buildup.
- CommonNot enough coffee or insufficient tampingToo little or unevenly packed coffee lets water channel through with less resistance.
- CommonMineral scale blocking the group head or boilerScale narrows internal passages and reduces the machine's ability to build pressure.
- PossibleWorn portafilter gasketA hardened or cracked gasket lets pressure escape around the portafilter.
- Less commonFailing pumpPumps wear out over years of use and lose their ability to build pressure.
What to do
- Use a finer, espresso-specific grind and make sure the dose matches your portafilter basket size (usually 18–20g for a double).
- Tamp evenly and firmly, level and straight down, to create consistent resistance.
- Check for water or steam leaking around the portafilter when locked in; a hissing sound points to a worn gasket.
- Descale the machine with a manufacturer-approved descaler if it hasn't been done in the last 1–3 months, especially with hard water.
- Inspect the portafilter gasket for hardening or cracks and replace if it looks flattened or brittle.
- If pressure is still weak after fresh grind, tamping, and descaling, the pump may be failing and should be checked by an appliance repair technician.
Tools and parts
- Tamper
- Kitchen scale
Portafilter gasket/seal kit for your espresso machine modelSearch: “espresso machine portafilter gasket replacement”
When to call a pro
If regrinding, tamping correctly, and descaling don't restore pressure, have a coffee equipment repair technician check the pump and boiler.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.