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Coffee machine not working: common causes and fixes

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In short

Most coffee machine faults have simple causes: a tank not seated, an empty or air-locked water line, a blocked grind or brew path, overdue descaling or an error the machine wants you to clear. Start by checking power and the water tank, then run a rinse, clean the brew unit or group, and descale if due. If the machine trips the fuse, smells of burning, leaks inside or will not heat after these checks, stop using it and contact the maker or a repairer.

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When your coffee machine suddenly stops working, it is tempting to assume the worst. In practice, most faults on bean-to-cup and espresso machines come from water supply, blockages, scale or a sensor waiting for you to do something. This checklist works through the common symptoms in order of how often they occur. It applies to most brands; for model-specific fixes, see our dedicated guides linked below and your manual.

Quick checks first

  1. 1

    Check the plug, socket and any power switch on the back of the machine.

  2. 2

    Read the display or warning lights; many faults are messages to fill water, empty grounds or descale.

  3. 3

    Remove and refit the water tank firmly, making sure it is filled.

  4. 4

    Remove and refit the drip tray and grounds bin; sensors often stop the machine if they are not seated.

  5. 5

    Switch off, unplug for a minute and switch on again to clear temporary errors.

Symptoms and likely causes

SymptomLikely causeFirst fix
Will not switch onPower, fuse, safety cut-outCheck socket and plug fuse; let it cool
No water comes outTank not seated, air lock, scaleRefit tank, run hot water to prime, descale
Pump noisy, no flowAir lock or empty tankFill tank, prime via hot water or steam wand
Coffee drips slowlyGrind too fine, scale, blocked spoutCoarser grind, descale, clean spout
Coffee wateryGrind too coarse, low doseFiner grind, higher strength
Grinder runs, no coffeeEmpty or blocked hopper, oily beansRefill, clear beans, clean chute
Not hot enoughSettings, scale, cold cupsRaise temperature, descale, preheat cups
LeakingDrip tray full, gasket worn, tank sealEmpty tray, check seals
Coffee machine faults by symptom

No water or weak flow

If the pump hums but nothing comes out, the most common cause is air in the system. This often happens after the tank runs dry or after descaling. Refill the tank, then run water through the hot water outlet or steam wand until it flows steadily. Many machines have a priming routine in the manual.

If flow is weak over time, limescale is the likely cause, especially in hard water areas. Descale using the maker's product. Our hard water guide explains why UK machines scale up quickly. On manual machines, also check the shower screen for blockages and see our low pressure guide.

Grinding and brewing faults

On bean-to-cup machines, a grinder that runs but produces no coffee is usually caused by an empty hopper, beans bridging above the burrs, or oily beans gumming the chute. Stir the beans, try a less oily roast and clean the chute. A brew unit that is dirty or not fitted correctly can also stop brewing. Remove and rinse it, then refit until it clicks.

For brand-specific symptoms, see De'Longhi problems, Sage Barista Express problems or coffee grinder not working.

Heating problems

If coffee is lukewarm, raise the temperature setting, preheat cups and make sure the machine has fully warmed up. If the machine does not heat at all, it may have a tripped safety thermostat or a failed thermal fuse or element. Those parts sit next to mains wiring and hot metal. Our Gaggia Classic not heating guide explains the typical causes on a simple boiler machine.

Note:Do not open the case of a coffee machine while it is plugged in. Inside are mains electrics and parts that stay hot for a long time. If the fault is inside the machine, use the maker's service centre or a qualified repairer.

When to call for repair

If the machine is old and the repair is major, weigh it against a replacement. Our lifespan guide helps you decide.

  • The machine trips your fuse box or blows its plug fuse.
  • You smell burning or see scorch marks.
  • Water leaks from inside the case, not from the tray or tank.
  • It still will not heat or pump after descaling and priming.
  • The display shows a fault code your manual says needs service.

Compare replacement bean-to-cup machines →

Frequently asked questions

Why has my coffee machine stopped working suddenly? Often the tank, drip tray or grounds bin is not seated, the tank is empty, or the machine needs descaling. Check those first.

How do I reset my coffee machine? Switching off and unplugging for a minute clears most temporary errors. Factory reset steps are in the manual.

Why does my machine say descale after I just did? The descale cycle may not have finished, or the counter was not reset. See not working after descaling.

Is it worth repairing an old coffee machine? Simple fixes like seals and cleaning are worthwhile. Big repairs on older, cheaper machines may not be.

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