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Why is my espresso machine leaking

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In short

Leaks from around the portafilter during a shot nearly always come from a worn group head gasket or coffee grounds on the basket rim. Water under the machine is usually an overfull drip tray, a tank not seated or a cracked tank. Find where the water starts, fix the simple causes first, and call a repairer if the water comes from inside the body.

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Water on the worktop is alarming, but most espresso machine leaks have a simple cause you can fix at home. The key is finding where the water actually starts, because it often runs a long way before you see it. Dry the machine and the worktop, put down kitchen roll, then make a drink and watch. The sections below go through the common sources in order, from the group head down to the base.

Find the source

Watch where the first drops appear. Water dripping down the front of the portafilter points to the group head. Water pooling under the front points to the drip tray. Water at the back or one side points to the tank. Water from under the body with everything else dry points to an internal leak.

Where you see waterLikely cause
Round portafilter during a shotWorn group gasket, grounds on rim, overfilled basket
Front of machine, under trayDrip tray full or not fitted
Back or sideTank not seated, cracked tank, valve seal
From steam wand when offSteam valve not closing fully
Under the body, other parts dryInternal hose or boiler leak
Where the leak shows and what it usually means

Leaking from the group head

The group head gasket is the rubber ring the portafilter presses against. Heat makes it harden and shrink over time, so it stops sealing and water and coffee spill out round the edge during a shot. If the portafilter handle now locks further round than it used to, or the gasket feels hard or cracked, it is due for replacement. Gaskets are inexpensive parts sold for most machines. Match the size to your model, since espresso machine gaskets vary with group size, and see portafilter sizes by machine.

Before replacing anything, wipe the basket rim clean before every shot, as a few grounds break the seal. Check you are not overfilling the basket, which pushes the puck into the shower screen. Make sure the basket is the right one for your machine and sits fully in the portafilter.

  1. 1

    Let the machine cool and switch it off.

  2. 2

    Brush the gasket and shower screen with a group head brush.

  3. 3

    Check the gasket for cracks or hardness.

  4. 4

    Wipe the basket rim and lock the portafilter in firmly.

  5. 5

    If it still leaks, replace the gasket following the manual or have it fitted.

Leaking from the drip tray or tank

Many machines dump water into the drip tray after each shot to release pressure, so it fills faster than you might think. An overfull tray spills over the back or front edge. Empty it daily and check it is pushed fully in. Some trays have a float that rises when full.

The tank sits on a valve with a seal. If the tank is not seated, or the seal is dirty or worn, water seeps out at the back. Lift the tank, clean the valve and seal, and refit firmly. Fill the tank and stand it on a dry tea towel for a while to check for hairline cracks.

Steam wand drips and internal leaks

A wand that drips when closed usually has a steam valve that is not sealing, often due to scale or a worn valve seal. Close the knob firmly but do not force it. Descaling can help, and a worn valve needs a part. Our guide to hard water and coffee machines explains how scale builds up.

If water comes from inside the body with the tray, tank and group dry, a hose, fitting or boiler seal may have failed. Unplug the machine and stop using it. Water and mains electricity together are dangerous, so this is a job for the maker or a qualified repairer.

Note:If water reaches the plug, socket or underside of the machine, switch off at the wall and unplug before touching anything. Do not use the machine until it has been checked.

Brand specific help

For the Sage Barista Express, see Sage Barista Express problems. For pump and flow faults on the Gaggia Classic, see Gaggia Classic not pumping water. If repairs are adding up, our best espresso machines for beginners and best espresso machines without a grinder list current machines.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my espresso machine leaking from the group head? Usually a worn gasket or grounds on the basket rim. Clean the rim before each shot and replace the gasket if it is hard or cracked.

How often should I replace the group head gasket? It depends on use and heat. Many makers suggest checking it every year or so, and replacing it when it hardens or the handle locks further round than before.

Is a leaking espresso machine dangerous? A full drip tray is not, but water inside the body near electrics is. Unplug and get it checked if water comes from inside.

Why does my machine leak water into the drip tray after every shot? That is normal on many machines. A valve releases pressure from the group into the tray after brewing.

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