WHAT TO DO WHEN COLD WATER IS DISPENSING FROM THE GROUP HEAD?
Check the power switch. Many machine have a three position switch- off, on to fill, and normal operating. Make sure your power switch is in the normal position, usually designated with a 2. If not, flip the switch, wait about 15mins or so and check your machine again. You should be feeling some heat now and you’re on the way to espresso greatness!
IS YOUR MACHINE A HEAT EXCHANGER?
Heat exchanger machines use the steam stored inside the boiler to heat the water for the coffee as it passes through. This style machine uses only one heating system to generate the steam, and ultimately heat the water for the group heads. If the water at the group heads is cold, and the steam wands have no steam pressure, there is a failure in that heating system. Using your multimeter to test the incoming voltage, heating element, pressurestat, and high temperature thermostat (if present) will give you an idea of where the failure may be. If there is voltage at the heating element and no heat, you will need to identify the failed component.
DOES YOUR MACHINE HAVE STEAM PRESSURE?
Check your machine’s steam pressure gauge. Cold steam boilers can be caused by failure of the heating system, as well as being overfilled. If there is no steam, but your pressure gauge shows that there is pressure, an overfill condition is likely the case. Checking the fill system to ensure there are no leaks. If not, check the power switch, ensuring that it is in the position for heating.
If you have multiple water boilers, check the temperature on each. A completely cold machine may be caused by the incoming power supply or the power switch. If only one boiler is cold, use your multimeter to test the components related to that boiler, including the element, thermostat, pressurestat, and PID (if present).
DOES YOUR MACHINE HAVE MULTIPLE BOILERS?
Espresso machines with multiple boilers use a designated boiler for the steam, tea water, and one or more boilers for the brewing water. Each boiler will have it’s own heating element and it’s own control for that element therefore, there are more components to test.
If you have checked everything noted above and your machine is still not heating, it is time to call a Coffee Technician to assist.
Remember working on espresso machines is dangerous. Stay safe. If at any time you think you might be getting in over your head, stop and call a professional! Electricity and water do not mix. Always unplug your machine before removing any panels or checking any components. If you are unfamiliar with safe electrical practices, call a Professional Coffee Technician. Familiarity with the use of a multimeter is recommended. The information in this guide is intended to be used for basic level troubleshooting only.
