1st-line's Espresso Blog, Posts
My Espresso Machine Pump Makes a Weird Noise!
Over time, one may notice the pump on an espresso machine change its sound or make weird noise or noises while pumping. This should be investigated before it can become worse, or even damage other parts, like the heating element in an espresso machine. On vibration pump espresso machines, the pump noise is always different (louder or rumbling) than when under high pressure espresso extracting. Espresso machines with rotary pumps, the pump sound should always be the same or similar. Things to check for on a traditional espresso machine with portafilters. The below may not apply on superautomatics as they have different systems internally.
Is the noise only when
a) refilling the boiler – the vibation pump is usually the loudest, and/or
b) running water through the grouphead with coffee – the vibration pump will usually go to a hum noise. If it does not, the ground coffee may not be fine enough. You can check with using a blind filter if your machine is capable of using a blind to see if it goes to a hum. Also, the OPV may be leaking and its return hose should be inspected for discharge without coffee in the filter basket in the filter holder placed into the grouphead, and/or
c) without coffee – should sound similar to when refilling the boiler through the water wand
Is the espresso machine plumbed or used in tank/reservoir mode?
If plumbed in mode…
Is the water line valve turned on?
What is water line pressure – if under 35 or over 40 psi, the pump, respectively, may be gasping for water or have too much high pressure.
When was the inline filter/softener replaced – it may be clogged and needs replacement.
If tank mode,
Is there a softener attached to the hose in the tank?
Does the noise happen when the softener filter is removed from the hose. If no, the softener needs replacement and charging.
When was softener/filter last replaced or recharged – if not charged in past week or replaced within last 6 months, please recharge and replace and see if noise goes away.
Is there an osmotic pack for water treatment blocking the intake in the reservoir?
All espresso machines
When has the dispersion screen replaced? Please inspect the screen as it may be clogged.
If an E61 grouphead, check the gicleur for blockage in the top mushroom AFTER the unit has fully cooled and water supply shut off.
Vibration Pump
Rotary Vane Pump
