11 Common Espresso Machine Problems & How to Easily Fix Them
Last updated on February 7th, 2025 at 03:19 pm
Is your espresso machine giving you more headaches than great coffee?
I know the struggle all too well. When I got my first espresso machine, I was so excited to start making barista-level coffee at home. But let me tell you, that machine wasn’t anything to brag about and didn’t last nearly as long as it should have.
Now that I look back, I wish I had known even half of the tips I’m about to share with you.
Some simple troubleshooting and regular maintenance could’ve saved me a lot of frustration (and money).
In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify and fix 11 of the most common espresso machine problems, along with practical tips to keep your machine running like a dream. So let’s start brewing!
Quick Tips for Maintaining Your Espresso Machine
I suggest a few simple habits to make sure your espresso works correctly. However, if you want you can keep reading the rest to learn more.
1 – Clean Daily
Make cleaning part of your daily routine. To prevent buildup, you should rinse the portafilter, wipe down the group head, and purge the steam wand after every use.
2 – Use Quality Ingredients
High-quality coffee beans and filtered water aren’t just for better-tasting espresso. They’re also easier on your machine. See cheap beans can leave behind extra oils, and hard water causes mineral deposits that clog internal components. So, switching to filtered water alone can drastically reduce scaling issues.
3 – Schedule Regular Servicing
Even with the best maintenance habits, professional servicing every 6-12 months is a smart move. A trained technician can deep clean and inspect your machine for wear and tear you might miss. It’s like giving your espresso machine a well-deserved spa day!
11 Common Espresso Machine Problems & Their Solutions
Well, from bitter brews to stubborn steam wands, these common espresso machine problems can throw you off. Anyway, don’t worry! We’ve got simple solutions to get you back to brewing perfection.
1 – Machine Won’t Turn On
Nothing’s more frustrating than an espresso machine that refuses to power up. Before you panic and assume it’s broken, let’s troubleshoot.

Solution: Start with the Basics
1) First, check if the power cord is securely plugged in. It sounds simple, but I’ve overlooked this myself during a groggy morning. If it’s still not turning on, try a different outlet to rule out any issues with the original one.
2) Next, check your circuit breaker. A quick surge or overloaded circuit can trip it. So, you might need to reset the breaker to get your machine running again.
3) Finally, inspect the power switch on the machine. If it feels loose or doesn’t click properly, it could be worn out. Also replacement switches are cheap and fairly easy to install or you can call a repair professional if you’re uncomfortable tinkering.
2 – Low Water Pressure
If your espresso machine’s water pressure feels more like a drip than a steady stream then don’t worry. You can fix this problem.

Usually, low water pressure is a sign of something straightforward, like a blockage or a component that needs some maintenance.
Solution: Clear Blockages and Check Components
1) Start by cleaning or replacing the machine’s filters. Over time, filters can get clogged with coffee oils, minerals, or debris, and a quick cleaning or swap-out often restores proper flow.
I recommend keeping a spare filter on hand just in case. Well, it has saved me from a morning meltdown more than once!
2) Then check the water line for blockages. If your machine connects directly to a water source, inspect the line for kinks or sediment buildup. Even a small obstruction can impact pressure. So, disconnect the line and flush it out to be sure everything is clear.
3) If the problem persists, it might be a pump issue. Espresso machine pumps can wear out over time, especially if you’re pulling many shots every day. For this reason, you want to listen for unusual sounds from the pump like grinding or clicking.
Afterward, consider replacing it if it isn’t working properly. Pumps can be a bit tricky to replace, so if you’re unsure, calling a professional is a smart move.
3 – Espresso Tastes Bitter or Burnt
There’s nothing worse than expecting a rich, smooth espresso and getting something that tastes like an ashtray instead.

Bitter or burnt espresso is a common issue, but the good news? It’s usually caused by a small tweakable mistake.
Solution: Adjust Your Brew Settings
1) Start with the grind size. If the coffee is too fine, water struggles to flow through it, leading to over-extraction and that bitter flavor. You want a grind that feels like fine sand and not powdery. But still fine enough to create resistance during brewing. If in doubt, experiment in small increments.
2) Pay attention to brewing time. Over-extraction happens when water stays in contact with the coffee for too long. Ideally, your shot should pull in 25-30 seconds. If it’s taking longer, adjust your grind size or your dose.
3) Also double-check the water temperature. Espresso likes its water hot but not scalding—between 195-205°F (90-96°C) is the sweet spot. If your machine doesn’t have a temperature display, invest in a thermometer to make sure you’re brewing within range. Too high, and you’ll burn the coffee oils; too low, and you’ll miss the depth of flavor.
4 – Espresso Is Too Weak or Watery
When your espresso tastes more like flavored water than a bold, rich shot, it isn’t just disappointing but also heartbreaking. Luckily, weak or watery espresso usually comes down to a few easy-to-fix mistakes.

Solution: Fine-Tune Your Brewing Process
1) Check your grind size. If the coffee grounds are too coarse, water flows through them too quickly and leading to under-extraction. You should adjust the grind to a finer setting, like table salt consistency. A finer grind increases resistance, giving the water enough time to extract all those delicious flavors.
2) Make sure you’re using the right amount of coffee. For a double shot, aim for 18-20 grams of coffee grounds. It might seem obvious, but a common mistake is under-dosing, especially when you’re rushing in the morning. A kitchen scale works wonders here for consistent results.
3) You shouldn’t forget about tamping. If your tamping pressure is too light, water will flow through unevenly, creating a weak shot. Press down firmly with even pressure; you want about 30 pounds of force. It sounds technical, but with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature.
5 – Steam Wand Not Working Properly
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a steam wand that refuses to froth your milk properly. Whether it’s sputtering, barely steaming, or doing nothing at all. Usually, the issue is tied to a blockage or a lack of pressure.

Solution: Clear Blockages and Check Pressure
1) Start by cleaning the steam wand thoroughly. Over time, milk residue can clog the tiny holes at the tip. Use a pin or needle to carefully clear them out. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step can lead to a completely useless wand when you need it most.
2) If cleaning the tip doesn’t solve the problem, the issue might be deeper. Check the steam line for blockages, such as mineral buildup or leftover milk, which can cause pressure problems. Then run a cleaning cycle or flush it with steam to clear any debris. Descaling your machine regularly can also help prevent this problem from recurring.
3) Make sure the boiler is heating properly. If the water isn’t getting hot enough, you won’t get sufficient steam pressure. So listen for the boiler heating up and check for any unusual noises or error messages. If it’s not heating as it should, it might be time to call in a professional.
6 – Leaking Water from the Machine
Finding water pooling around your espresso machine isn’t just annoying but it’s a sign something’s out of whack. Often leaks can come from a few common issues and most are easy to fix once you pinpoint the problem.

Solution: Check Connections and Components
1) Start by inspecting the machine’s connections. Usually, loose hoses or fittings cause leaks, especially if the machine has been moved around. So, tighten any loose parts and look for cracks or damage in the hoses. I once found a tiny crack in a connector that was barely visible but caused a big mess.
2) Check the seals and gaskets. Over time, these parts can wear out, leading to small gaps where water escapes. If you notice drips around the portafilter or group head, it’s a good sign the gasket needs replacing. It’s a straightforward swap, and replacement parts are usually affordable.
3) Also don’t forget about the drip tray. If it’s overfilled or not seated properly, water can spill onto the countertop. For this reason, empty and clean it regularly to avoid this problem.
7 – Grinder Issues
When your grinder isn’t working correctly, it can throw your entire espresso routine out of balance. Whether it’s jammed, producing inconsistent grinds, or just not performing like it used to, the problem often comes down to buildup or wear and tear.

Solution: Clean, Adjust, and Replace as Needed
1) Begin by thoroughly cleaning your grinder. The fact is coffee grounds and oils can get stuck in the burrs and chute over time, especially if you’re using oily beans.
Unplug the grinder, remove any accessible parts, and use a brush or vacuum to clear out the buildup. I learned this the hard way when my grinder completely jammed mid-morning.
2) Inspect your grind settings. If the grind is too coarse or uneven, it can impact your espresso’s extraction. So, adjust the settings incrementally until you find the sweet spot for your machine.
3) If the grinder still isn’t producing consistent results, it might be time to replace the burrs. Over time, they can dull and lose their edge and leading to uneven grinds. Most burrs are easy to swap out with a little guidance from your grinder’s manual, and the improvement is well worth the effort.
8 – Temperature Problems (Too Hot or Cold)
If your espresso shots are coming out too bitter or too weak, it might be your machine’s temperature that’s out of whack. This problem can be tricky because they’re not always obvious.

However, they have a big impact on flavor. For instance, if it’s too hot, your coffee burns and it’s too cold, it’s under-extracted.
Solution: Recalibrate or Replace Key Components
1) I suggest checking the thermostat. If your machine allows it, recalibrate the temperature settings to stay within the ideal range of 195-205°F (90-96°C). Some machines make this process easy with a digital interface.
But if yours doesn’t, a thermometer can help you monitor the water temperature manually. I once found my machine running nearly 10 degrees too hot. This explained a lot about my overly bitter espresso!
2) If recalibrating doesn’t work, the heating element might be the issue. Over time, these can wear out or become less efficient, giving inconsistent temperatures. The thing is replacing the heating element is a more advanced fix. But it’s manageable with the help of your machine’s manual or a professional.
9 – No Espresso Flow
Well, nothing is more frustrating than hitting the brew button and watching… nothing happen. Normally, no espresso flow means something is clogged or the pump isn’t doing its job. The good news? It’s often a straightforward fix.

Solution: Clear Clogs and Check the Pump
1) First clean the portafilter and group head. Coffee grounds and oils can build up and block the flow, especially if cleaning has slipped down your priority list (we’ve all been there). So, scrub them thoroughly with a brush and hot water to remove any residue.
2) Then check the pump. If you’re hearing strange noises or no noise at all it might be blocked or malfunctioning. For this reason, run some water through the machine without the portafilter attached to see if the pump is pushing water through. If it’s not, a blockage or a failing pump might be the issue.
3) Descale the machine. The fact is mineral buildup from hard water can clog internal components and reduce water flow to a trickle or stop it altogether. Use a quality descaling solution and follow your machine’s instructions to clean it deeply.
10 – Strange Noises During Operation
We’ve all been there! Your espresso machine starts making noises that sound more like a construction site than a coffee maker. While it’s alarming, strange noises are usually a sign that something simple needs attention.

Solution: Purge, Tighten, and Inspect
1) I recommend purging air from the system. Often air bubbles can sneak into the machine, especially after a water refill or if it hasn’t been used for a while. So, run water through the machine without the portafilter attached to flush out any trapped air. I’ve heard some weird gurgles during this process, but it’s usually a quick fix.
2) Check for loose parts. Over time, vibrations from daily use can cause screws, fittings, or other components to loosen. Give the machine a quick once-over, tightening anything that feels wobbly. A loose part might not seem like a big deal, but it can create a lot of unnecessary racket.
3) Inspect the pump. If the noises persist, it could be a sign that the pump is struggling or starting to fail. Listen for grinding, clicking, or uneven sounds—it’s a good indicator the pump may need replacing. While this can feel intimidating, most pumps are replaceable, and a professional can help if you’re unsure.
11 – Machine Needs Frequent Descaling
If you feel like you’re constantly descaling your espresso machine, you’re not alone. Usually, hard water and irregular cleaning routines are to blame, but luckily, a few simple changes can make a big difference.

Solution: Use Better Water and Stay on Schedule
1) You should switch to filtered or softened water if you’re not using it already. Because hard water leaves behind mineral deposits that quickly build up in your machine, clogging components and reducing efficiency.
I noticed a huge difference after investing in a water filter. I have less scale buildup and better-tasting espresso!
2) You should stick to a regular descaling schedule. The frequency depends on your water quality and how often you use the machine, but a general rule is every 1-3 months. Use a high-quality descaler and follow your machine’s instructions carefully. Skipping this step can lead to more frequent problems and even shorten the life of your machine.
Last Thoughts
So, have you experienced any of these issues, or is your machine acting up in a way we didn’t cover? I’d like to hear your experiences or questions in the comments below and with that voilà!
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