As a coffee lover and a proud owner of a Breville Barista Express machine, sometimes you can run into some issues with your machine.
One of the most common ones is water coming out of the group head instead of the coffee. It can be frustrating and confusing but don’t worry, there are several simple reasons for this, and they are easy to fix.
In this blog post, I will share some main reasons why is your Breville Barista Express water coming out of the group head with some solutions.
6 Reasons Breville Barista Express Water Coming Out of Group Head
1. Clogged Shower Screen
This is the most common reason for water coming out of the group head, and it’s quite easy to fix.
The shower screen is located on the top of the group head and can become clogged with coffee oils and grounds. To fix this, simply remove the shower screen and clean it well with a soft brush.
2. Damaged Shower Screen
If the shower screen is damaged or has any cracks, it can cause water to come out of the group head.
Check the screen carefully, and if there are damages, you will need to replace it. You can easily purchase a replacement shower screen from Breville’s website or from other retailers.
3. Tamped Too Hard
If you tamp the coffee too hard, it can cause the coffee to become packed too tightly. This will create a restriction in the flow of water and may cause water to come out of the group head.
Always make sure to tamp the coffee just enough and avoid applying too much pressure.
4. Grind Size
Grinding your coffee beans to the wrong size can also cause water to come out of the group head.
If the grind is too fine, it will create a restriction in water flow and cause water to seep through the edges of the coffee puck.
If the grind is too coarse, the water will flow too quickly, resulting in under-extracted coffee. Make sure to adjust the grind size to match your desired outcome.
5. Dirty Portafilter
If your portafilter is not cleaned properly, it can cause water to come out of the group head. Make sure to clean the portafilter after each use with a soft brush and rinse it well with hot water.
6. Loose Group Head
If the group head is not properly tightened, it can cause water to leak from the edges. Make sure to check that the group head is screwed on tightly.
Preventing Breville Barista Express Water Coming Out of Group Head
1. Check The Clearance
One of the most common reasons why water is coming out of the group head is due to a low clearance.
To prevent this, make sure that the filter basket and the group head are not touching or too close. You can also try switching to a smaller-sized filter basket or upgrading your portafilter.
2. Clean The Filter Basket
It’s important to keep your filter basket clean to ensure consistent water flow and prevent water from coming out of the group head.
Furthermore, after every use, remove the filter basket and clean it thoroughly. Soak it in hot water with a cleaning solution or a mild detergent.
3. Check The Seal
The Breville Barista Express has a silicon seal in the group head. Make sure it’s not damaged or worn out by inspecting it regularly. If you see any damage, replace it immediately with a new seal.
4. Tamp Your Coffee Correctly
Tamping your coffee correctly is vital for preventing water from coming out of the group head. If the coffee grounds aren’t evenly and firmly compacted, this can result in water flow issues.
Further, try using a calibrated tamper or practicing your tamping technique with a manual tamper until you achieve the perfect tamp.
5. Clean The Group Head
Cleaning the group head regularly is essential to eliminate any clogs or build-up that can cause water to come out of the group head.
Remove the filter basket and clean the group head with a damp cloth or brush. You can also use a cleaning solution to soak the group head overnight.
Why is water coming out of the group head?
There are a few possible reasons for this issue. It could be due to an incorrect grind size, too much or too little coffee in the portafilter, or a clog in the machine’s internal water system. In some cases, the group head itself may be malfunctioning.
How can I prevent water from coming out of the group head?
To prevent this issue, be sure to follow the recommended parameters for coffee dose and grind size. Clean your machine regularly and descale it as needed.
If you still experience the issue, try contacting Breville customer support for further assistance.
What should I do if water is coming out of the group head during pre-infusion?
If water is coming out of the group head during pre-infusion, there may be an issue with the machine’s solenoid valve.
This valve controls the flow of water through the group head and may need to be replaced. Contact Breville customer support for assistance with this issue.
You don’t want this to be you! Make sure to keep your espresso machines clean and serviced properly!
Can this issue be fixed at home?
Some issues related to water coming out of the group head can be fixed at home, such as cleaning or adjusting the machine’s settings. At the same time, if the issue persists, it may be best to seek professional assistance from Breville customer support.
How can I troubleshoot this issue?
If you are experiencing water coming out of the group head, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check the coffee dose and grind size
- Clean the machine and descale it as needed
- Check for internal clogs or blockages
- Contact Breville customer support for further assistance if needed
Conclusion
Having water come out of the group head instead of coffee can be a frustrating issue, but it is usually an easy fix.
However, by following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Breville Barista Express machine and a delicious cup of coffee every time.
In a nutshell, Remember to always keep your machine clean and well-maintained and adjust your settings to match your desired outcome.
