If you are able to get steam and hot water through the steam arm, but are unable to get water through the brew head, this will show you how to clean the Group Valve Assembly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Please read the entire instructions before you start.
- Unplug the machine – make sure that the machine is cool before beginning.
- Remove the reservoir, drip tray, drip pan and reservoir cover and lay the espresso machine on its back.
- Use a short Philips head screwdriver to remove the shower screen. If you damage the shower screen, call us to order a new one. They are not expensive. The shower screen screw is available too.
- Under the shower screen you will see the “Shower Holding Plate” that is held in place with two Allen screws. Remove the two Allen screws with 5mm Allen wrench. If the shower holding plate does not come off when the second screw is removed then move on to step 5, otherwise move on to step 6.
- The Shower Holding Plate should just drop out after you remove the Allen screws. If it does not, use a large flat blade screwdriver to gently pry out the Shower Holding Plate. Be careful not to damage the ridge that the shower screen fits up into. If you do, a new holding plate is available. It is part number GA-DY0036/A and is available as a replacement part. Just call us to order
- Sometimes, the Shower Holding Plate is really stuck. To remove a plate that is stuck, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers. Open the pliers and stick the points into the holes where the Allen bolts were. Then turn hard. This should break the Shower Holding Plate free or loosen it enough to pry off. Clean out any build up that you see using a stiff brush and some descaler – the same kind you would use to descale the machine.
- Now look up inside the brew group and you will see what looks like a bolt with a hole in it. Unscrew the bolt from the machine and you will see a spring with a rubber ball. If you do not see the spring and rubber valve seat you will have to take the bolt apart and you will find those parts inside the bolt. The piece at the very end looks like it is 2 nuts together. This can be unscrewed. Clean them with descaler and a brush thoroughly before putting them back together. (The group valve is also available to purchase if you need it – part number
- It is possible that the “bolt” portion of this valve may be stuck or brittle and may break off while attempting to remove it. If this occurs, you will need to replace this assembly as a whole—the old parts will not be re-usable.
- Now is a great time to test the machine to see if water will come out. Sit the machine back up and reinsert the water tank with some water. Now press the brew button. If you can get water to come out of the group head, this is a good sign. If nothing comes out, please call technical support.
- This is also good opportunity to clean the shower screen and group head. The cleaner they are, the better your coffee will taste. DO NOT use a pin to clean out any holes in the screen. It can cause future clogs because it will enlarge the small holes. Make sure you can see through the holes in the shower screen. Be sure to scrub the screen well and make sure the holes in the shower holding plate clear also.
- Now reassemble the group head in reverse order.
- Tip the unit back up and install the drip pan, drip tray and water reservoir.
- Fill the reservoir and plug the machine in and you are ready to go.