Coffee Machine Leaking Water? Common Causes and Fixes
Finding water under your coffee machine is never a good start to the day. Some leaks are simple to fix at home, while others are a sign that seals, hoses or valves inside the machine need replacing. The quickest way to work out what's going on is to look at where the water is coming from.
Safety first: if water is pooling near the power cord or underneath the machine, switch it off at the wall and unplug it before investigating. Coffee machines combine water and mains electricity, so never open the casing yourself.
Water under the machine
- Full or poorly seated drip tray. The most common cause. Empty the tray and make sure it clicks fully into place.
- Water tank seal or valve. If the tank isn't seated properly, or its valve or seal is worn or cracked, water can escape at the base.
- Internal hoses and fittings. Hoses harden and fittings loosen over time, especially with heat and scale. Leaks from inside the casing need a technician.
- Blockages from scale. Scale can block internal pathways and force water out through valves and seals. Regular descaling helps prevent this.
Water around the group head
On manual espresso machines, water or coffee escaping around the portafilter usually points to a worn group gasket. Gaskets harden with heat and age, and once they lose their seal, water escapes during extraction. Other causes include a portafilter that isn't locked in fully, coffee grounds on the gasket, or a damaged basket. Our guide on how to replace a group gasket explains the warning signs.
A dripping steam wand
A steam wand that drips when switched off usually has a worn valve seal or scale in the valve. Purge the wand after every use to keep milk and scale out, and have the valve serviced if the drip continues.
Leaks on automatic machines
Fully automatic bean-to-cup machines can leak from the brewing unit, milk system or internal hoses. A dirty or poorly lubricated brewing unit, worn O-rings or a blocked milk circuit are common culprits. Clean the brewing unit and milk system as your manual recommends, and if the leak continues, have it checked.
What you can check at home
- Empty and reseat the drip tray and water tank.
- Check the portafilter is clean and locked in fully.
- Wipe the group gasket and look for cracks or hardening.
- Run a descale cycle if your machine is due.
- Watch for drips while the machine heats up, which can show where the leak starts.
When to call a technician
If water is coming from inside the casing, the leak keeps returning, or you see water near any electrical parts, stop using the machine and bring it in. Our Adelaide technicians repair all major brands using genuine parts, and we're an authorised service agent for De'Longhi, Smeg, La Pavoni, Lelit, Profitec, Gaggia, Saeco, Bosch, Siemens, Miele and more. Learn more about our coffee machine repairs in Adelaide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use a leaking coffee machine?
Not if water is near the electrics or coming from inside the casing. Unplug it and have it checked.
How often should a group gasket be replaced?
It depends on use, but most home machines benefit from a new gasket and shower screen around every 12 months.
Can scale cause leaks?
Yes. Scale can block internal pathways and force water out through seals and valves, which is why regular descaling matters in hard water areas like Adelaide.
