Troubleshooting Common Espresso Machine Problems (And When To Call The Pros)

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh espresso—until your machine starts acting up. Whether it’s for your kitchen or your café, a misbehaving espresso machine can throw your whole routine off. But don’t worry, most issues are more common (and fixable) than you might think.

Let’s walk through some of the most frequent espresso machine problems, how to troubleshoot them at home, and when it’s smarter to leave it to an espresso repair service.

1. No Power? Start Here
You’re ready to brew and… nothing. No lights, no sounds—just silence.

What You Can Check:
Power Supply: Sounds obvious, but double-check if the machine is plugged in securely and the outlet works.
Power Switch: Some models have multiple switches or hidden resets—check your manual.
Internal Fuse: Certain machines, especially commercial-grade or an automatic coffee machine, have internal fuses that may need replacing.

When to Call the Pros:
If you’ve tried the basics and still no luck, the issue could be internal wiring or a failed circuit board. That’s where a professional espresso repair service steps in.

2. No Water Flow
You press brew, but no water comes out. This one’s a real mood killer, especially during the morning rush.

Possible DIY Fixes:
Check the Water Tank: Is it full? Properly seated?
Clogged Line or Filter: Mineral deposits can block water flow. Try descaling your machine.
Pump Trouble: Some machines need to be primed. Run water through manually if your model allows it.

When to Call the Pros:
If the pump’s making noise but no water is flowing, it might be failing. At this point, a professional check is your safest bet.

3. Weak or Watery Espresso Shots
Your espresso is pulling, but instead of a rich, bold shot, you’re getting something more like brown water.

Try This First:
Grind Size: Too coarse, and water passes through too quickly. Try a finer grind. 
Tamp Pressure: Even and firm tamping ensures proper resistance during extraction. Uneven tamp pressure can cause channeling, leading to weak or bitter espresso. Use consistent force for a balanced and flavorful shot.
Dose Amount: Under-dosing leads to under-extraction. Check your measurements.

Also Look At:
If you’re using an automatic coffee machine, make sure the brew group is clean and functioning. Old coffee oils and grounds can throw off the pressure.

When to Call the Pros:
If you're doing everything right and still getting poor shots, you may have a faulty pressure valve or pump issue—both of which require expert handling.

4. Leaks and Drips

There’s water where it shouldn’t be—under the machine, around the portafilter, or dripping from the steam wand.

What You Can Do:
Check the Gasket: Inspect the group head gasket regularly—it may need cleaning to remove coffee residue or replacing if worn out, as a damaged gasket can cause leaks and affect espresso extraction quality.
Tighten Components: Loose connections in your espresso machine can cause water to leak from joints or fittings. Check and tighten all components to ensure a secure, watertight seal and prevent further issues.
Clear the Steam Wand: A blocked steam wand can build up back-pressure, leading to unexpected drips or leaks. Regularly purge and clean the wand to maintain smooth steam flow and prevent internal pressure issues.

When to Call the Pros:
Persistent leaks could mean damaged seals, cracked hoses, or worn-out fittings. A qualified espresso repair service can identify and replace faulty components without damaging the rest of your machine.

5. Steam Wand Not Working
Trying to froth milk and getting nothing but a faint hiss?

Try This:
Purge the Wand: Clear out any milk residue or condensation. 
Check for Blockage: Use a pin or cleaning tool to unclog the nozzle.
Boiler Pressure: Make sure your boiler is fully heated. Some automatic coffee machine models display pressure levels—check yours.

When to Call the Pros:
If the steam pressure is weak despite normal boiler temps, it could be a faulty solenoid valve or pressure regulator. These parts aren’t DIY-friendly and require an expert touch.

6. Machine is Overheating or Burnt Smell
That burnt smell is a major red flag.

What You Can Check:
Thermostat Settings: Make sure they’re not set too high.
Blocked Vents or Overused Boilers: Overheating can result from poor ventilation or constant back-to-back use without rest.

When to Call the Pros:
Overheating may signal internal damage to the boiler or electrical system. Turn off the machine and contact a professional espresso repair service right away to avoid further risk.

7. Loud or Unusual Noises
Espresso machines aren’t whisper-quiet, but they shouldn’t sound like they’re about to take off.

What You Can Do:
Air in the System: If your machine hasn’t been used in a while, it may just need priming.
Loose Screws or Vibrations: Check the casing and feet of the machine.

When to Call the Pros:
Grinding, screeching, or clicking noises that persist likely mean something is wrong inside—like a failing pump or motor. Let the professionals diagnose and fix it before it worsens.

The Case for Regular Maintenance
The best way to avoid most of these issues is simple: routine maintenance. Clean your machine daily, descale monthly, and replace worn parts as needed.

For an automatic coffee machine, especially, following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is key to longevity and performance.

Knowing When to Step Back

Even if you love a DIY fix, there are times when the safest and smartest move is to call in a professional espresso repair service. Tinkering with internal electronics, high-pressure parts, or sensitive brewing components can lead to more damage—or even void your warranty.

So when in doubt, don’t risk it.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting your espresso machine doesn't have to be intimidating. A lot of the most common issues come down to routine upkeep, simple cleaning, or easy-to-replace parts. But when those fixes aren’t cutting it, don’t hesitate to bring in the experts.

Your machine—and your morning coffee—deserve nothing less than the best care.