The situation when the beloved coffee-machine It can stop serving water and ruin the morning for any coffee drinker. Instead of a fragrant espresso, you hear only the hum of the engine or observe the complete silence of the technique. This is a common problem that equipment owners face. DeLonghi The series is different, whether it is a compact Magnifica or a more complex Dinamica.
Most often, the reason lies not in the fatal breakdown of the electronics, but in the violation of the circulation of fluid inside the hydraulic system. Stifling or scale blocks the normal flow of water, creating a critical pressure. Understanding the principles of operation of the brewing unit and pump will help to quickly identify the source of the problem.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the diagnostic algorithms that will allow you to independently eliminate most of the faults. You will learn how to properly swell the system, clean the valves and determine the moment when a master call is needed. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by excitation procedure or replacing seals without buying new equipment.
Diagnosis of external signs and initial examination
Before disassembling the device, it is necessary to carefully analyze the behavior of the device. Nature of the sound produced pompIt gives you the first clue. If you hear a loud, tense hum, but the water is not going, this indicates the engine is idling or trying to pump air. In the case of complete silence when turning on the coffee making program, there is probably a problem with the electrician or overheating protection worked.
Visual inspection of the water tank is the next mandatory step. Make sure that the magnetic float is not stuck to the walls and moves freely. Water level sensor in models DeLonghi Often gives false signals if mucus or plaque has formed on the walls of the tank. Also check the integrity of the water intake hose inside the tank: it should not be bent or have cracks at the base.
Pay attention to the indicators on the control panel. Blinking light bulbs often signal specific errors. For example, the simultaneous blinking of vapor and coffee indicators may indicate the need for decalcination, which also affects the permeability of the system. Ignoring these signals leads to the scale It completely cuts off the feeding channels.
⚠️ Warning: If you smell burning or see sparkling, immediately disconnect the device from the network. Further operation may result in short circuit or fire.
Check the pressure in the plumbing if you are using a connection to the central highway through a filter. Too low pressure at the inlet will not allow the pump to start the process of fluid intake. For stand-alone tanks, make sure the valve at the bottom of the tank opens completely when installed in place.
Stifling the system: causes and method of elimination
The most common reason why coffee-machine It doesn't supply water, it's a traffic jam. This often happens if the machine has been out of work for a long time, or if you forgot to add water and the tank is completely empty. Air trapped in the hydraulic circuit blocks the movement of the fluid, as the pump cannot create sufficient thinning to pump it.
To solve this problem in most models DeLonghisuch as the series Magnifica S or ECAMThere is a special procedure. It consists in pumping water through a capuchinator or hot water nozzle. You will need to remove the spout of the steamer, substitute the container and turn on the mode of supplying steam or hot water. The pump will start to work harder, pushing air bubbles.
The process can take from 30 seconds to 2-3 minutes. If the water went jerky, with "spitting" and hissing - this is a good sign, then the cork began to come out. Continue the procedure until the stream is smooth and the stablesilky. After that, try making coffee. If the problem persisted only because of air, the device should work normally.
☑️ Stifling algorithm
In some cases, especially in models with automatic cappuccinator (see below).LatteCrema), it may be necessary to remove the milk container and wash the milk-breeding system with clean water. The frozen milk or air in these thin tubes can also create resistance that mimics pump failure.
Problems with pump and electromagnetic valve
If the excitation doesn't work, attention turns to the heart of hydraulics. pump (pump) In coffee machines DeLonghi Ulka vibration pumps or similar are commonly used. Over time, their performance drops or they completely fail. The symptom of the malfunction is a characteristic sound: the pump hums, but does not create pressure, or the hum is intermittent and quiet.
It is important to check the electromagnetic valve that regulates the water supply to the brewing unit. If the valve coil does not receive voltage or it is burned, the water simply will not pass beyond a certain section of the path. Diagnostics requires a multimeter: you need to ring the valve winding and check for a control signal when starting the program.
Owners often confuse the breakdown of the pump with its contamination. Inside the pump, a lime plaque can form, which blocks the movement of the piston. In this case, it helps to soak the pump in a special solution from scale, but this is a temporary measure. If the engine is running, it will only help. replacement component.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Loud hum, no water. | Stifling or wear of pump | Pumping the system or replacing the pump |
| Silence at launch | Failure of the fee or endwicks | Electronics diagnostics |
| Water drips slowly | Clogged channels or filter | Decalcination and cleaning |
| Intermittent serve | Hose air suction | Replacement of seals and hoses |
When replacing the pump, it is important to take into account its performance and overall dimensions. For DeLonghi The standard is a 15 bar pump, but there are models with different body lengths and connector type. An improperly selected pump may not stand up on a regular place or create excessive pressure.
Pollution of the hydraulic tract and the brewing block
The scaling is the main enemy of any coffee machine. Calcium and magnesium salts are deposited on heating elements (heatblock) and in narrow water channels. When the scale layer becomes too thick, the lumen of the tube critically narrows, and water cannot physically pass through it at the desired speed.
Especially affected models with direct water supply, where the water does not pass pre-filtration. In such cases, regular decalcination with special means is required. The use of citric acid or vinegar is unacceptable: these substances can damage rubber seals and plastic parts inside hydraulics.
Why can't I use citric acid?
Citric acid when heated above 60 degrees changes its properties and can crystallize in the nodes, creating even denser plugs that are almost impossible to remove without disassembling the device. In addition, it aggressively affects the rubber coils of the brewing block.
The scaling block also needs attention. If it has not been lubricated or cleaned for a long time, old coffee and oils turn into a viscous mass that cements moving parts. The mechanism ceases to open (water channels) completely. Removal of the block, its washing with warm water without detergents and thorough drying often return the device to work.
Check the mesh filter at the water inlet into the pump. It is a small plastic element with a small mesh that traps large debris. If it is clogged, the pump will work in idle mode, not able to suck water. Cleaning this filter is a simple operation that takes a couple of minutes, but is often ignored by users.
Mechanical damage to hoses and seals
Inside the coffee machine DeLonghi A whole network of silicone tubes has been laid. Over time, silicone blubbers, cracks or falls off the fittings under the influence of temperature and vibration. Even a microscopic crack leads to air sucking, which violates the tightness of the system and stops the supply of water to the noses.
Look at all visible connections. If you find moisture in the pallet, which should not be there, or hear hissing when the pump is working, look for the leak site. Pay special attention to the places of connection of tubes with the thermoblock and the brewing module. There are rubber rings that lose elasticity over time.
⚠️ Attention: When assembling a hydraulic system, be sure to lubricate rubber seals with food silicone lubricant. Dry gums are quickly rubbed and torn during installation.
Replacing hoses requires care. It is important not to confuse their purpose: some tubes are designed for high pressure and temperature, others - only for drainage. Installing an inappropriate hose can cause it to rupture under pressure and flood the kitchen with hot water.
Use food-grade silicone lubricant for all rubber seals when assembled. This will prolong their service life and ensure the tightness of the connections.
If you notice that the hose inside the water tank has become stiff and brittle, it also needs to be replaced. Through cracks in this area, the system will suck in air, and no pumping will help until leakage is eliminated.
Electronics and software failures
Although mechanical causes are more common, electronics cannot be discounted. The coffee machine control board controls the operation of all nodes. If the simistor controlling the pump is burned, or the water flow sensor is broken, the command to supply the liquid simply will not be executed, even if the device is physically serviceable.
Sometimes the problem lies in a software failure. The controller may be “hanging” in a state of error. In such cases, a full reset or reboot helps. For many models DeLonghi There is a combination of buttons for logging into the service menu or resetting errors. For example, holding certain keys when turned on may initiate a system test run.
Check the end switches of the brewing block. If the unit is not fully inserted or the door closing sensor does not work, the machine will not start the cooking process for safety reasons. Cleaning the contacts with alcohol often solves the problem of false signals.
Software reset and check end sensors are the first steps in the absence of a reaction of the device, before disassembling the hydraulics.
If you do not have the skills to work with a soldering iron and electronic circuits, it is better to entrust the diagnosis of the board to specialists. Attempt to repair the high-voltage part on its own can be life-threatening and finally finish off the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the coffee machine hum, but does not supply water after a long downtime?
Most likely, there was a strong suffocation of the system or dried water in the pump. It is necessary to perform the procedure of pumping water through the capuchinator for 2-3 minutes. If this did not help, it is possible that the pump failed due to the work "on dry".
Can I use regular tap water in DeLonghi?
Technically possible, but this will lead to rapid scale formation and breakage of the thermoblock. It is recommended to use filtered water or water in low-mineralization bottles. Hard water is the main reason that the device stops supplying water.
How often should decalcification be performed?
The frequency depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use. On average, the procedure is carried out every 2-3 months or after preparing 200-300 cups. The machine will remind you of this flashing indicators. Ignoring the request can block the work.
What if water flows into a pallet instead of a cup?
This indicates a clogging of the system or a malfunction of the brewing unit. Water follows the path of least resistance, drainage. It is necessary to remove the brewing block, wash it and check whether the output holes are clogged. It is also worth checking the drain valve.