The Breville Bambino espresso machine is an extremely popular, beginner-level coffee machine that makes a delicious cup of coffee!
However, there have been some reported problems with the machine not pumping water properly.
This is naturally frustrating, especially when you haven’t had your morning cup of Joe.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out:
- Exactly what the problem is
- Help to fix it so that you can get back to being the best home barista you can be.
Let’s get started!
Identifying the Issue: When Your Bambino Won’t Pump Water
If you’ve noticed some issues with your bambino, they might be due to the water not pumping.
If you’re not sure whether the pump is the issue, then look for some of these common signs and symptoms.
If you’re getting no water at all when brewing your espresso, this is a common and important sign that there is something wrong with the pump and water flow – especially if you can hear the machine trying to pull the shot through!
On the other hand, if the water is stopping and starting, this is another sign that the water pump may have some issues.
More self-explanatory symptoms may be water leaking where water is not usually, different or alarming sounds such as screeching, or water flow that only produces a few drops of coffee.
All of these things point towards an issue with the water pump!
Initial Checks and Quick Fixes
There are a few simple things you can try before resorting to more serious repairs, even if they seem simple.
Double-check that your water reservoir is filled and properly inserted into the base of the machine. If the machine is not registering that the reservoir is in place, it won’t pump water!
First, prime the pump. This means running water through the machine without the coffee or portafilter inserted. Just push the second button to run water through and repeat a few times.
If there is no water flow at all, there may be airlocks. Try using the steam wand to see if water or steam comes out of here.
Following that, reset the machine. The classic on-and-off fix can actually work in this case! Unplug the machine for ten minutes and then try again.
If you’re feeling confident, you could inspect inside the machine and see if anything is loose and then tighten connections between lines.
Water Reservoir Troubleshooting
In some cases, the water tank or reservoir might be the issue. You could try some of these things to see if this is the issue.
Check that the water reservoir is filled, and in the right place, slotted in properly. If the sensors don’t detect that the water pump is there, then it will not pump any water.
Examine the connections from the water reservoir for any leaks. This could affect water flow and pressure to your coffee.
Tighten any loose connections to ensure an even flow of water. Additionally, check for breakage in the seal and replace if necessary.
Clearing Blockages in Water Lines
If you feel that a blockage in the water lines may be the issue, then here is how you can clear and clean them.
Inspect the water intake area after disconnecting the power for anything that may be in the wrong place, such as coffee grounds or other debris that shouldn’t be back there.
Examine the water lines to look for any breaks or leaks, bends, or kinks. Any of these could be affecting the water flow.
Please make sure to unplug the machine, and don’t risk touching anything you’re unsure about. Your safety should come first when it comes to working with electrical appliances.
If something is blocking the water lines, you could use water to flush it out or compressed air – whatever works for you!
If the blockage is not so easily removable, such as a buildup of minerals, then you may need to descale the machine.
Coffee machine descaler is a chemical that cleans and breaks down any unwanted residue inside the machine. Place it in your water reservoir and flush the machine until it is empty.
Also Read: Breville Barista Express No Water Coming Out – 6 Steps Solution
Maintenance and Cleaning for Optimal Performance
Regular cleaning and maintenance is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your machine and preventing future water pump issues.
Make sure to thoroughly wipe down the steam wand, the portafilter, and the outside of the machine to stop foreign objects from making their way inside.
Descale the machine semi-regularly – at least once a month. This will stop mineral buildup and blockages inside the machine!
When to Seek Professional Help
While many issues can be easily fixed yourself at home, there are times when you should leave it to professionals to fix your machine.
If you have persistent electrical problems, issues inside of the machine, difficulty accessing parts, and so on, it is best to simply leave it and allow a professional to step in!
You don’t want to risk doing more harm than good and pushing your machine to an unfixable place. If you have a warranty still in place, trying to fix it yourself could jeopardize this.
Preventative Measures for Long-Term Care
The main preventative measures in place for long-term care involve cleaning and maintaining the efficiency of your machine.
As previously mentioned, clear out your coffee grounds, wipe the steam wand, flush the machine with water, and regularly descale the machine.
Descaling the machine is one of the most important things you can do to keep your machine healthy and clean.
Another thing you might try is using filtered water instead of tap which contains less hard minerals, reducing buildup in and around the machine.
Final Words
We understand the frustration that comes with a broken or difficult machine and want to help the best we can.
Hopefully, using the tips outlined above will help to troubleshoot your Breville Bambino before resorting to expensive professional help. Good luck, and happy coffee-making!
