Bezzera BZ10: Leaking from the Bottom

Learn what to do when a Bezzera BZ10 espresso machine is leaking from the bottom.

  1. Check the water tank and drip tray to make sure there are no cracks or breaks where water can escape. Make sure they are properly positioned on the machine.
  2. The machine should have both an inlet line and a return line. Make sure the return line is inside of the water tank. If you do not see the return line it may have fallen inside of the machine and will need to be retrieved and put back into the water tank.
  3. Open the machine and check all of the connections to make sure they are securely attached.
    • Examine the pump and boiler assemblies to see if there are any cracks in them. If the machine was exposed to subfreezing conditions without being properly drained it can cause these components to crack. These parts will need to be replaced if they are cracked.
    • Make sure both the inlet line and the outlet line on the pump are securely connected.
    • Check the various valves located on top of the boiler assembly.
      • If water is leaking from the relief valves, then the boiler may be overfilling. Distilled, reverse osmosis, and zero water are not compatible with this style of machine as the water level probe depends on minerals in the water to detect its presence. These water types do not contain minerals, and so the machine will continuously fill until it overflows, usually resulting in water leaking from the relief valves.
      • If water is leaking from the relief valves even though you are using a water that contains minerals, then you may need to clean the water level probe.
    • If the valves are leaking directly from where they screw into the boiler, then they may have a broken seal. Try resealing the valves by using white Teflon plumbers tape or food-safe Permabond and screwing them back into the boiler.
    • If there are any broken or cracked hoses, or hoses with pinhole leaks, they will need to be replaced.
  4. If you cannot find the source of the leak, it's possible the water you are seeing is from water spilled when refilling the machine, or from the drip tray being out of position. It is also possible to run the unit with the casing off to help identify the source of the leak; precautions should be taken to protect yourself from any exposed wiring or hot water or steam that comes from the machine if you attempt this.
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