📹 Bezzera Magica PID: Flow Issues

Learn what to do when experiencing flow issues on a Bezzera Magica PID espresso machine.

No Steam From Wand

1. Check the brew function on the machine and see if water is able to flow through the machine for this function.
   1. • If the brew water is not flowing either refer to the No Flow At All section of this article.
2. Check the hot water function of the machine. If you are able to draw hot water then the steam boiler must be pressurizing and heating, because hot water is expelled from the machine by steam pressure. The steam pressure gauge should also read 1-1.2 Bar to indicate the boiler is pressurized.
   1. 1. Remove the tip from the steam wand and test the flow. If flow is restored then the tip needs to be cleaned and reattached.
      2. If the flow is still blocked then there may be a blockage in the steam wand itself. Clean the wand by using a pipe brush that has synthetic or plastic bristles; metal bristles can damage the wand. Then soak the wand in a solution of hot water and backflushing powder for ten minutes. Test flow again.
      3. If there still isn't flow then there may be a blockage farther back in the steam circuit. The machine may need to be professionally cleaned to remove the blockage.

How to Diagnose Hot Water and Steam System Obstructions

Poor Flow or No Flow From the Group Head

The Bezzera Magica features programmable shot timing; please check to make sure the shots are programmed properly before doing the following steps. Shots can be accidentally programmed to zero, and as a result it may seem like there is a flow issue. Try using the manual brewing function to test for flow before proceeding. If the steam/hot water for the machine is working fine then there is likely something causing a blockage or pressure issue in the brew circuit.

• If a water softener is attached to the inlet line of the machine, it may be preventing water from flowing. Please remove the softener and see if the flow improves.
• The group head is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
• Taking apart the group head for manual cleaning is the first step. This should be done on a monthly basis. The instructions can be found here.
• If cleaning the group head restores flow to the group head, the machine should be immediately backflushed to prevent further flow issues. A video showing how to do this can be found below.
• There might be a kinked, broken, or loose line somewhere in the machine. Remove the top of the machine and take a look inside to see if you see any obvious issues.
• There might be an issue with one of the internal valve assemblies, which may need to be cleaned or replaced.

How To Clean E61 Brew Group Mushroom, Jet and Top Valve

How to Backflush Your Espresso Machine

No Hot Water From Tap

1. Check the brew function on the machine and see if water is able to flow through the machine for this function.
   • If the brew water is not flowing either refer to the No Flow At All section of this article.
2. Check the steam function of the machine. If you are able to draw steam then the steam boiler must be pressurizing and heating, because hot water is expelled from the machine by steam pressure. The steam pressure gauge should also read 1-1.2 Bar to indicate the boiler is pressurized.
   1. Remove the tip from the hot water wand and test the flow. If flow is restored then the tip needs to be cleaned and reattached.
   2. If the flow is still blocked then there may be a blockage in the hot water wand itself. Clean the wand by using a pipe brush that has synthetic or plastic bristles; metal bristles can damage the wand. Then soak the wand in a solution of hot water and backflushing powder for 10 minutes. Test flow again.
   3. If there still isn't flow then there may be a blockage farther back in the hot water circuit. The machine may need to be professionally cleaned to remove the blockage.

How to Diagnose Hot Water and Steam System Obstructions

No Flow At All

1. If the pump does not sound like it is activating:
   1. If the tank is empty, refill it.
   2. If the tank is full, but the machine thinks the water tank is empty, then the tank may not be seated correctly. Make sure there isn't anything blocking the tank from sitting flush inside the machine.
      • Check to make sure the water tank is filled, and the machine isn't indicating that the water tank is empty.
      • Remove the cover of the machine, and check for any loose or disconnected wires.
      • Make sure there aren't any kinked or pinched hoses.
      • There may be an issue with the water tank sensor. Remove the cover of the machine and check the wiring to the sensor to make sure it is connected and in good condition.
      • There may be an issue with the pump powering on. Check to make sure there are no loose or disconnected wires on the pump.
2. If the pump does sound like it is activating:
   • Check the water tank to make sure it is filled and that both the inlet line and the return lines are inserted into the tank. Make sure the inlet line in particular is below the surface of the water.
   • If you are using the water softener on the inlet line, try removing it and see if water can flow through the machine.
   • Open up the machine. Make sure there aren't any kinked or pinched hoses anywhere.
   • There may be a stuck valve inside the machine. The machine may need to be professionally repaired.