Expert Sage Bambino Plus repairs and servicing

The Bambino Plus uses different combinations of flashing lights to tell you whether the machine needs maintenance or has detected a problem.

1 Cup and 2 Cup flashing alternately

This normally means the machine is asking for a cleaning or backflush cycle.

1 Cup, 2 Cup and Steam flashing alternately

This normally means the machine is asking to be descaled.

All of the lights flashing together

This is different from a normal cleaning or descale reminder. First check that the water tank is full, fitted correctly and that the machine can detect the water level.

If you complete the correct cleaning or descale cycle and the lights do not clear, or the flashing pattern does not match a normal maintenance alert, the machine may have detected another fault and may need repair.

The Bambino Plus needs to detect the water level in the tank before it will operate normally.

If the tank is full but the machine still behaves as though it is empty, first remove and refit the tank to make sure it is seated correctly.

There is also a small magnetic float inside the water tank that moves with the water level. Occasionally this can stick in the lower position, causing the machine to think the tank is empty even when it is full.

With the tank removed, gently check that the float can move freely. Often simply freeing it and refitting the tank is enough to get the machine working normally again.

If the float is moving freely but the machine still cannot recognise the water level, the problem may be with the sensing system inside the machine.

If the machine sounds like it is trying to run but little or no water is coming through, first check that the water tank is full and seated correctly.

If you use a water filter, remove it temporarily and try the machine once without it to rule out a restricted filter.

If the machine was previously working normally and has suddenly lost water flow from the group head, steam wand or both, there may be a blockage, pump-related issue or another fault inside the water system.

Repeatedly running the pump or carrying out multiple descale cycles is unlikely to solve every cause of this symptom and can put unnecessary strain on the machine.

The Bambino Plus uses both the steam system and the milk-temperature sensor beneath the jug.

If the steam is weak or inconsistent, first make sure the steam tip is clean and that the jug is sitting correctly over the temperature sensor.

Dried milk can restrict the steam tip, while residue on the temperature sensor can affect the automatic milk function.

If the wand is clean and the sensor area is clear but the machine still stops too early, overheats the milk or produces very weak steam, the fault may be elsewhere within the steam, heating or sensing system.

In many cases, yes.

Although the Bambino Plus is smaller and less expensive than some Sage machines, faults involving water flow, heating, steam or sensors do not automatically mean the machine is beyond economical repair.

At FMCM, if we can’t repair your machine, we don’t charge you for the repair, so it is usually worth having it properly investigated before deciding to replace it.