Common problems with the
Sage Barista Express

Example of a Barista Express not passing water through the group head.

No water through the group head

WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE

Little or no water comes through the group head when you try to make coffee. The machine may still make its normal pumping noise, and the hot-water outlet or steam wand may continue to work normally.

SAFE NEXT STEP

Check that the water tank is full and seated correctly, then run the manufacturer-approved cleaning cycle if one is due.

Avoid repeatedly trying to force water through the machine. If the hot-water outlet and steam wand are working but the group head still has little or no flow, the machine is likely to need further investigation.

HOW WE CAN HELP

When the problem is isolated to the group head, it can point towards a blockage or restriction in the coffee-water path, although there are other internal faults that can cause the same symptom.

We can test the water flow through the machine, identify where the restriction or fault is and carry out the correct repair.

Water leaking from the back or underneath

WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE

You may find water appearing underneath or behind your Barista Express, either while the machine is running or shortly after you have used it.

The amount of water can vary from a few drops to a more noticeable leak.

SAFE NEXT STEP

If water is getting near electrical parts, the machine is tripping the power, or the leak is becoming significant, stop using it and unplug it.

Allow the machine to cool before moving or inspecting it.

HOW WE CAN HELP

There are several places inside a Barista Express where a leak can develop, including hoses, seals, valves and other water-carrying components.

We see this type of fault regularly and can pressure-test and inspect the machine to find the actual source of the leak rather than replacing parts based on where the water happens to appear externally.

Example of a Barista Express leaking around the portafilter.

Water leaking around the portafilter

WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE

Water escapes around the edge of the portafilter while coffee is being made, rather than passing only through the coffee.

It may begin as a small drip and gradually get worse, or appear suddenly when the machine comes under pressure.

SAFE NEXT STEP

Make sure the portafilter is fitted correctly and that there is no coffee sitting on the rim of the basket or around the group-head seal.

If the leak is forceful, worsening or the portafilter no longer feels secure, stop using the machine and allow it to cool before handling it.

HOW WE CAN HELP

A worn group-head seal is a common cause of water leaking around the portafilter, but it is not the only possibility.

We check the seal, portafilter fit and the rest of the group-head assembly so we can identify why the machine is leaking and carry out the right repair.

Example of a Barista Express making a loud buzzing noise.

A loud buzzing noise

WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE

Your Barista Express may suddenly develop a loud or unusual buzzing noise.

It might happen as soon as the machine is switched on, or only when you try to make coffee, dispense hot water or use another function. You may also notice a change in water flow at the same time.

SAFE NEXT STEP

If it is safe to do so, take a short video of the noise. This can be useful when booking the machine in and may help us understand when the fault occurs.

Stop using the machine if the buzzing is accompanied by excessive heat, a burning smell, smoke or a power fault.

HOW WE CAN HELP

The point at which the buzzing starts, and whether it is accompanied by a change in water flow, gives us useful clues about what is happening inside the machine.

There are several components that can produce this type of noise, so we can inspect the machine, reproduce the fault and identify the underlying cause before repairing it.

Steam wand not working

WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE

The rest of your Barista Express may appear to work normally, but the steam wand produces very little steam or no usable steam at all.

You may also notice that the steam is weaker than it used to be, takes much longer to start or stops part-way through steaming.

SAFE NEXT STEP

Make sure the steam tip is clean and use only the manufacturer-approved cleaning method.

Do not insert tools into the steam wand while it is hot and do not dismantle the wand or internal steam components yourself.

HOW WE CAN HELP

A weak or non-working steam wand can be caused by a blockage, but it can also be related to a valve, heating or other internal component fault.

We can test the steam system properly, identify whether the issue is a blockage or a failed component and carry out the correct repair.

Barista Express tripping the RCD or home electrics

WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE

Your Barista Express may cause the RCD, circuit breaker or other home electrics to trip when the machine is switched on or while it is being used.

The fault may happen immediately, or only when the machine starts heating, brewing, steaming or carrying out another function.

SAFE NEXT STEP

Stop using the machine and unplug it from the mains.

Do not repeatedly reset the RCD or circuit breaker and switch the machine back on to see whether it trips again. Continuing to power a machine with an electrical fault is likely to cause further damage and may make the eventual repair more extensive.

HOW WE CAN HELP

A machine that trips the electrics can have an electrical fault within one of several internal components, and the point in the operating cycle when it trips can help narrow down the affected area.

We can electrically test the machine, reproduce the fault safely and identify which component or circuit is causing the problem before carrying out the correct repair.