A leaking espresso machine: the location matters
Separate a drip at the portafilter, a tray overflow, and a leak under the cabinet before arranging coffee-machine service.
Stop first if water reaches electricity
Water under an espresso machine deserves attention even if it still makes coffee. Do not reach into a wet cabinet or handle a wet plug. Keep people away from the affected area and arrange safe isolation. A leak next to electrical equipment is not an invitation to run one more shot for a video.
If you already observed the leak during ordinary use, tell us where it first appeared. Water at the portafilter rim, an overflowing tray, and water emerging from under the case are different starting points.
At the group
A leak around the locked portafilter can involve the sealing surfaces, the basket or portafilter fit, or the group gasket. It does not prove that the boiler is leaking. Once the machine is safely cool, follow the operator guide for routine cleaning. Do not tighten the handle harder to compensate for a persistent leak.
At the drain or underneath
An accessible drip tray can be checked within normal operator maintenance. A plumbed drain or an internal hose needs a different assessment. Note whether the leak occurred while idle, filling, brewing, or steaming. Do not remove panels to trace a hot pressurized line.
What we assess
We locate the leak and check the affected connection or component before quoting a repair. Replacing a gasket at the group cannot resolve an unrelated leak inside the case. Tell us about previous work and any part already replaced so we can investigate the remaining complaint.
Most accepted espresso equipment comes to the bench through pickup and return. Franke diagnosis is on site; Bunn connected to building plumbing also follows an on-site route. Give us the exact model so we book the appropriate service.
For a leak confined to the portafilter rim, see our group-gasket guide.
Pickup, assessment, and return
Deposits: standard home $200; commercial espresso $200 to $450; Miele and home La Marzocco $200; Olympia Express $250; commercial La Marzocco $250 to $550. Additional bench work is $150 an hour, or $175 for Miele and La Marzocco.
The deposit pays for collection, bench diagnosis, and delivery back to you. It is not a credit against the repair charge. We seek your approval for the proposed repair.
Allow up to a week for diagnosis. Most repair jobs run 3–4 weeks; confirm the status of your own machine with us.
Repair coverage: parts 6 months; labor 6 months; consumables 90 days. A return of the same repaired fault is corrected without another charge.
Franke uses on-site diagnosis instead: A400 $150, A800 $200, A1000 $250. Other Franke models are confirmed at booking.
For Bunn connected to the building plumbing, the on-site diagnostic is $99, credited toward repair. Countertop Bunn bench pricing is confirmed at booking. Frozen-beverage machines receive a $99 on-site diagnostic credited toward repair, with a warranty from 3 months to 1 year depending on the repair.
(925) 977-8995 · Tell us the model and the fault when you book.
Before you book
Can I keep using a machine that leaks underneath?
Stop using it when the leak source is unknown, especially near electrical components. Arrange assessment before further operation.