mjackson ♦ Waroros,

It can not be backflushed as it has no 3 way solenoid. It can though be cleaned and maintained fairly easily. You can certainly run a cleaner like Cleancaf through it and that will help keep the boiler clean. You can also follow instructions we have written up to clean the group head as well as the group valve assembly. Here are the instructions if you are curious.

Group Valve Assembly Cleaning Instructions

If you are able to get steam and hot water through the steam arm, but are unable to get water through the brew head, this will show you how to clean the Group Valve Assembly.

Please read the entire instructions before you start.

1. Unplug the machine and make sure it is cool before beginning.

2. Remove the reservoir, drip tray, drip pan and lay the espresso machine on its back.

3. Locate the shower screen. It is where you lock the portafilter handle to the group head. Use a short Philips head screwdriver to remove the shower screen.

4. Now look up inside the group head. In the center you will see (pictured below) the group valve.




5. Use a wide, flat screw driver to remove the group valve. There are two slots parallel to one another on each side. Turn it counter clockwise to remove it completely.

6. Behind the group valve you will find a spring and valve seat. The valve seat is the rubber stopper at the end of the spring.

7. Clean the stopper with a stiff brush. You can also clean your group head with a stiff brush and some descaler to remove coffee buildup. The group head pictured above is clean. Your group head should look the same after cleaning.

8. This is also good opportunity to clean the shower screen as well. The cleaner they are, the better your coffee will taste. DO NOT use a pin to clean out any holes in the screen. It can cause future clogs because it will enlarge the small holes. Make sure you can see through the holes. Be sure to scrub the screen well.


9. Now reassemble the group head in reverse order. Do not tighten the group valve too much or water will not exit the boiler.

10. Tip the unit back up and install the drip pan, drip tray and water reservoir.

11. Fill the reservoir and plug the machine in and you are ready to go.


I hope this helps and this is a great machine for the money.

06-10-2011 8:16am |

TechMilanoItalia Ian, we have taken a look at the machine and it is possible to do, however we would not recommend doing this while still within the warranty period as it would void your warranty. The ball joint for the steam arm does have to be accessed from the inside and has to be disassembled to make the modification.

01-08-2010 5:25pm |