ECM and Profitec Machines: Force Prime

This article shows how to “force prime” ECM and Profitec espresso machines when the hydraulic circuit is air-locked (vapor lock) and won’t draw water. You’ll learn quick, non-invasive tricks using the water tank, how to use a turkey baster/priming bulb, options that access the pump inlet directly, and safe methods for plumb-in setups and rotary pumps pulling from a jug.Beginner: If you’re comfortable removing the water tank and basic panels and using simple hand tools, you can do this. Some steps involve loosening a single compression fitting.Clean cup of waterTurkey baster or priming bulb (silicone)Short length of food-grade silicone tubing (helps with fittings)Small magnet (for tank sensor tricks on some models)Screwdriver(s) to remove the case (if using the pump-inlet method)Adjustable wrench (for a compression fitting on plumb-in rotary setups)Towel/rags to catch dripsForce priming means pushing water into the machine’s intake so the pump can grab it and start normal flow. Vapor lock happens when there’s mostly air in the lines; it’s more common on vibratory-pump machines, but can occur on rotary-pump models too.This non-invasive trick works ~50% of the time and requires no disassembly.Fill the tank and seat it normally. Turn the machine on.As soon as you hear the pump run, slightly lift the reservoir up—do not remove it—then press it back down into the socket.Repeat the lift/press a few times. This often breaks the small vacuum at the tank socket and restores suction.Heads-up: Don’t fully remove the tank while the pump is running—just a gentle lift and reseat.Use this if reseating the tank didn’t work.Remove the tank and access the reservoir outlet fitting. If your valve cap unscrews, reinstall the socket as normal on the machine.Fill a cup with clean water. Draw water into a turkey baster or priming bulb.Slide silicone tubing from your baster/bulb onto the reservoir socket nipple.Make the pump run:ECM Synchronika / Profitec Pro 700: Flip the front switch to bypass the tank sensor (so the machine will run with the tank out).Profitec Pro 500/600 (and similar): Hold a small magnet over the tank-present/low-level sensor to “trick” it.If needed, lift the brew lever to run the pump. Alternatively, trigger autofill by briefly lowering the steam-boiler level.While the pump runs, squeeze the bulb/baster to force water into the intake. Continue until the pump catches prime and water flows normally.Safety Note: Keep fingers clear of moving parts and electrical areas. Work with dry hands and stable footing.If you have a turkey baster but don’t want to use the tank socket, you can go straight to the pump inlet. This applies to both vibratory and rotary pumps.Power off and unplug the machine. Remove the outer case to access the pump.Identify the bottom hose going into the pump—that’s the inlet. The top line on a vibratory pump is typically the return; do not use that.Remove the bottom inlet hose from its fitting. Attach your silicone tube/baster to the free end of the hose.Re-plug and power on the machine. Lift the brew lever (or trigger autofill) so the pump runs.Squeeze the baster to push water into the pump until it primes, then reconnect the hose and reassemble the case.Warning: Internal access exposes live voltages and hot surfaces. If you’re not comfortable, stop and seek professional service.Best practice is to flush your house line and any filters before hooking up to reduce trapped air.If you are already plumbed in and the pump won’t draw:Confirm your house water valve is fully open and water flows to the machine (disconnect the line and briefly run it into a container to verify).Unplug the machine.Locate the compression fitting feeding the pressure gauge (a good place to vent air without needing sealant on reassembly).Slightly loosen the fitting until you see a bit of water escape—this purges trapped air.Tighten the fitting, plug in, and run the pump. It should now draw normally.Caution: Have a towel ready. If you forget to shut off a parallel reservoir feed or house valve, you can spray water—control valves before loosening fittings.When a rotary pump is trying to siphon from a container without a pressurized assist (no Flowjet):Submerge the suction hose end in air, plug the end with your thumb, and let the pump pull until you feel strong vacuum.Quickly place the hose into the water container and release your thumb.The vacuum will pull water through and establish prime.This field trick reliably kickstarts siphoning.If the pump still won’t prime, repeat the chosen method a couple of times—small air pockets can be stubborn.Check for kinks or loose clamps on the intake hose. Any small air leak on the suction side can prevent priming.For tank-use models, ensure the tank valve pin presses the socket bearing fully when seated.After success, pull a few seconds of water through the group and open the hot-water wand briefly to purge remaining air.Before connecting a plumb-in line, run water through the house line and fully flush new filters to minimize air and carbon fines.If machines sit dry for long periods (moves, shipping, seasonal use), expect a vapor lock; keep a priming bulb or turkey baster handy.

Ultimate Gift Guide

25% off Bezzera

Free Flow Control

Gifts With Purchase

Table of Contents