Diagnose All E61 Group Head Leaks

This article will resolve the following issues:Leaking from the flow control Leaking from the mushroom valveLeaking from the group dischargeLeaking from the brew leverLeaking around the portafilter while brewing or backflushing This article is relevant to the following: Any espresso machine with an E61-style group head If the flow control is leaking from where the valve spindle goes into the very top of the mushroom, then the o-rings that create a seal for that valve likely need replacement. Here’s a picture showing where this leak occurs and a link to our guide for replacing those o-rings. In the guide, you will find all of the information needed to complete the repair, including links to the required parts. If the flow control is leaking between the group head itself and the flow control nut, then removing the flow control for cleaning or to replace the gaskets may be needed. Below is a picture depicting where you would see this leak. There’s also a link to a guide that goes over how to service the flow control and replace the necessary gaskets as needed. In the guide, you will find all of the information needed to complete the repair, including links to the required parts. If the leak is between the group head itself and the mushroom valve, then removing the mushroom for cleaning or to replace the gaskets may be needed. Below is a picture depicting where you would see this leak. There’s also a link to a guide that goes over how to service the flow control and replace the necessary gaskets as needed. In the guide, you will find all of the information needed to complete the repair, including links to the required parts. Below you’ll find troubleshooting for all of the reasons the group discharge may leak when it is not supposed to. Please note that the discharge is supposed to release pressure from the group after a shot is pulled, so it is normal to see water coming from here directly after brewing, and it is normal to see a small amount drip out. Troubleshooting is only necessary for excess water coming from the discharge if the machine has not just brewed a shot. Below you will find a picture showing where you would see this leak.If the brew lever is not fully in the down position, parallel to the face of the machine, then the valves inside the group will not stop water flow from the lower discharge on the group. This can also result in poor initial flow or excess steam from the group head. Below are pictures showing where this leak occurs and the correct position for the lever when the machine is not in use.If the discharge is leaking while the lever is fully lowered, then one of the valves in the group head is not stopping flow when it should. This would be a good time to perform a complete group head maintenance. Below you will find a guide on completing this service. If the brew head is leaking where it attaches to the brew lever, then either the gasket that seals their connection may need to be replaced. Below you will find a guide on how to service this area of the machine. Below is a picture showing where this leak would occur. If there is too much coffee dosed into the portafilter basket, then the portafilter will not be able to create a seal with the grouphead. Be sure the amount of coffee in the baskets matches the recommended dose.If you are using the recommended dose, then try using just a gram or two less to ensure your dosage volume is not the issue. It’s also important to remember that not all coffees are the same density, so some coffees may take up more space while being the same dosage weight. A good test for ensuring your dose is correct is to put a nickel on the prepared coffee puck after tamping and insert it into the grouphead. If the nickel leaves an imprint in the basket, then the dose is too large. If the dose in the portafilter basket is correct, then it may be time to clean or replace the portafilter gasket. It’s smart to perform maintenance on the shower screen and group head while doing this. Below you’ll find a guide on performing this maintenance. The guide will walk you through all the steps needed to resolve this issue and includes links to any parts you may need. E61 Brew Group: Gasket and Shower Screen Maintenance

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