Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fixes

A broken coffee maker can ruin your morning. Whether you have a simple drip coffee maker or a high-end espresso machine, many common problems have straightforward solutions. Let’s walk through what you can troubleshoot yourself and when to call for help.

Drip Coffee Maker Problems

Coffee Maker Won’t Turn On

What to check:

• Is it plugged in securely?
• Try a different outlet
• Check if a GFCI outlet has tripped (press the reset button)
• Look for a thermal fuse reset button on the machine

If none of these work, the thermal fuse or power supply may have failed. This is repairable but requires disassembly.

Coffee Maker Turns On But Won’t Brew

The most common cause is a clogged water line from mineral buildup.

Try this:

1. Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water
2. Run a full brew cycle (without coffee)
3. Run 2-3 cycles with plain water to rinse
4. Try brewing again

If descaling doesn’t work, the heating element may have failed.

Coffee Tastes Bad or Weak

Common causes:

• Mineral buildup (descale with vinegar)
• Old or stale coffee grounds
• Wrong grind size (too coarse)
• Water temperature too low (heating element issue)

Water Leaks

Check these:

• Is the carafe seated properly?
• Is the filter basket installed correctly?
• Look for cracks in the reservoir
• Check the seal around the heating plate

Espresso Machine Problems

Espresso machines are more complex and often more expensive to repair. Here’s what to check before calling a professional.

No Water Flow (Machine Won’t Pump)

What to check:

• Is the water reservoir full and seated properly?
• Is the pump primed? (Run water without coffee first)
• Check for clogs in the water line
• Make sure the portafilter is locked in correctly

Weak or Watery Espresso

Common causes:

• Grind too coarse - espresso needs a fine grind
• Not enough coffee - should be about 18-20g for a double shot
• Tamping too light - tamp firmly and evenly
• Worn group head gasket - causes pressure loss

Machine Makes Noise But No Espresso Comes Out

This usually means a blockage or pump failure.

Try this:

1. Remove the portafilter and run the machine
2. If water flows freely, the portafilter or coffee puck is too packed
3. If no water flows, the pump or solenoid valve may have failed

Steam Wand Doesn’t Work

Check these:

• Is there water in the boiler? Let it heat up fully
• Clean the steam wand tip - milk residue clogs the holes
• Purge the wand before and after each use

Espresso Machine Leaking

Common leak points:

• Group head gasket (needs replacement every 1-2 years with heavy use)
• Portafilter basket (worn or cracked)
• Water tank seal
• Internal hose connections

Descaling and Maintenance

Regular descaling prevents most coffee maker and espresso machine problems.

For drip coffee makers:

• Descale monthly if you have hard water
• Use white vinegar or a commercial descaler

For espresso machines:

• Follow manufacturer’s descaling instructions
• Use the recommended descaling solution
• Descale every 2-3 months with regular use
• Backflush regularly if your machine supports it

When to Call a Professional

Bring your machine in for repair if:

• The pump runs but doesn’t build pressure
• Heating element isn’t maintaining temperature
• Electronic controls or display malfunction
• Internal leaks you can’t locate
• Strange electrical smells or sparking

Is It Worth Repairing?

Usually worth repairing:

• Semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines ($300+)
• Built-in coffee systems
• Commercial-grade equipment
• Machines with sentimental value

Consider replacement:

• Basic drip coffee makers under $50
• Pod/capsule machines (often cheaper to replace)
• Machines over 10 years old with major component failure

We diagnose coffee makers and espresso machines for free. We’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong and whether repair makes financial sense before you commit to anything.