Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Silvia Maintenance

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Silvia Maintenance

    Hi

    I have a Rancilio Silvia and would like some advice on what maintenance I should do and how often.

    I keep the machine clean and wipe the leftover cover off the group head but theres obviously more I should be doing. Ive seen references to descaling and backflushing. Should these be done and if so, how often? Is there any other maintenance items I should also be doing.

    Thanks in advance.
    Paul

  • #2
    Re: Silvia Maintenance

    If you go to my website at:
    http://www.espressomyespresso.com
    Look in the right-hand column. there you will find detailed information about backflushing as well as how to on backflushing and descaling.

    How often? It depends on how much use the machine gets and the water you are using. if the water is high in minerals (calcium and lime0 and you have not been using an inline softener, then descaling three to four times a year would not be excessive. if the water is low in mineral content, then once or twice a year is plenty.

    For backflushing, again, it has to do with how much use the machine gets. Once every two weeks with detergent should be more than sufficient, and once every day or two with clear water should take care of the rest.

    Once or twice a year it would be a good idea to disassemble and clean the parts of the 3-way valves parts.

    once you get into the habit of doing the above tasks regularly you will gain a better idea as to how often they should be done.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Silvia Maintenance

      Paul,
      Cleaning requirements vary according to use.

      For a starting point, you might consider a weekly ritual of a chemical backflush, a soak of PF, baskets and shower screen in cleaning solution and a clean of the grouphead while the shower screen is off.

      Descaling requirements will depend on the quality of water you are using in the Silvia. If you are using WA tap water (even filtered), then it will probably be required inside a 6 month window, but a fellow WA member may have a better idea on this one.

      Good luck.

      Brett.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Silvia Maintenance

        Hi Paul, welcome to the Silvia club.
        I have got a routine I follow to try and ensure machine is clean and producing good shots.
        Use filtered water in tank.
        After pulling shot run water over empty portafilter to clean off dregs, I then wipe shower screen clean with small brush and cloth to get rid of grinds around seal etc.
        If you steam milk, wipe to steam tip with moist rag to remove milk residue and I then run hot water switch and flush steam until water runs into a bowl to recharge the boiler, this is crucial to make sure boiler is full for next shot, it does not recharge itself and a new boiler costs $300.
        Once a week I back flush--using Cafetto cleaner, you will need a blind pf or a rubber disc that sits in base of your portafilter ($2), lock pf in group and run brew switch until you hear hiss sound, turn off and let dregs drain into a bowl placed under group on drip tray (otherwise your drip tray will fill and overflow), flush 6-8 times until clear water discharges then run some extra water through group and steam wand to clear out any excess detergent from lines etc.
        I descale 3 monthly as Perth water is pretty bad!!
        I undo shower screen screw and remove and clean screen mesh etc every few weeks.
        There is heaps of Silvia info if you search in CS archives or if you have any more questions Im sure all the Silvia owners will sort you out.
        Enjoy your machine..............cheers gm

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Silvia Maintenance

          Cheers for the quick and detailed replies guys.

          To clarify some of the specifics. My machine makes about 15 double shots a week. As some of you have seen from my profile, Im in Perth. My water is filtered through one of those Stefani ceramic filters.

          Sounds like need a blind filter, some descaling solution and some detergent. Where is the best place to buy this (preferably a site sponsor)?

          I response to greenman, I already make sure I clean out the milk and run water to make sure that the boiler is refilled.

          Thanks for all your help.

          Paul

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Silvia Maintenance

            Paul,

            Coffeeparts are a sponsor and have all you need.

            Have a look at the cleaning kits and jugs and cloths and bags and... theres just too much stuff!

            A 500g tub of caffetto will last quite some time, but I dont think it goes off, so a bigger tub wont be a wasted investment.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Silvia Maintenance

              Another place for cleaning solution,
              Have a look at Bombora in the sponsors site on the left.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Silvia Maintenance

                Whats involved in descaling and how is it done?

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Silvia Maintenance

                  HiPaul,
                  For Descaling, I use the Cafetto Restore, which is a 25g sachet you mix with a litre of warm water. I run it through the boiler a cup at a time, letting it sit for 15 min between cups. Once the water tank is nearly out, refill tank with fresh water and flush that through. Basically follow the instructions on the packet. Comes in a box with 4 sachets. Most of the sponsors would probably stock this.
                  Similarly with the detergent for flushing the group head. Cafetto Espresso Clean, comes in 1kg plastic container. I have found half a scoop more than enough to get Silvia sparking (every 2 weeks at the most), doing one shot of coffee a day and a few more on the w/ends. Once again, I just follow the instructions on the tub.

                  Comment

                  Working...
                  X