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  • Dribbling Gaggia Classic

    Hi All,

    My Gaggia Classic is dribbling from the steam wand whenever the machine is turned on. While the machine is warming, say 20 minutes, there is enough dribble to fill 1/5 of a cup. Even with the steam valve/knob fully tight.

    It also continues to dribble while pouring a shot.

    I pulled it apart yesterday and couldnt see how to get to the tap valve. It seems fully sealed. All visible o-rings look in tact.

    Any suggestions before i fork over $ for a repairer?

  • #2
    Re: Dribbling Gaggia Classic

    Hi sluggo and welcome to CS!

    The gaggia does have a seated valve assembly that is similar to a normal tap, though a lot smaller and with more components.

    Take a look at the following link from Site Sponsor, Coffee Parts and give them a call - very helpful people who can walk you through the repair and send out the parts required pronto!

    http://www.coffeeparts.com/gaggia/gag3.html

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    • #3
      Re: Dribbling Gaggia Classic

      Yello Sluggo.

      I have a Gaggia Classic. THe dripping is somewhat normal.

      You say about 50ml over a 20min.period ?

      If its dribbling alot when totally shut then thats an issue.

      Ive modified a few gaggias in the past and noticed similar issues.

      You may have an issue with your overflow valve. If your not totally familiar

      with doing fixes then i would not touch it.

      Try the basics first as listed below, if it doesnt change anything then you need

      to have your machine looked at.

      I had blocked the overflow valve in a lower end gaggia espresso and the

      result was lots of dripping on the steam wand end because the water

      had nowhere else to go. Similarily the Classic OPV acts the same way.

      If its full of buildup then you will have issues.

      However, I was willing to put up with it because it improved the shot quality.

      Your OPV valve in the CLASSIC might not be functioning properly.

      #1) when did you last descale your boiler?

      #2) when did you last backflush your machine?

      #3) have you tested your local water/what kind of water do you use? distilled?,ro?,etc.

      To avoid a lot of issues a regular cleaning schedule is required. ie. scale 1 every 2mths.

      Backflush once a month or week...up to you. In your case id say once a week since

      you are experiencing issues.

      My educated guess: Replacement $50.00+- for the OPV. Your looking at

      about 1/2hr to 1hr labour MAX if required.

      Im almost 100% sure its not your seals but the cleaning regime will confirm this.

      If anything, get a good descale solution recommended for your gaggia.

      I assume you know the routine of descaling. In your case let it sit for 24hours+-

      and then turn on your machine the next day and purge through your steam wand

      and the grouphead. Then shut off the machine. Let it sit again for about 4hours and

      repeat. Then flush it all out with clean water and do your backflush cleaning routine.

      Make sure you have a good recommended detergent from gaggia for backflushing.

      This might fix your issue.


      ps. Ive seen a lot of machines with locked steam valves due to buildup issues where
      no water whatsoever comes out. Those machines were abused. Leaking is more
      likely excessive pressure. I cant see the steam valve not shutting properly all its
      own without some buildup blockage issue.




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      • #4
        Re: Dribbling Gaggia Classic

        Now that is a comprehensive reply... CHEERS!!!

        Ye, approx 50ml whilst warming sounds about right. It tends to dribble quicker while pouring a shot... could that be the extra back pressure venting out the wand?

        I make 2-3 espressos a day.

        I backflush approx once a month using Cafetto espresso clean (from coffeeparts). I have never descaled the machine in the 12 months or so since i bought it. Im not 100% on the procedure either.

        I use filtered tap water.

        I might actually take the machine to coffeeparts as they are local to me.

        Cheers!

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Dribbling Gaggia Classic


          Make sure you have a good recommended detergent from Gaggia for backflushing.
          Although I and many other CSers regularly backflush our Classics, Gaggia do not recommend it. So I guess they wont recommend a product to do it with.

          Most of the site sponsors have products for this purpose.

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          • #6
            Re: Dribbling Gaggia Classic

            It turns out the steam valve assembly is a sealed unit (thanks Gaggia) and the individual components can be changed... So $26 and a new steam valve assembly later and shes good as gold. Just made 3 espressos and not a single drop of water from the wand!!

            Im back in business.

            Cheers again!

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Dribbling Gaggia Classic

              Thats great news sluggo!

              Comment

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