Hi, Hope everyone is well. A friend has the same machine as mine, an ecm that's one year or so old. Claims to use bottled water only and was showing me these white flakes in his water tank I have no idea what they are so I thought to ask for clarification on here. I will attach a picture, he says his started seeing it last few months every now and then. Thanks
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White flake specks in water Reservoir?
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What is your water supply and if tap water where are you located and do you filter it. (Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice :-) )Originally posted by Waah954 View PostHi, Hope everyone is well. A friend has the same machine as mine, an ecm that's one year or so old. Claims to use bottled water only and was showing me these white flakes in his water tank I have no idea what they are so I thought to ask for clarification on here. I will attach a picture, he says his started seeing it last few months every now and then. Thanks
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He uses bottled water.Originally posted by tompoland View PostWhat is your water supply and if tap water where are you located and do you filter it. (Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice :-) )
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An excess of calcium can crystalise, so to speak, and appear as white flakes. This is common in "hard water" which is why I asked about the source. I'd get the water tested if for some reason he wants to keep using the same water but in the meantime definitely clean the thing and try a different water source while the test results come back. Dollare to donuts its calcium which means a fast build up of scale in his machine too.
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First crack or nothing
- Nov 13
- 3440
- Sydney (West)
- Filter or long black: clean with crisp acidity
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"Bottled water" could mean a lot of things. Very few bottled water options are suitable for use in espresso machines.
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First crack or nothing
- Nov 13
- 3440
- Sydney (West)
- Filter or long black: clean with crisp acidity
- Send PM
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I would advise your friend to get a benchtop water filtration system with the appropriate cartridge. These can just be attached to a tap in the kitchen or laundry. Take a look a Di Bartoli or Talk Coffee websites to see what I'm referring to. This would be a much better long term option compared to buying bottled water.
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Yeh I've been use this benchtop system for at least 4 years:
https://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/...-water-filter/
With replacement cartridges easily available. Seems to work well, doesn't cost the earth and you can easily take it with you if you move house (or even if you head down the coast for a few weeks I guess).
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A bwt penguin water pitcher is also a good option, it’s just a fillable jug. Won’t make your water softer but does help remove some of the calcium and replace with magnesium. I have one sitting in my cupboard I don’t use anymore if it happens to be something your friend wants to get. 1 spare filter and I can post it depending on location. Just a suggestion
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Thanks for offer, will let him know and will pm you if his interest.Originally posted by FilthySudo View PostA bwt penguin water pitcher is also a good option, it’s just a fillable jug. Won’t make your water softer but does help remove some of the calcium and replace with magnesium. I have one sitting in my cupboard I don’t use anymore if it happens to be something your friend wants to get. 1 spare filter and I can post it depending on location. Just a suggestion
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