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VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

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  • VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

    So, after 18 months of 4-6 times daily use and regenerating the water softening cartridge every 4-6 months (I have fairly good water <30ppmTDS)
    I think my trusty VBM D/S is showing signs that a descale is needed.
    The pressure is not as stable as it was when it was new, as in when pumping water through the group head (no load) the pressure gauge "wobbles" a bit, as if the flow is restricted. Also lately it has been getting harder to pull a good shot, and I am slowly making my grinds finer and finer to compensate.

    So, my question is, would this most likely be caused by scale build up in the lines, head etc... or does it sound more like the vibe pump is nearing the end of its useful life?

    My first thought was the softening cartridge was clogged up or something, but I have since taken it off with no difference.
    I am quite sure its not coffee build up or anything, as I am very careful with flushing/cleaning on time etc...

    I will give it a good descale and clean the OPV then re-dial it in.

    Please let me know if there is anything else I should do/check when I am doing this.

    Many thanks for the help to get the good stuff flowing again ;D

    John.

  • #2
    Re: VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

    Originally posted by 534E49575F0F513A0 link=1234753230/0#0 date=1234753230
    So, after 18 months of 4-6 times daily use and regenerating the water softening cartridge every 4-6 months (I have fairly good water <30ppmTDS)
    I think my trusty VBM D/S is showing signs that a descale is needed.
    The pressure is not as stable as it was when it was new, as in when pumping water through the group head (no load) the pressure gauge "wobbles" a bit, as if the flow is restricted. Also lately it has been getting harder to pull a good shot, and I am slowly making my grinds finer and finer to compensate.

    So, my question is, would this most likely be caused by scale build up in the lines, head etc... or does it sound more like the vibe pump is nearing the end of its useful life?

    My first thought was the softening cartridge was clogged up or something, but I have since taken it off with no difference.
    I am quite sure its not coffee build up or anything, as I am very careful with flushing/cleaning on time etc...

    I will give it a good descale and clean the OPV then re-dial it in.

    Please let me know if there is anything else I should do/check when I am doing this.

    Many thanks for the help to get the good stuff flowing again  ;D

    John.
    Hi John,

    Certainly wont do any harm if done with care and correctly...

    A couple of things to think about:[*]In-line water softening cartridges should be regenerated every couple of weeks.[*]Get a good descaler to do the job. I personally like Bombora triple action descaler. Plain citric can lift plaques of scale which may then cause problems elsewhere in your machine[*]If you are doing an in-situ descale, you should remove the boiler level probe on each fill to ensure that you get a more complete fill of the boiler.

    Good luck with the job

    2mcm

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

      For VBM DS descaling procedures, take a look at this:
      http://www.1st-line.com/cofffact/vibiemme_descaling.htm

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

        Followed Randys procedure and was surprised by the colour and metallic smell of the water from the boilder during the process. Mine obviously needed doing.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

          Thanks for the quick replies, I will get onto it ASAP!

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

            Originally posted by 7A6D6C7267666D393A39080 link=1234753230/3#3 date=1234759407
            Followed Randys procedure and was surprised by the colour and metallic smell of the water from the boilder during the process. Mine obviously needed doing.
            Curious to know how old your machine is/how long have you had it for...

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

              I do the automatic machine at work about every month (it asks for it--literally) and routinely get some scale particles in the rinse water. We use Adelaide tap water in it and go through just over a kilo of coffee a week.

              At home, I use a combo of rainwater and just enough tap water to get the TDS into the optimal area. i descaled my VBM Piccolo for the first time in a year and only got a bit of green-blue water--no scale at all.

              I had a little La San Marco Domus before I knew about routine maintenance, and never de-scaled in almost 20 years. When I took it apart the inside of the boiler was almost pristine. It was rainwater fed.

              In all depends on your water.

              Greg

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: VBM D/S Time for de-scale?

                I also think its time to descale. I noticed similar problems with my ECM Giotto Premium, which had always had filtered water. The performance dropped off gradually, till I was in no doubt there was a problem. Unfortunately, I had three different "service people" look at it, and none of them even mentioned descaling (though all were happy to take money from me).

                Finally Chris, from Talk Coffee, steered me right (and a big thanks to him. His service has been fantastic, and I didnt even buy the machine from him!). I think youll be amazed by the difference.

                Comment

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