Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine - will not pump water

Hi there,

I had exactly the same problem with my Gaggia Classic. Worked fantastic every day for two years then one day developed the symptoms you describe. I rang some Gaggia service agents and they all said it needs a service ($100-$150). The last one I called told me to descale it before bringing it in for a service as it was probably scale buildup. I told them it wasn't a gradual thing - it just suddenly stopped and they said what happens is the scale builds up to a point where a piece breaks off and clogs the pipeworks leading to the brewing head. So, I used the instructions outlined here: http://www.coffeemachine.com.au/descalin...
At then end of the second flush through the steam head, I closed the steam vale to try and push the descaling solution back through the brew head (just dripped through again) then left it for 10 minutes again. Did the same the third time and it went to drip again for about five seconds then bingo - burst back to full flow. Hope this helps.

Have you changed coffee beans? Some beans need a coarser grind than others. If this is the case, try a coarser grind and/or less hard tampering of the coffee in the portafilter. This should solve the problem, at least it did for me. Otherwise you probably have a pump problem

Magnus

Hi, this is so easy to fix. Firtsly unplug the machine. Then remove the two screws in the top plate so that you can have access to the internals of the machine. You will see the red pump to the left hand side at the back. Remove the two screws that hold the pump in place (use a magnetic screwdriver so that you can pull the screws out). Pull the pump up towards you and then unscrew the thin plastic pipe at the top of the pump . It is the pump that has the scale build up problem. If you the put the water tubes into the water tank and hold a cup to the top of the pump to catch the water you then have to switch the pump on. You will then start to see lots of scale come out of it and the pump will pump more water than you are expecting so be careful. Be sure to cover the internals of the machine whilst you are doing this as you don't want to get water on the electrics and electricute yourself!!! Then rebuild it! Just svaed yourself £100 in having it serviced :-)

For those in soft water regions it's probably not the pump, but rather in the heater.

1. Switch on the machine and run the pump for a moment to prime the water path through the heater (where the coffee comes out!).
2. Once water is through and dripping out stop the pump.
3. Switch on the steam button. Leave for a minute or so.
4. Switch off the steam and switch on the pump. A lot of steam and a bit of water will come out, stop when there's no more steam.
5. Repeat from 3 several more times until water freely flow.
6. Enjoy your coffee once more!