Rio Vapore Problem: Steam Leak

alas we've had the same problem since day one, just opened it up, must be the boiler unit leaking at the start to emit the steam so the handle gets hot and now the seal is totally gone it will just leak when the water gets too hot

Hi

Your valve is out of adjustment. Everybody thinks that the valves opens to allow water or steam through. It doesn't. When you twist the valve it pushes a needle open to allow water/steam through. When you close the valve it allows the needle to seat, but if you keep twisting the knob it gets out of adjustment. It just moves the valve farther from the needle.
First unplug the machine. Remove the water tank. Next remove the screw in the top back of the machine. Push the top forward with your fingers. This unlocks the top and it can be placed behind the machine with the wire connected. Next rotate the steam knob counter clockwise till it stops. Inside next to the micro switch there is a brown cam. On the backside of the cam is the #2 Allen screw. Loosen this screw and the rotate the cam counter clockwise until it stops. Push it to the left as far as you can (it should touch the screw on the left), then tighten the Allen screw. This is the proper adjustment. Reinstall the top. There is a grove in the top that the face fits into. Gently push the top back and the face will go with it. Then put the screw in the back and your done.

This is hard to picture. The only way water can come out the brew spout is if the brewing mechanism inside in the position to make coffee. The only way to get that mechanism into that position is to either select one of the three coffee buttons (you'd hear the grinder run, then you'd hear the motor putting the brew mechanism into place and then the pump start and water would then come out the brew spout. OR to select preground coffee and then select one of the three coffee sizes - in that case you wouldn't hear the grinder but you'd still hear the motor turn the brew mechanism into brewing position and then start the pump.
When you simply select hot water and then open the steam valve - I can't imagine any possible way for water to come out the brew spout.
Now if you mean that you don't see any water come out but water is leaking inside the cabinet and ending up in the drip tray - then that would mean a leak inside the machine. It could be the valve that the brew group locks into when it goes into brew position (you see this valve in a little recess behind the brew mechanism when you take the brew group out to clean it). Or it could be a leaking steam valve or hose inside.
You might try getting a flashlight and a cleaning brush - take out the brew mechanism and then clean around that little nozzle/valve that is in the recess just the left of center behind where the brew mechanism was. That valve should shut when you are not in brew position and not allow any water out - but it may be gummed up with coffee grounds.
If you are feeling brave - you would need a deep socket and a lot of patience with a small breaker bar (a ratchet head is too big to fit in there) and you can remove that nozzle/valve and then clean it or replace it. But it is very slow going to remove it (there must be some special tool they use at the factory). I had just the right size deep socket (like what you'd use for a spark plug in a car) but there wasn't room for a ratchet so I had to use a small breaker bar and I could only turn the valve about 1/4 turn at a time then I'd have to reposition the socket to do another 1/4 turn. It took 5-10 minutes to remove it - then it was easy to clean. I think you could clean it in place with a stiff bristle brush and some q-tips.
I don't know if that valve is the problem - but that's the only thing I can think of that would have your hot water and steam running into your drip tray instead of out the steam wand.

The wand can leak if the rocker switch is not in the UP position.

In MIDDLE position it will try to deliver hot water.

In DOWN position it will try to deliver steam.

The thermoblock in this unit is actually a 3-way valve, of which two positions route water from the boiler directly to the wand. The 3rd position (UP) routes hot water (but not steam) from the boiler to the group head.

Try holding the switch in the UP position by hand when making coffee. If the machine still pushes water through the wand then you will have to replace the switch inside the machine that is activated by the rocker, or the valve it operates.

Please let me know how it goes.

graham dot r dot leach at gmail dot com

Using an ohms meter, disconnect one of the leads and check the reading across the terminals. Make sure power is off when checking resistance.

Hello :

1:Clean your steam iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Your iron is more likely to leak when it has not been cleaned properly. Plus, the water that leaks from a steam iron that hasn't been cleaned will likely be dirty and stain your fabric. Every steam iron brand is different, so be sure to check the manual that came with your iron or browse the manufacturer's website for instructions on keeping your steam iron in good working order.

2:Use your steam iron on a rigid surface like an ironing board. In a rush, you might be tempted to quickly iron a blouse or pants on the nearest available surface like a bed, carpet or even on a table with a towel draped over it. However, these surfaces may not provide the proper amount of level padding for successful steam ironing, and leaks are more likely to occur. Take the time to set up your ironing board for smooth steam ironing to reduce water leaks on a bumpy surface.

3:Allow your steam iron to heat fully in the upright position before ironing. Because your steam iron is designed to convert water into steam that will easily smooth out wrinkles on bulky fabrics, you can avoid leaks by ensuring your iron has time to get the water to the correct temperature. If you lay your steam iron in the horizontal position too quickly, water that is not hot enough to convert to steam will leak. Give the iron a chance to heat up, and then test your steam function on your ironing board cover or spare fabric swatch before tacking your favorite blouse.

4:Turn off the steam function on your iron when ironing at lower temperatures. Since your iron's steam function is designed to convert the water in your iron to steam at the right temperature, lower iron temperatures can cause water to leak if your steam setting is still activated. For ironing more delicate fabrics, turn off the steam to avoid water leaks.

PLEASE RATE !

the steam valve is plugged or stuck open it is inside near thr steam knob

If the descaler is not working try using scalekleen or you might have to manually use a pipe cleaner on all hoses and fittings.

Try opening the frothing valve by turning the dial and force water through it instead of steam by pressing the middle, coffee button. You may be experiencing vapor lock. Once the water comes through the steamer valve, turn the steamer knob off and release the coffee button. Then try the steamer button with the steamer dial open. This may do the trick.