What causes the lack of steam pressure of my espresso Saeco machine?

What causes the lack of steam pressure of my espresso Saeco machine?

Hi, I have a 5 years Via Venezia that pours excellent espresso shots. I’ve been having a problem with my steam pressure since a month or two. Although I descaled the boiler with the Saeco formula several times, it seems there is a lack of pressure in the steam wand. I’m able to heat the milk after 2 minutes, but I can’t get a nice steam flow and I’m not able to make the milk swirl anymore (so the milk just stands there and gets heated). It feels like the steam jet is just not strong enough. Again, strong descaling did not improve. I confirm that in the past, descaling was always working. Now it does not improve my steaming. I’m now considering a problem with the heat sensor. Could it be that the water does not turn all into steam completely? Thanks!

Asked by: Guest | Views: 181

Total answers/comments: 2

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Guest [Entry]

"Thank you for your response. I confirm that the steam light comes on approximately 1-2 minutes after the steam switch is pressed, which is as it always been since day one. I then open the valve and eject a bit of water for 2 seconds before I start to steam my milk (with only a 60-70% efficiency which is my problem). My understanding is that when I press the steam switch, the boiler starts heating the water to transform it into steam. Somehow I feel the water may not being all turned into steam (or less than it should be). But I’m not sure I understand what the thermostat input is and what output it gives to the boiler. Like what is the trigger for the steam thermostat to stop boiling the water? Can it be as simple as let’s say 120DegC (250 DegF)?

I also thought a thermostat is either Go or NoGo, that it could not be partially defective, as if it would command to stop boiling at a lower temperature point than designed. Do you confirm that? My goal is to pinpoint the problem and if the thermostat is Go, then I can dig for something else.

Looking forward to a reply :)

Derek."

Guest [Entry]

The thermostat is supposed to be either “open” or “closed”, but there are cases where it is only partially working. You may replace to see if that corrects the issue. Another possibility is that the tip of the pipe in the boiler is partially clogged with scale. Try a descale using this trick. After running some solution through the brew head and steam wand, unplug the machine. Remove the water tank with the solution, and the drip trays. Invert the machine for 10-15 minutes. Then, sit upright and replace the tank with the solution. Allow it to heat up, and run some solution through the steam wand and brew head. Now, unplug and repeat. This may remove some scale build up at the top of the pipe in the boiler, and solve your issue.