Last update September 3rd, 2022
Your Nespresso has a water flow problem? The water in the Nespresso no longer flows and you can no longer enjoy your morning coffee? In most cases, there are simple solutions to solve the problem.
To know how to solve your problem you need to identify its origin. In this article we give you the causes of water flow problems in a Nespresso and the procedures to repair your coffee maker alone in most cases.
Causes of a Nespresso coffee maker with a flow problem
First try to reprogram your Nespresso. If this is not enough, follow our advice below. Before any intervention, unplug your Nespresso.
Water tank is clogged
The water tank has a valve that controls the flow of liquid. Limescale or other impurities can build up and block the valve, preventing the water from flowing. To solve this problem, remove the pan and check the condition of the valve. If it is damaged, replace it with a new one. If necessary, clean it with white vinegar, which will descale it and solve the problem of a Nespresso machine that no longer flows.
The flow meter is no longer functional
The flow meter is a component with a magnet and a turbine that controls the amount of water in your coffee maker. Take it apart and check that the magnet is not rusty. Then blow on the water inlet to check that the turbine is turning.
If you hear it moving, it’s out of the question. If not, the flow meter should be replaced. The flowmeter may also be scaled: if this is the case, proceed with a descaling of the Nespresso.
The water pump is defective
The pump is a component that ensures the circulation of water in your Nespresso. If it makes a dull noise and only a few drops reach the nozzle, it is because it is scaled or defective. Start descaling your Nespresso. If the problem persists, the pump is damaged and should be replaced with a new one.
The safety valve is damaged
This component prevents overpressure in the system when the coffee maker is running. Descale and restart the machine. If the problem persists, the valve is defective and should be replaced with a new one.
Solenoid valve problem
This is a component that either allows the water to flow or not. If it is damaged, it prevents the water from flowing and you cannot make your coffee. Descale the coffee maker and restart it. If the problem of Nespresso not flowing is still present, change the solenoid valve.
The heater is scaled or defective
The resistance heats the water before it reaches the percolator. It can scale up and stop working. Descale your Nespresso and restart it. If this is not enough, you will have to test the Nespresso’s resistance. We explain everything in the next paragraph.
Repairing a Nespresso that has flow problems
Descaling a Nespresso
As we have seen previously, many failures are due to the need to descale your Nespresso. It is recommended to carry out at least one descaling per year or when the “descaling” indicator lights up:
- Empty all bins;
- Mix 3/4 water and 1/4 descaler in the tank;
- turn on the coffee maker;
- press the “small” and “large cup” buttons simultaneously for 3 or 4 seconds;
- press the “large cup” button and let the water run out of the water tank;
- repeat the operation twice;
- start a clear water cycle twice by pressing the “large cup” button.
- press the “small” and “large cup” buttons simultaneously for 3 or 4 seconds.
Your Nespresso is ready to use.
Testing and changing the resistance of a Nespresso coffee maker
To test a resistor, you need to do a continuity test. Make sure that the Nespresso is unplugged. Take a multimeter in ohmmeter mode:
- unplug the resistor terminals;
- Put the multimeter tips on each terminal of the resistor;
- If the multimeter displays a value greater than 0 or beeps, the resistor is in good condition;
- if nothing is displayed and there is no beep, it is defective and must be replaced by a new one.
If the resistance needs to be changed, follow our procedure to change the resistance of the Nespresso. This is also the opportunity to change your Nespresso for a newer model or with more options!
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I’ve tried everything, but my Nespresso still has a flow problem
We have indicated the most common causes of a Nespresso that has flow problems. If the problem persists:
- Check that your coffee maker is not leaking: if the Nespresso is leaking, consult our guide to repairing a leaking Nespresso;
- make use of the guarantee if it is still valid;
- Have a professional repairer do it if the cost is not higher than a new device;
- as a last resort, buy a new Nespresso.