Hi KCda, it sounds like the set screw for the steam knob has loosened so that it doesn’t operate the valve when you turn the knob. It should be an easy fix. Just screw the knob all the way in then locate the set screw in the shaft of the steam valve and tighten it down. If I remember correctly you have to take the cover off the machine to get to the screw inside. The knob does two things, opens the valve, and actuates the pump, they both have to happen to work properly. Hope that helps.

Hi Nora, that’s not really enough information to offer any advice. Follow the troubleshooting steps and see if you can provide some additional information.

Hi Sheilamoo,

Is your Barista a SIN 006 model? Perhaps I’m misunderstanding your question - if water flows from the steam wand, then steam should also flow from the wand. Does the pump run when you open the steam valve? What do you mean by “the machine will turn completely off”? Does it trip a circuit breaker? Perhaps you could follow the test sequence given here and post the results of each step. That would give some clarification of exactly what’s happening. Perhaps you could clarify which of the following steps is not working.

1. when you press the power button it should begin to heat the water for espresso.

2. When you press the pump button, water should flow through the portafilter

3. When you depress the pump button water should stop flowing through the portafilter

4. When you press the Steam button, the water should start to heat for the steam cycle

5. When you open the Steam valve, steam should flow from the wand

Dave

Hi David,

It sounds like the check valve in the head is not working - if the valve is stuck open, when you turn on the pump and open the steam valve, the water would flow from the head instead of the steam valve. That’s my guess. You could test it by using something to plug the outlet of the head while you turn on the steam wand and pump - just do it with cold water - don’t burn yourself.

Hi Kathleen,

If the steam works, that means the pump is good. So most likely the porta filter or screen, or boiler valve is plugged. First remove the Porta filter and disassemble the screen, cleaning everything thoroughly. That may be all you need to do - try running water through the pump after cleaning. If that doesn’t work, try this procedure: prime the machine through the steam valve, remove the Porta filter, heat the steam til the light comes on, then run the pump to see if the heat and pressure will clear the blockage. If that still doesn’t work, you’ll need to completely disassemble and clean the boiler assembly and valve. That’s a bit of a job, so let’s hope one of the previous tips will do the trick.

Robert, I’m having trouble understanding your question. on the outside of the portafilter are two outlet holes on the bottom where the espresso exits. On the inside the water passes through the grounds in the stainless steel filter. If you remove the filter, you see the hole in the center of the portafilter where the espresso passes through the inner chamber of the portafilter, which contains a pressure relief mechanism. The inner chamber can become very plugged up with espresso oils over time, becoming a tar-like sediment. This needs to be maintained by cleaning your machine on a regular basis, or by disassembling and cleaning if it becomes plugged.