How To Fix Nespresso Machine Leaking Water Or Coffee? [A Step-By-Step Guide]

Published: 08/26/22 •  8 min read

A Nespresso machine is a kitchen staple that never disappoints. You can brew your favorite coffee anytime with your favorite coffee brewer without breaking the bank.

What if it suddenly doesn’t make an as good coffee as before? Or starts leaking, and your counter becomes a mess? A leaking Nespresso machine is alarming, but it’s nothing that you can’t fix.

For your machine to work efficiently and last longer, it shouldn’t leak frequently. There can be various reasons for a leaking coffee machine, and sometimes it can be due to your negligence, but it can also be wear and tear.

water is leaking from Nespresso machine

Some common leakage problems in all Nespresso models have caught our attention. We have a few quick fixes for you to try, and hopefully, your machine will work fine again. Let’s dive into the reasons and their solutions.

What are the Reasons for a Nespresso Machine Leaking?

Despite their durability, Nespresso machines cannot last forever. They may stop working efficiently even before their warranty expires, and there can be different reasons for that.

We will discuss the common problems and provide you with suitable solutions.

Problem

Cause

Solution

The Machine Requires Descaling

  • You did not descale your machine as it should be.

  •   Descale your coffee machine.

Water is leaking from the machine's base

  • The water tank is leaking.

  • The pipes are clogged.

  • Replace faulty components with new ones.

Capsule holder leaks water

  • The coffee capsules have defects.

  • The holder has gunk.

  • The nozzle is blocked.

  • Buy capsules compatible with your machine.

  • Clean the holder gently.

The seal of the water tank has broken

  • The rubber seal on the water tank is loose, which results in leakage.

  • Remove the water tank to fix the seal.

The internal components have more significant issues that are causing leaks

  • The heating element is not working.

  • The pipes are damaged.

  • Contact Nespresso customer service for repairing or replacing internal components.

Now we discuss the frequently noticed reasons behind the leakage of a Nespresso machine.

The Machine Requires Descaling.

Descaling is the process of deep cleaning your Nespresso machine by following a set of instructions. Descaling is crucial for any coffee machine to keep working efficiently and prepare good quality coffee. This process removes coffee residue, So it does not become limescale and clog it.

One of the top reasons your coffee machine is causing leakage is that you have neglected its maintenance. A Nespresso machine needs descaling every three months or after using 300 coffee pods. The descaling process is crucial for a properly functioning Nespresso machine.

How to descale Nespresso Machine?

Follow these instructions to descale your Nespresso machine:

What you will need

Method

  1. Pour the descaling sachet into the water tank.
  2. Mix it and put the water tank back into its place.
  3. Remove the used capsule from the machine.
  4. To put your machine in descaling mode, press the power button or a combination of buttons. (check the manual of your Nespresso machine for details).
  5. Once the machine is in descaling mode, it will run the liquid through the coffee machine to clean it.
  6. The machine will automatically stop once the water tank is empty.
  7. Put a container under the spout.
  8. Fill the water reservoir with plain cold water.
  9. Press the power button to run water through the machine.
  10. If your container isn’t big enough to collect all the water from the tank, divide this step into two parts.
  11. To take the machine out of descaling mode, press the same combination of buttons as you did to put it into descaling mode.
Note:

We do not recommend vinegar or lemon as substitutes for the descaling solution. They are acidic and may damage the machine’s components if used in large proportions.

Water is Leaking from the Machine’s Base

If you are confused about what causes leakage in your espresso machine, lift it to check for water beneath it or in the drip tray. If that is the case, there can be several reasons behind it.

Either the water tank has perished, the pipes contain gunk, or the thermoblock is not functioning efficiently. We have a list of points for you to detect the problem.

1. Check the water reservoir for leakage.

Remove the water tank from the machine and add water to it. Hold it to eye level to see if it is leaking from anywhere. The water tank might have cracks that are causing the leakage.

To be sure about the cracks, let the water reservoir sit for a few minutes. If the water tank has perished, the water will drip, and you will have to replace it with a new one.

2. Check the pipework for leaks.

The internal pipes make the water run through the machine and can become clogged with coffee residue. The coffee residue becomes limescale if not cleaned on time. Limescale is the buildup inside the machine that clogs internal components and causes leakage.

To check for leaking pipes, disassemble the machine. Once you disassemble the coffee machine, run water through it to look for leaking water. You can contact Nespresso customer service to repair or replace the damaged parts.

Be careful while checking for leaks with an open machine, and do not attempt to fix it yourself. It is better to get professional help.

3. Check if the thermoblock is faulty

Thermoblock is the heating element of the coffee machine. The heating element heats up and cools down during the brewing process. The frequent temperature change may affect the internal components of the coffee machine.

The thermoblock can have a rusty pigment due to its frequent contact with the water. If it’s not in its original colors, it’s time to replace it.

Capsule Holder Leaks Water

The water can leak from the capsule holder if it doesn’t flow correctly through the capsule. When the brewing starts, water may overflow from the holder or the spout of the coffee machine.

There can be the following reasons for a leaking capsule holder:

1. The coffee pod has defects

If the pod you are using already has leaks or if it is not compatible with the model of your machine, it can cause an overflow of water from the holder. The pod must be suitable for your Nespresso machine and have a proper seal.

Nespresso machine in gray color with a pod

2. The coffee holder is dirty.

If the coffee holder has gunk, it will cause water to leak. Make sure there are no coffee grounds sticking to the machine. As the water flows through the pod with pressure to pierce it, if the holder has residue sticking to its sides, it will not puncture the pod efficiently.

3. A blocked nozzle

If you don’t clean your machine after every use, it will have coffee residue, and the buildup will clog the nozzle. Make sure to descale your machine frequently and don’t check for coffee grounds stuck to the coffee maker after every use. Clean the nozzle gently after every use to make it keep working efficiently.

The Rubber Seal of the Water Tank is Broken

If the water tank of your machine is in good shape, but you still see water beneath it, there is a possibility that its seal is not intact. A rubber seal is a barrier to stop the water from flowing when the machine is not brewing coffee

To test the seal of the water tank, detach it from the machine and fill it with water. Put the water reservoir on a paper towel and leave it for some time. The seal is loose or worn out if the paper towel is wet. 

Contact Nespresso customer service to get your water tank seal repaired. 

The Internal Components have more Significant Issues that are Causing Leaks

After going through the above points, if you still can’t stop the leakage of your Nespresso machine, seek professional help. You can never fix a problem with the internal components without professional help.

Do not try to fix the problem by disassembling the machine and experimenting with its components. It is better to contact the customer support helpline instead. If the two-year warranty of your Nespresso machine is still valid, the repairing and replacing are done for free. During the repair, Nespresso might give you a replacement machine.

The Bottom Line

It is not necessarily a disaster when Nespresso coffee machines leak. We can quickly identify the part causing the leak and how to fix it with a few quick troubleshooting steps. 

If you can’t fix the problem, take it to the repair shop. Taking care of your Nespresso machine will extend its life. You must clean it regularly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Faqs

Does Nespresso replace broken machines?

Yes! If you give your coffee machine for repair within the two-year warranty, Nespresso will repair your coffee maker free of cost or replace it with a new one. 

How long will a Nespresso machine last?

If you want it to last longest, do not neglect its cleanliness. Nespresso machines can last five to 10 years with proper maintenance and usage. 

How to contact Nespresso support?

You can contact Nespresso through their helpline or social media platforms. For call, dial their helpline at 800-562-1465. You can also reach out to them by filling out a form through this link.

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Hans Mast

Hans loves coffee and loves teaching about coffee