Last Updated on December 3, 2023
Are you having trouble figuring out why your Breville espresso machine is leaking?
Believe it or not, a water leak is one of the most common coffee machine issues, even with some of the best Breville espresso machines.
You might have noticed your coffee maker leaking water from the bottom or elsewhere, which can create a huge mess.
This post will help you narrow down exactly why your Breville machine is leaking.
We’ll also tell you how to fix the problem, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite coffee—without the mess.
Why Is My Breville Espresso Machine Leaking?
Your Breville espresso machine is most likely leaking because it has a full drip tray or a broken part.
Let’s start with the easier culprit for leaks—a full drip tray.
Common Reasons Your Breville Espresso Machine Might Be Leaking
The Problem: Full Drip Tray
Many Breville users mistakenly believe that their drip trays will only fill up quickly if there’s a spill. But the tray collects runoff water from the machine, so it will overflow more often than you might imagine.
Typically, you’ll notice water leaking from the front of the coffee maker. The water may be transparent or dirty.
The Solution: Empty and Clean the Drip Tray
You should clean the drip tray every other week or so, depending on how much fresh coffee you make. The cleaning process is quick and easy:
- Remove the drip tray from the espresso machine.
- Empty the drip tray.
- Wash the drip tray parts using warm, soapy water. The soapy water can help ensure that all residue is removed.
- If necessary, remove and clean the storage tray with a soft, damp cloth.
- Rinse all the parts and dry them thoroughly before reinserting them into the machine.
Going off personal experience, we recommend that you clean the tray before you brew fresh coffee, so there isn’t hot water in the tray when you empty it.
Generally, your espresso machine requires regular cleaning to stay in top shape. Check out our article about how often to clean your Breville espresso machine.
The Problem: Broken Part
Breville espresso coffee makers are complicated devices. A coffee machine component can wear down and break over time. The most common broken parts that can cause a water leak include:
- Water tank. When you see a Breville espresso machine leaking water, it may be due to a cracked water tank. In this case, you’ll typically see a small pool of water at the back of the machine. If the tank has a significant break, water will spill out pretty quickly.
- Portafilter. The filter is where the coffee pours out, and the head gasket inside can wear down over time. When this happens, you’ll notice the machine leaking or dripping water when it’s not supposed to. This piece can also get clogged with coffee grinds and oil, so you need to clean it regularly.
- Pressure hose. This hose pressurizes the hot water before it passes through the filter. If the hose is clogged or torn, it can cause a leak. A clogged hose will make less coffee come out and can create a leak on the bottom of the machine. A punctured hose will have a drip leak, so it will take longer to notice. A ripped hose will create a huge mess. Hose leaks should be addressed promptly so they don’t worsen.
- Steam nozzle. Limescale buildup is a common issue with espresso machines, especially if you don’t run a descaling solution through the coffee maker regularly. If the buildup clogs the steam wand, water can leak out slowly. Mineral buildup in general can also cause your Breville espresso machine to not reach pressure, so descaling has multiple benefits.
- Worn gaskets. Your Breville coffee machine has multiple gaskets and O-rings inside it that maintain a watertight seal. These pieces can wear down, causing minor or substantial leaks. If you can’t find the source of the leak, you should get your coffee maker checked out by a professional.
The Solution: Replace the Part
Sometimes you can spot the broken part right away because you can see it leaking water. In other cases, such as when there is internal damage, you might have to take the whole coffee maker apart to pinpoint the culprit for leaks.
Before dismantling your espresso maker, check whether doing so will void your warranty. If it will, you should contact Breville to see if your plan covers the leak. If your warranty will not be voided, you have to decide whether you want to take the coffee maker apart yourself or hire a professional.
While you can save money by doing it yourself, you’re responsible for any further damage to the machine. On the other hand, a professional can assume liability if something goes wrong or if the issue gets worse, potentially allowing you to avoid more costly repairs.
Breville Coffee Makers and Espresso Machines Require Regular Care
Water leaks are not super-common with Breville espresso coffee makers, but they do happen.
Breville espresso machines can be long-lasting appliances, and they’re great for coffee lovers who don’t want to go to coffee shops every day, but these machines have to be taken care of.
The less you neglect your coffee maker, the fewer problems you’ll encounter with it.
As long as you’re doing basic critical coffee machine maintenance and keeping a clean coffee machine, you’ll be able to enjoy a fresh cup of espresso at home for years to come.
If you’re in need of some good coffee machine cleaning approaches, check out our article about how to clean and maintain your espresso machine.
