Steam & Steam Boiler Maintenance

ECM Synchronika: Vacuum Breaker Inspection and Service

Below are photo instructions for inspecting a leaking vacuum breaker on an ECM Synchronika or a Profitec Pro 700 espresso machine. This is useful if the vacuum breaker no longer seals when the steam boiler heats up. (Difficulty ☕☕)

Before doing this we recommend allowing the machine to fully cool off and unplugging the machine.

Tools needed:
- 3mm Allen key or hex driver bit
- 17mm crescent wrench or deep socket
- Needle-nose pliers

Parts needed:
Vacuum Breaker Rebuild Kit

1. Remove the top panel.

VacuumBreaker

2. Locate the vacuum breaker and remove the flexible tube.
Profitec_Pro600_vacuumbreaker_02

3. Using a crescent wrench or deep socket, carefully unscrew the vacuum breaker cap. (You may need to hold the bottom fitting with a second wrench to keep it from turning with the cap.)
Profitec_Pro600_vacuumbreaker_03

4. Gently grip the vacuum breaker valve stem with the needle-nose pliers and pull the internal components free. Take note of the internal components' assembly orientation.
Profitec_Pro600_vacuumbreaker_04

Profitec_Pro600_vacuumbreaker_05

5. Inspect the internal components for scale build-up or signs of wear. It may be possible to resolve the issue by simply cleaning these components thoroughly and reassembling OR you may need to replace them with new parts before reassembly.
Pro_700_vacuum_breaker_09
Profitec_Pro600_vacuumbreaker_06
(NOTE: The vacuum breaker O-ring is manufactured in various colors — these do not affect the valve's functionality.)

6. Don't forget to inspect and clean inside the cap and lower fitting!

7. Take note of the proper orientation of the internal components, then reassemble the valve by following these steps in reverse order.
vacuum_breaker_components-1

Vacuum Breaker Rebuild Kit