Espresso Tech 101: Vibratory Pump Re-Priming

If the pump in your espresso machine runs dry, it may fail to pump water upon activation. This guide demonstrates how to resolve this issue.

A dry pump can occur anytime the machine is stored for long periods of time, if the pump is run with no water in the reservoir, or an air bubble forms in the flow path. You will hear the pump running loudly, but no water will drain from the reservoir or come out of the group head.

Note: if the vibratory pump is barely making any noise (a quiet hum) instead of the usual vibration sound the pump may have failed at which point you will need to replace it. Or, if the pressure gauge on your machine goes up to 9-10 bar pressure while attempting to run the pump then the pump is functioning but the machine may have a clog somewhere else.

To re-prime the pump first try turning the pump on and off several times allowing a few seconds in between. Never run a dry pump longer than a few seconds at a time. If this does not work you may need to inspect the pump manually, instructions below.

Tools Needed:

• Pick

1. Begin by removing side and back panels.

2. Next remove the pump.

Fitting on vibratory pump should be removed...

Using a pick, remove white inner screen by turning it counter-clockwise...

Remove spring, gasket should be attached but may need to be lightly disturbed if mineral has stuck it in place...

Clear away any mineral buildup from small black mushroom shaped gasket. Re-attach spring to gasket, place it inside pump outlet, place white plastic screen inside and push it down until it seats fully in the pump (no need to twist it).

Before reassembly, flush the pump with water, so that it doesn't go back in the machine dry. Do make sure to dry off the electrical connections before re-installing. You can now put the pump back in your machine. Test before putting panels back on machine, if this process doesn't work you may need to replace the vibratory pump.