SMEG ECF01 coffee maker repair - pressure relief water return valve fault

[@StefanPiskorski-nm2lt]

Thank you very much. You have made my wife very happy that he has her morning coffee again 😊

[@FZA..]

Thank you, you have saved me having to replace the whole thing. I couldn't figure out how to get the top plate off (could tell I was going to break it if I kept trying) but found another video that had the answer - it slides off. Also despite being as careful as possible I still ended up with two screes left spare 😂 but it's all working and better than throwing the damn thing away. Cheers mate!

[@zadzwon112]

Glad my video was helpful and you can enjoy a cup of coffee again.

[@nigedwn7174]

Worked a treat for me, didn't need to replace the valve, I just cleaned it out and reassembled. I cleaned it by removing the valve and flushing, with a bit of back pressure.

[@UNDERGROUNDCALLING0161]

what did you do to back flush it ?

[@zacs]

Thanks, worked perfectly. Mine did leak after but it seemed the new valve from eBay was missing an O-ring, I used the one out of the old valve and it’s fine now.

[@chriswright9819]

Really useful video- thank you

[@siddodo]

Hey! I disassembled the machine, and took off the valve. When I opened it up (expecting to see a broken orange piece), it all seemed to look perfectly fine. I ordered a new piece to replace it just in case. I just reconnected the new valve and I am still having the same issue. I am thinking it has something to do with the sensor that tells the machine that there is water available. Any Ideas would be helpful, thanks!

[@zadzwon112]

It is difficult to advise without having the machine on the bench in front of me. I suggest going step by step along the water path narrowing what is causing the problem: 1) is the water going into the pump and further out, is the pressure and volume ok 2) is the water going in and out of the heater 3) is there any block or leak anywhere along the way 3) is the controller behaving as it should and power supply to all parts is fine. That way should help to pin down the fault.

[@siddodo]

@@zadzwon112 Thanks! The water is not going into the pump, but the heater is turning on and steaming, so I think that there are trace amounts of water going up there. There's no block, I checked every tube. And all electric seems to be working! I just ordered a new water pump that I will install today, and hopefully that does the trick! otherwise I'm not so sure :/

[@yashbrojmohun5019]

very useful video, My machine is does not want to descale, it goes into the mode then does not do anything, the coffee machine is only doing single shot and the milk frother works for only 5 seconds then the one cup and 2 cup flashes, any idea?

[@zadzwon112]

Hi. I would suggest re-setting the machine - the details of the procedure are described in the user manual under programming section.

[@levjocibuku1991]

Hey! I have the same problem and I’m trying to fix it myself, I bought the water pump but I can’t seem to have the right screw head for the base of the machine. The hexagon shape. Would u be so kind to tell me what kind of screw head did u used ? Tyia

[@zadzwon112]

Screws are security torx. The security pin in the middle of the screw head can be broken off and screw is converted to ordinary torx that way.

[@emerzamudio281]

can you post the link where to buy the parts? thank you

[@zadzwon112]

Just google "ecf01 parts valve" or "DELONGHI 7313286129 VALVE" and you'll find many suppliers. DeLonghi is probably cheaper, but it is the same part as Smeg,

[@ArtinEditz393]

Hi, mine is brand new makes coffee once then stops! It gets hot on top and then 2 lights flashes and no coffee.

[@zadzwon112]

I suggest consulting the manual for details. AFAIK two flashing lights mean overheating - machine needa to cool down. Or frother knob is in on position.

[@TwoPlusThreee]

Hello, thanks for the video. Can you share a link to the pressure relief valve pls ?

[@zadzwon112]

Just google "ecf01 parts valve" or "DELONGHI 7313286129 VALVE" and you'll find many suppliers. DeLonghi is probably cheaper, but it is the same part as Smeg,

[@sandymartin3984]

What screw driver is required to remove the screws at the base? The screw head is a strange shape.

[@sandymartin3984]

FYI. I have descaled my machine several times but when I try to make coffee nothing comes out of the machine. Hot water will come out when I dont have any coffee in the filter so I think it is something to do with the pressure but im not sure. The machine makes its usual noise when I try to make coffee but after a couple of seconds the sound lessens, and then the machine just stops.

[@zadzwon112]

@@sandymartin3984 Screws are security torx. The security pin in the middle of the screw head can be broken off and screw is converted to ordinary torx that way.

[@zadzwon112]

@@sandymartin3984 Before you disassemble the whole machine check the stainless steel water filter plate sitting above filter holder (the part you put coffee in): Undo one screw in the middle of the stainless steel filter plate and remove it. Prepare hot solution of commercially available kettle de-scaler or white vinegar or citric acid and pour it into a bowl. Soak the filter for a couple of hours than rinse under running water and wipe it clean. Hold the filter against bright light - if holes in the filter are still blocked - repeat.

[@sandymartin3984]

@@zadzwon112 Thanks. The filter you speak about is fine. I can see through the holes clearly. I will try and clean the filter in the handle however. I have not done this. This is the only other thing that I think can be the problem. Otherwise I will try and get it fixed because the internals seem a bit too complicated for me and I'm not even sure what is broken. Cheers

[@sandymartin3984]

@@zadzwon112 There is pressure in the chamber between the handle and the pump. When I try to make the coffee, water does come out but there is pressure between the handle and the machine after it stops. Its clear because the handle self twists off after I rotate it a little. I assume this is a problem with the pressure release valve

[@ylyl7118]

The filter has no visible outlet holes. When it's blocked, how to repair it?

[@zadzwon112]

Are you asking about this filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6u3f5yqm9ambNE ? Undo one screw in the middle of the stainless steel filter plate and remove it. Prepare hot solution of commercially available kettle de-scaler or white vinegar or citric acid and pour it into a bowl. Soak the filter for a couple of hours than rinse under running water and wipe it clean. Hold the filter against bright light - if holes in the filter are still blocked - repeat. It is good idea to regularly flush the machine with manufacturer recommended de-scaler - there are YT videos on how to do it. This will prevent limescale building up inside.