What’s covered in Descaling for Espresso Machine?

This service is for descaling the internal boiler and hydraulic system only.
Descaling should be the last resort and users should keep to using water softening as their primary defence to avoid limescale formation.

To provide the best coverage and result with the least damage to the component and material.  We use a laborious process which takes at least 2 to 3 working days to complete.
This involves the boiler and copper tubes being dismantled and soaked in our best descaler which is less damaging to the internal brass and copper.

 

IMPORTANT:
Do note that despite our best effort, we are unable to inspect or descale the interior of the pressure gauge, very narrow capillary tubings or pressure sensors.
Those parts are recommended to be replaced when required, not refurbished.
Service does not include descaling, maintenance and servicing on the grouphead and wand which should be ordered separately from here:
Grouphead Maintenance Service for Espresso Machine (Semi-professional range)

Service includes the following

1. Replacement of overpressure valve
The brew pressure regulator and water traffic controller to the heat exchanger. This component is complex with springs and many gaskets and is susceptible to limescale damage.
This is one of the more problematic parts that can still go wrong after descaling, it is also one of the most expensive components to replace as it requires more technical skill and manhours.

2. Replacement of vacuum relief valve
This part is located on top of the boiler, it bleeds out air from the boiler when the machine cools. It’s not connected to any electronics but they are one of the easiest parts to cause issues from limescale. Sometimes, the gasket in the valve may snap or be hindered by limescale, causing steam leakage.

3. Basic inspection
A visual check on some of the commonly worn parts and advice on a replacement if necessary.
Do note that we are unable to predict the longevity or status of every component and inspect the interior of the gauge, capillary tubings that are very narrow or pressure sensors.

Descaling service does not include any repairs or maintenance in the grouphead and wands, located in front of the machine.

 

---

The following are NOT included.

The following parts can be replaced upon request or under our recommendation when we do a check. Price will vary depending on the model.
We will provide a 30% discount on the replacement of the components if it’s done together with the descaling service.

Do note that our technicians can’t visually see through the machine to observe the interior condition, as such an assessment can’t be 100% accurate. We will still recommend replacing certain components even if they are deemed working. Normally replacements are required more often if:

• The machine was used with untreated water that had never been softened. Worse, if the user was using mineral water.
• The machine was switched on 24/7, all the time.
• Users who backflush for long durations and the machine is using a vibration pump.
• The premise’s power supply is prone to surge.

Here are some of the tune-up jobs you can request.

Replacement of power relay (Recommended)
If your machine has a tic-tac sound while it’s on standby, it’s coming from this switch. This component does a lot of work whenever the machine is on.
Models that will need to replace this part more frequently are machines without PID digital temperature control.

Replacement of Pressurestat
Most of our machines sold are with a pressurestat. If your machine does not have PID digital temperature control, which has a display. Also, if you hear a tic-tac sound every 1-2 minutes after the machine fully heat up, your machine is using a pressurestat.

Replacement of pump
For machines that use a vibration pump, the typical lifespan is around 5 to 7 years.
Vibration pumps can fail for various reasons, the most common reason is due to overloading. Vibration pumps used in the Bezzera has a duty cycle of 2:1. Meaning for every 2 minutes of work, it has to rest for 1 minute.
Sometimes users extract for too long or flush very extensively, which could damages to the pump.

If the machine is using a rotary pump, they are not limited by duty cycle but Rotary pumps may get damaged if they run dry without water passing or limescale formation.

Replacement of water level probes
These sensors on top of the boiler check the water level inside. Machines that do not use softened water may have limescale covering the sensors. This can lead to major damage to the heating element, pump and other issues. Given that they are not expensive, they are recommended to be changed if limescale was detected.

Replacement of PID
Your machine has a PID if it has a digital controller for temperature.

The PID is made up of a few electrical components. They are the temperature probe, the display and the controlling module.
Normally the electronics fail from moisture, electricity and sometimes overheating. Overheating can occur if the user set the temperature excessively high or the machine lacks ventilation.

Replacement of solenoid
Solenoids are electromagnetic switches, connected to a valve to control the flow of water. Most machines have at least 1 solenoid. Limescale formed from minerals in the water may jam the solenoid. The switch which is an electronic, could also be damaged by moisture or electricity.

Replacement of heating element
Machines that do not use softened water may cause limescale to form around the heating element. Leading to heating and functionality issues. Limescale sticking on the heating element could also cause hot spots which burn out the component. This component can also be damaged by power surge, or from other defective components. We will usually replace this part with the power relay.

Replacement of level controller
The main coordinator for all the functions. Normally damaged by unstable power supplies, component failure or moisture.

Replacement of brew or boiler gauges
This allows you to read the status of your boiler and brew pressure. They are normally damaged from limescale buildup.

Capillary hoses to the brew/boiler gauges
These hoses are very narrow and are easily clogged by limescale.

Replacement of Safety Valve
One of the safety precautions for the espresso machine. Releases excess steam when the pressure exceeds safe values. The safety valve normally lasts for a long time. It’s totally mechanical and located at the top of the boiler.

 

Take note again, that descaling should be the last resort as the process can be corrosive and damaging to certain components, especially if done incorrectly by the user. Using water softeners should be the first line of defence. To know more about water softening, please refer to the following page. Water softening

It is important to understand that the descaling service should not be taken as a way to request a repair for any existing issues. A repair service will require more troubleshooting and investigation of the water circuitry and electrical network.

 

---

When should I do descaling?

If the water has been softened adequately, there’s almost no need for any descaling.
You may need to do immediate descaling if it’s already causing a problem.

Commercial or high-volume environment

If you suspect that the water condition is bad, you are suggested to do it once every 3 years.
If you have used a good water softener system, once every 5 years should give you better assurance.

Low-volume environment

If the water used wasn’t good and the consumption isn’t much like less than 10 cups a day, then probably at least once every 3 to 5 years.
If you have used a good water softener system and the volume isn’t great, once every 10 years should give you better assurance.

 

---

How long will it take to finish the descaling?

It typically takes us 2 to 3 working days to complete the descaling.
Food-grade sealant, which is the type of glue applied to pipe connections to prevent leaks will take a full day to strengthen and cure. Followed by pressure, heat tests and other observations. Reapplication of the food-grade sealant may be required again.

The technician is also unable to work on pressurised and hot machines, thus periods of cooling time are required. As such, it is a time-consuming and laborious process which takes more time.

A job well done will take at least 3 working days to fully complete.
Do note that descaling is based on first come first serve, thus a further waiting time might be required.

We will recommend clients schedule services before the peak seasons, especially Christmas and Chinese New Year.

 

---

Can the user descale on their own?

Yes, to some extent.
You are recommended to purchase Puly Caff Liquid Descaler for Espresso or Coffee Machines which works at room temperature and is less damaging to the components and material.

However, they are many limitations to how much a user can descale on their own.

Here are the known issues:

• Clogged valves – Some limescale can’t be dissolved fully. Instead, they release from the wall and starts accumulating in the valves causing the rubber gaskets to have problem sealing.
• Excessive descaling – Acid is always corrosive to brass and copper. Users may descale for excessively long.
• Could not rinse off the descaler – Sometimes the descaler wasn’t rinsed enough and remains reactive in the boiler.
• Damaging the pump – Vibration pumps have a duty cycle and are not designed to work non-stop without rest. The way most users descale is by pumping the descaler and water to rinse it out. This can overwork and burn out the pump if the user was not cautious and paced enough resting time.
• Could not descale the important areas – Limescale often forms on top of the boiler, where the sensors are located. The descaler is unlikely to reach the top of the boiler.
  The heat exchanger and overpressure valves have many crevices that could be easily missed out during the process

The flip side is the process should reduce the concentration of minerals in the water residing in the boiler, which slows down the formation of limescale.
The process should clear off most of the limescale in the common pathways. However, keep in mind that it’s unlikely that the top sensors are descaled.

 

 

---

What else can I do if I do not want to descale?

If the machine already has a problem, then the best thing to do is let us repair and inspect the problem first.
Our technicians will do basic function tests and visually inspect some of the sensors they can reach from the top of the boiler.

If the sensors are blocked or not in an ideal condition, you can replace just the affected component which often can’t be descaled anyway.

If the machine does not have any problem, we will suggest that you start using water softeners or keep replacing them regularly.
Please note that despite that there are many types of water filtration systems sold in Singapore, rarely are they designed for water softening.
In fact, there’s a much higher probability that the filtration system adds minerals like calcium and magnesium to the water which is the leading cause of limescale formation.

Also note that water softeners can only reduce the amount of limescale, by having the minerals stick to the resins instead of going into the machine. It loses efficacy over time and if the users choose to use hard water, it will not be able to reduce the minerals much.

In addition to the above, please flush the boiler at least once every 6 months. When you use the steam wand, the water is removed and the minerals remain in the boiler. It gets more concentrated over time.

 

---

Below are some photos of poorly maintained espresso machines used in Singapore

 

 

---

 

What models are accepted?

We only provide services to models sold by our company.

 

---

Terms and conditions:

1. Warranty – Services are warrantied for 30 days on the serviced parts, excluding issues with sound, transportation, vibrations and aesthetics of the machine. Hardware installations or upgrades performed knowingly or otherwise by the user or a third party, adjustment of settings and hardware tampering will void the warranty. Recurrence of issues due to wear and tear, formation of scales due to improper water softening, or abuse of machine will be treated as a new repair at additional cost.

2. Damages during servicing
2.1 The client agrees that scratches may inevitably be created during the removal and installation of components or may happen during transportation. The Client agrees to indemnify FINE COFFEE COMPANY or its staff against any claims, damages, losses, costs and expenses.
2.2 The client agrees that different variation of machines are available for the same model and the Service Provider will not stock complete spares for all variation or versions of machines or cover specifications sold outside Singapore. Due to homologation, availability of spares, technical conditions & other limitations. Fine Coffee Company will not be able to provide any service, maintenance, modifications, repairs, spare parts or technical support for espresso machines and coffee grinders purchased from overseas or not from the local distribution source of Fine Coffee Company.
2.3 In the event the espresso machine is allowed for servicing and the machine is not distributed by Fine Coffee Company. The client agrees that additional service charges, as well as freight charges for the importation of spares, will be charged additionally to the client. These charges will be decided by Fine Coffee Company at their discretion. The client also agrees that no warranty will be provided and indemnify Fine Coffee Company or its staff against any claims, damages, losses, costs and expenses. That includes further failures or loss of functions after the maintenance or faults formed during the maintenance due to any related implications. The Client agrees to hold harmless, protect, and defend FINE COFFEE COMPANY, its staffs and its subcontractors from any claim, suit, and penalty, from the Client’s use of the espresso machine that can result in damages, hurt, death, loss of properties, loss of functions or any monetary losses. Whether based upon a claim or action of contract, warranty, negligence, strict liability, contribution, indemnity, or any other legal theory or cause of action, even if advised of the possibility of such damages

3. Privacy And Ownership – You must own or have permission to drop off the machines for repair. We will return the machines only to an individual with a signed copy of the original agreement.

4. Permissions – You grant FINE COFFEE COMPANY and its service representatives access and permission to open, view, modify, repair, replace components in the machine. You grant Fine Coffee Company and its service representatives, permission to install any hardware which Fine Coffee Company deems necessary to perform a repair.

5. Other Obligations – Fine Coffee Company is not responsible for tutoring customers nor for providing technical support by any means. FINE COFFEE COMPANY is not liable for existing damages to current components.

6. Unforeseen Events – You understand that there may be unintended consequences of any upgrades or modifications to your machine’s hardware and software. These can lead to incompatibilities or the possible loss of function. Hardware is interdependent and incompatibilities may not become immediately apparent. FINE COFFEE COMPANY is not liable for any loss financial or otherwise caused by acts of god, fire, natural disaster or theft, accidental damage, electrical disruption etc.
7. Delivery – Delivery will be sent to location’s main door only, Fine Coffee Company’s representing couriers do not deliver to rooms or locations within indoor. The couriers also do not provide training or installation services otherwise ordered and arranged before commencement of delivery.

8. Consent- FINE COFFEE COMPANY will not perform service without your consent and payment. If we discover additional issues with your machine, then you will be notified with an estimate. If you agree, then work will be done and the balance may be paid upon pickup or in advance. Hardware components will require payment in full prior to ordering or installing. You hereby agree to pay for any and all expenses, parts and labour which you have consented to by phone, by email, in person or by other means including a third party who can authorize repairs for you. You hereby authorize FINE COFFEE COMPANY to perform work on the designated machine. It is your responsibility to verify all work before taking receipt of your computer.
IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU AGREE THAT FINE COFFEE COMPANY, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AGENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES MAXIMUM LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCTS SOLD AND/OR SERVICES RENDERED. FINE COFFEE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE FOR CLAIMS OF DAMAGES TO THE CUSTOMER. FURTHERMORE, FINE COFFEE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS, OR EXPENSE OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM MALFUNCTION, DELAYS, INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE, LOSS OF BUSINESS OR INCOME, LOSS OF GOODWILL, WORK STOPPAGE, LOSS OF DATA, AND/OR SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO ANY HARDWARE DUE TO HARDWARE FAILURE, OR SOFTWARE FAILURE. FINE COFFEE COMPANY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THE FOREGOING OBLIGATIONS, AND CUSTOMER SHALL HAVE NO RIGHT OF RECOURSE AGAINST FINE COFFEE COMPANY FOR ANY SUCH OBLIGATIONS. IN NO EVENT, SHALL FINE COFFEE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AGENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES REGARDLESS OF WHETHER FINE COFFEE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AGENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.