Commercial Espresso Machine Repair & Servicing FAQs
Find answers to common questions about commercial espresso machines, coffee grinders, preventative maintenance, PSSR 2000 boiler inspections, breakdown repairs and coffee equipment servicing. Steam & Grind provides specialist commercial espresso machine repair, servicing and maintenance throughout South Wales, Bristol and the surrounding areas. Based in Cardiff, we regularly cover locations within approximately 1.5 hours of our base. If your area is not listed, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
How often should I service my commercial espresso machine?
We recommend a full service of your espresso machine every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. Regular servicing helps maintain coffee quality, machine reliability, and ensures compliance with insurance and health & safety standards.
How do I know if my espresso machine needs a boiler inspection (PSSR 2000 test)?
If your espresso machine has a pressure vessel (boiler) operating above 0.5 bar, which all commercial espresso machines do, it is a legal requirement in the UK to have it tested and certified under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR 2000) at regular intervals, usually every 12 months. Contact us if you are unsure about your machine’s status.
What is a PSSR inspection and how often does my commercial espresso machine need one?
A PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations) inspection is a safety examination required for many commercial espresso machines that operate with pressurised steam boilers. The inspection ensures that the boiler, safety devices, pressure controls, and associated components are operating safely and comply with UK health and safety regulations.
Most commercial espresso machines should have a PSSR inspection carried out at least every 12 to 14 months, depending on the requirements set out in the machine’s Written Scheme of Examination. Regular inspections help identify potential safety issues before they become serious problems and are often required by insurers, local authorities, and workplace health and safety policies.
During a PSSR inspection, critical safety components such as safety valves, pressure controls, pressure gauges, boiler condition, and other pressurised parts are checked to ensure they remain safe for continued use.
We can arrange and carry out PSSR inspections for commercial espresso machines, helping your business remain compliant, safe, and fully operational.
Do you repair coffee grinders as well as espresso machines?
Yes, we offer full servicing and repairs for commercial and professional coffee grinders, ensuring consistency of grind, dosing accuracy, and improved coffee quality. Usually the coffee grinder is overlooked when it comes to servcing and repairs, but its one of the most importants processes in producing consistently great espresso shots.
Do you repair home espresso machines?
We specialise in commercial and high-end home espresso machines such as La Marzocco, Rocket, ECM, etc.
Unfortunately, we don’t repair entry-level domestic brands like De’Longhi, Sage, or Breville. For these, please contact the manufacturer directly through their website to enquire about their repair or servicing options.
Do you repair La Marzocco coffee machines?
Yes, we specialise in the repair, servicing, and maintenance of La Marzocco coffee machines. We are an authorised La Marzocco service partner, with the knowledge, training, and genuine parts required to diagnose and repair faults correctly. Whether your machine is experiencing pressure issues, temperature instability, leaks, boiler faults, or requires routine servicing, we can help keep it running reliably and performing at its best. We provide professional on-site support for cafés, coffee shops, restaurants, and commercial coffee businesses throughout South Wales and the surrounding areas..
Do you repair La Spaziale coffee machines?
Yes, we have many years of experience repairing, servicing, and maintaining La Spaziale coffee machines. We regularly work on a wide range of La Spaziale models and carry a stock of commonly required spare parts, allowing us to resolve many issues quickly and minimise downtime. Whether your machine has heating, pressure, flow, electrical, or leak-related faults, we can provide expert diagnosis and repair to keep your equipment operating reliably and producing great coffee.
Do you repair Fracino coffee machines?
Yes, we have extensive experience repairing, servicing, and maintaining Fracino coffee machines. As a UK manufacturer, Fracino machines are widely used in cafés, restaurants, and commercial settings, and we are familiar with diagnosing and repairing the full range of common faults. We carry a selection of frequently required spare parts and can quickly resolve issues such as boiler faults, pressure problems, leaks, heating issues, and electrical failures. Our goal is to minimise downtime and keep your Fracino machine operating reliably and efficiently..
Do you repair Iberital coffee machines?
Absolutely. We regularly service and repair Iberital coffee machines for cafés, coffee shops, restaurants, and workplaces. Our extensive experience with Iberital equipment allows us to quickly identify faults and carry out effective repairs, helping to reduce costly downtime. Whether your machine has stopped heating, is leaking, experiencing pressure issues, or simply requires a full service, we can provide reliable support to keep it performing at its best.
Do you repair Expobar coffee machines?
Yes, we offer expert repair and servicing for Expobar coffee machines. Having worked on Expobar machines for many years, we are familiar with their design and the common issues that can develop over time. From boiler and heating faults to water flow problems, leaks, and electrical issues, we can diagnose and repair problems efficiently. We also provide preventative maintenance and servicing to help ensure your Expobar machine remains reliable and continues to produce excellent coffee day after day.
Do you repair Rocket Espresso coffee machines?
Yes, we provide professional repair and servicing for Rocket Espresso coffee machines. Whether you own a commercial Rocket machine or a prosumer model, we have the experience and technical knowledge to diagnose and resolve a wide range of faults. From temperature and pressure issues to leaks, pump failures, and routine maintenance, we can help keep your Rocket machine operating smoothly. We understand the importance of consistent performance and take pride in delivering reliable repairs and high-quality service.
Do you repair La Cimbali coffee machines?
Yes, we repair, service, and maintain La Cimbali coffee machines. With extensive experience working on La Cimbali equipment, we can diagnose and resolve a wide range of faults, helping to keep your coffee machine running reliably and efficiently. Whether you’re experiencing boiler issues, pressure problems, leaks, grinder integration faults, or general wear and tear, we can provide expert support and repairs. We also offer routine servicing to help prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your machine.
Do you repair Sanremo coffee machines?
Yes, we provide expert repair, servicing, and maintenance for Sanremo coffee machines. We have experience working on a wide range of Sanremo models and can diagnose and repair faults quickly and efficiently. Whether your machine is suffering from temperature instability, pressure issues, leaks, electronic faults, or requires routine preventative maintenance, we can help. Our aim is to keep your Sanremo machine operating at peak performance, minimising downtime and ensuring consistent coffee quality for your customers.
Do you repair coffee machine brands not listed on your website?
Yes. The brands listed on our website are some of the most common machines we work on, but we have experience repairing and servicing many other commercial coffee machine manufacturers. If your machine brand is not listed, please get in touch with the make and model details, and we will be happy to advise. In most cases, we can source parts and provide repairs, servicing, and maintenance for a wide range of traditional espresso machines throughout South Wales and the surrounding areas.
What areas do you cover for espresso machine servicing and repairs?
Areas regularly covered include Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea, Newport, Barry, Penarth, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Llantrisant, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Brecon, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Chepstow, Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Gloucester.
We regularly cover locations up to approximately 1.5 hours from our Cardiff base. If your area is not listed, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
What are common signs my espresso machine needs attention?
- Loss of pressure or temperature
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Poor steam performance
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Leaking from valves, group heads or under the machine.
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Inconsistent coffee quality
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Unusual noises or smells
If you notice any of these, get in touch for a professional inspection.
Why is my espresso machine losing pressure?
A loss of pressure in an espresso machine can be caused by several issues, ranging from simple maintenance problems to component failures. Common causes include a worn pump, blocked water filters, scale build-up, faulty pressure regulators, leaking valves, or problems with the incoming water supply.
It is also important to understand the difference between brew pressure and steam boiler pressure. Brew pressure relates to the water pressure used to extract espresso, typically around 9 bar, while steam pressure is the pressure inside the boiler used for steaming milk, usually between 1.0 and 1.5 bar. If your machine is struggling to produce espresso, the issue may be related to brew pressure. If it lacks steam power for milk texturing, the problem is more likely related to boiler or steam pressure.
If your machine is showing low pressure readings, fluctuating pressure, weak espresso extraction, or poor steam performance, we can diagnose the fault and carry out the necessary repairs to restore your machine’s performance.
Why is my espresso machine losing pressure?
A loss of pressure in an espresso machine can be caused by several issues, ranging from simple maintenance problems to component failures. Common causes include a worn pump, blocked water filters, scale build-up, faulty pressure regulators, leaking valves, or problems with the incoming water supply.
It is also important to understand the difference between brew pressure and steam boiler pressure. Brew pressure relates to the water pressure used to extract espresso, typically around 9 bar, while steam pressure is the pressure inside the boiler used for steaming milk, usually between 1.0 and 1.5 bar. If your machine is struggling to produce espresso, the issue may be related to brew pressure. If it lacks steam power for milk texturing, the problem is more likely related to boiler or steam pressure.
If your machine is showing low pressure readings, fluctuating pressure, weak espresso extraction, or poor steam performance, we can diagnose the fault and carry out the necessary repairs to restore your machine’s performance.
Why is my coffee machine leaking water?
Water leaks can occur for a number of reasons and should be investigated as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your coffee machine. Common causes include worn seals and gaskets, loose pipe fittings, cracked hoses, faulty valves, blocked drain lines, or excessive scale build-up. In some cases, a leak may only appear when the machine is heating up or when water is flowing through the group heads.
Leaks can originate from different areas of the machine, such as underneath the chassis, around the group heads, from the steam or hot water wands, or into the drip tray. Identifying the exact source of the leak is the key to finding the correct solution.
For coffee machines installed in horse boxes, mobile coffee vans, trailers, or other outdoor catering units, freezing temperatures can also be a common cause of leaks. If the machine has been exposed to cold weather without adequate insulation or frost protection, water trapped inside the small copper pipes and components can freeze, expand, and cause pipes, fittings, or valves to split. These leaks often become apparent when the machine is switched back on and the water system is pressurised.
If your coffee machine is leaking water, we can quickly diagnose the cause and carry out the necessary repairs to prevent further issues and keep your machine operating safely and reliably.
Why is my espresso machine not heating?
If your espresso machine is not heating properly, there are several possible causes. Common faults include a failed heating element, faulty thermostat or temperature probe, tripped safety cut-out, damaged heating relay, control board issues, or a problem with the machine’s power supply. In some cases, scale build-up inside the boiler can also affect heating performance and temperature stability.
The symptoms can vary depending on the fault. Your machine may remain completely cold, take an unusually long time to reach temperature, fail to produce steam, or display error messages related to heating or temperature control.
For mobile coffee vans, horse boxes, and outdoor catering units, cold weather can also cause damage. If the machine has been exposed to freezing temperatures, water inside the boiler, pipes, or components may freeze and cause damage to heating-related parts, sensors, or pipework when the machine is restarted.
If your espresso machine is not heating correctly, we can quickly diagnose the problem and carry out the necessary repairs to get your machine back to operating temperature and producing great coffee again.
Why is my coffee grinder not grinding correctly?
If your coffee grinder is not grinding correctly, there can be several possible causes. Common issues include worn burrs, incorrect grind settings, blocked grinding chambers, damaged burr carriers, faulty motors, electronic dosing problems, or a build-up of old coffee oils and residue. These faults can lead to inconsistent grind size, poor espresso extraction, slow grinding, excessive clumping, or the grinder failing to dispense coffee altogether.
Over time, grinder burrs naturally wear down and become less effective, resulting in inconsistent particle sizes and reduced coffee quality. Regular servicing and burr replacement can help maintain consistent performance and ensure the best possible espresso extraction.
We repair and service a wide range of commercial coffee grinders, including Mazzer, Fiorenzato, Eureka, Mahlkönig, Anfim, Compak, Cunill, Macap, Mythos, Sanremo, Ceado, HeyCafé and many other brands. Whether your grinder is producing inconsistent results, making unusual noises, jamming, or has stopped working completely, we can diagnose the fault and carry out the necessary repairs to get it back to peak performance.
A correctly functioning grinder is just as important as the espresso machine itself, and can make a significant difference to coffee quality, consistency, and workflow.
What causes poor steam pressure??
Poor steam pressure is a common issue that can affect milk texturing, drink preparation times, and overall coffee quality. Several faults can cause a reduction in steam performance, including a failing heating element, faulty pressurestat or temperature sensor, scale build-up inside the boiler, blocked steam tips, malfunctioning vacuum valves, or issues with the machine’s control electronics.
It is important to remember that steam pressure and brew pressure are two completely different systems. A machine may still produce espresso normally while suffering from poor steam performance. Steam pressure is generated by the steam boiler and is typically maintained between 1.0 and 1.5 bar, whereas brew pressure is created by the pump during espresso extraction and is usually around 9 bar.
Low steam pressure may be noticed as weak steam flow, difficulty texturing milk, excessive water coming from the steam wand, or unusually long recovery times during busy periods. In some cases, the problem may be caused by incorrect boiler settings or poor maintenance rather than a major component failure.
We can diagnose the cause of poor steam pressure and carry out the necessary repairs, servicing, or descaling to restore your machine’s performance and ensure it delivers the steam power needed for consistent milk preparation.
Can you help with coffee machine installation for new cafes?
Yes, we offer installation services for new cafes, including setup of espresso machines, grinders, and water filtration systems. We ensure your equipment is installed safely and correctly from day one.
Do you offer advice on water filtration for espresso machines?
Yes, we strongly recommend water filtration to protect your machine from limescale build-up and to improve coffee quality. We can supply and install the correct filtration system for your equipment and local water quality.
What’s included in a typical espresso machine service?
A typical service includes descaling boiler parts if needed. Cleaning and testing all valves and safety devices, replacing worn seals and gaskets, checking electronics, calibrating pressure and temperature, and a full machine performance check.
Why is regular espresso machine servicing important for my café?
Regular servicing prevents costly breakdowns, ensures consistent coffee quality, extends the life of your equipment, and keeps your café running smoothly without unexpected downtime.
Do you offer coffee barista training?
Yes, we offer barista training for both beginners and experienced staff, tailored to your needs. With over 20 years of experience in the coffee industry, we can provide hands-on training covering espresso preparation, grinder calibration, milk steaming techniques, workflow, and how to get the best from your equipment.
Training can be arranged as part of your machine installation, service visit, or as a separate session.
Do you supply coffee or coffee equipment?
No, we don’t supply coffee or coffee equipment directly. However, we work with trusted coffee roasters and equipment suppliers who we are happy to recommend. They can provide quotes for both coffee supply and espresso equipment to suit your business needs.
Are you insured?
Yes, we have public liability insurance cover up to £5 million, giving you peace of mind when we work on your premises or with your coffee equipment.
How quickly can you attend for repairs or servicing?
We aim to attend as quickly as possible, depending on location and workload. For South Wales, Bristol, Bath, and the West, we can often arrange visits within 1-5 working days. Emergency breakdowns are prioritised where possible.
What brands of espresso machines do you service and repair?
We work with leading commercial and high-end home espresso machine brands including La Marzocco, Rocket, ECM, Profitec, Conti, Sanremo, La Spaziale, and Fracino. If you’re unsure whether we can help with your machine, please contact us.
Can you help with coffee machine breakdowns?
Yes, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing espresso machine faults and breakdowns. We can help with issues such as pressure loss, steam faults, leaks, electrical issues, and poor coffee performance.
Do you offer maintenance contracts for coffee machines?
We don’t usually offer fixed maintenance contracts, but we do provide scheduled servicing and boiler inspections to help keep your equipment running smoothly and reduce the risk of breakdowns. If you are looking for something more regular, please conact us to discuss options that suit your business.
Do you carry spare parts?
We carry a wide range of common espresso machine and grinder spare parts. If specialist parts are required, we can usually source them quickly through our trusted suppliers.
Can you service coffee equipment outside of South Wales?
Yes, while we are based in South Wales, we also cover Bristol, Bath, and the wider West region. For larger projects, we can travel further, just ask.
Please email me or text me images of the fault/s including your equipment's make and model number.
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Steam & Grind Cardiff
Commercial Espresso Machine Repair & Servicing Across South Wales & The South West
Commercial espresso machine repair, coffee grinder servicing, preventative maintenance, machine installations, mobile coffee setup installations, and PSSR 2000 boiler inspections.
Areas Covered: Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea, Newport, Barry, Penarth, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Llantrisant, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Brecon, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Chepstow, Bristol and Bath.
We regularly travel up to 1.5 hours from our Cardiff base. If your location is not listed, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
