samw47•22d ago

Blew up my espresso machine while trying to descale it

So last Saturday I decided to finally clean my Breville espresso maker after like 8 months of daily use. Followed a YouTube tutorial step by step, used the vinegar solution they recommended, everything seemed fine. Then about 30 seconds into the cycle, this loud pop came from the machine and steam started shooting out the back. I unplugged it so fast and water was dripping all over my counter. Turns out the pressure relief valve just gave out from mineral buildup I guess. Now I'm sitting here with a dead machine and a $200 repair quote. Has anyone else had a descaling attempt go totally sideways like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

theathomas22d ago

Are you sure it wasn't just the steam wand acting up?

avery_foster3122d ago

Wait, you think a dead machine with a blown pressure valve is just a "steam wand acting up"? That's like saying a car that just threw a rod just has a flat tire. I watched steam pour out the back like a kettle on steroids, not the wand. Trust me, my counter and my ears know the difference between a normal descale and a minor explosion.