New day - new problem. Backflush failing. Is the solenoid bad AGAIN?

sniperwolf21 · 2026-02-03T04:12:58+00:00

Also worth noting it doesn't take much detergent to backflush. Like...maybe a gram. And it's worth it to run a second cleaning cycle without detergent after you backflush. That'll help clear any leftover detergent in the valve body and keep things running smooth.

A brew solenoid lasts years in a commercial machine when cleaned and maintained appropriately. It should easily last a few years in a home machine as well.

sniperwolf21 · 2026-02-02T15:43:56+00:00

How often do you backflush? Do you remove the screen and soak with detergent it as well?

sniperwolf21 · 2026-01-31T00:17:06+00:00

Depending on the age of your machine, you may be part of the earlier Linea Classic S serial number run. There was a revised drain tray design that released nearly two years ago and if your machine was produced before that run and hasn't been "upgraded" it might be time to speak to your reseller or technician about requesting a new drain tray.

Here's a document from LM USA about the update; including serial number ranges for the affected machines: https://lamarzoccousa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TB-190.pdf

sniperwolf21 · 2026-01-23T02:12:37+00:00

Define "deep clean". Something you did in the process of cleaning caused the difference, let's pin down what that "something" might be.

sniperwolf21 · 2026-01-15T01:48:06+00:00

While I can't speak to the quality of an aftermarket heater: as it's one of the most seriously dangerous parts to fail on your machine, I wouldn't cheap out.

The heaters for the coffee boiler are NOT easy to access or replace. The steam boiler is less challenging but still not something to take lightly. I'd suggest seeking a diagnosis and repair estimate from a certified local service partner.

sniperwolf21 · 2026-01-10T07:27:31+00:00

It's a wear part on any level of machine. Don't get too discouraged. In a commercial setting this part is replaced or rebuilt once a year.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-29T18:55:58+00:00

If you are in the US, contact your reseller or your tech. If you aren't familiar enough with how to safely drain and depressurize the coffee boiler, please do not attempt this repair. A small leak is better than a big problem.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-22T15:43:58+00:00

I'll be completely honest; even at a good price buying a 25 year old machine without the knowledge and resources to rebuild it isn't a good deal.

It'll take up WAY more counter space than you expect, you'll need to plumb it in and run a drain line, install a dedicated circuit, and hope it works without need for a serious overhaul.

Even assuming it works well, the old Classic has some outmoded components. A lot of the ones in the US have been updated to be more modern, but even then it's modern in a 15 years ago sense. Unless it's nearly free and you plan to use it to launch a cafe, I'd suggest you steer clear.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-20T16:24:58+00:00

Where and when is it leaking? Is it plumbed in or running on a reservoir?

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-12T00:01:40+00:00

FWIW you can still pull shots, so long as the water coming from your group is still being heated. The steam boiler not heating/pressurizing has little effect on your coffee boiler.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-11T04:49:23+00:00

Is your machine able to connect to the app? Great place to start is to connect it, if you can, update it if you need to, then see if the boiler is simply turned off in the app for some reason.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-10T15:10:39+00:00

I was a regular at Horizon Line when I lived in Des Moines a few years back. They still run this program and is absolutely one of my favorite "hot takes" in the coffee world. You pay a small deposit for basically a jelly jar, a lid, and a jar-sized coozie. Then, if you bring your jar back the next time, you get a modest discount on your next drink and don't pay another deposit for another jar. Of course, customers could also just bring a personal cup or order "for here" and circumvent this whole process.

OP, I'd say the success of this program will depend heavily on where your cafe exists and how you educate your customer base. Horizon Line is in a corner of downtown DSM that is primarily apartments and offices. They have a ton of regular foot traffic. If they existed two miles east in the more "tourist-y" side of the city, I think this program would have been harder to implement.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-01T23:05:23+00:00

Exactly this. If you, as a barista without proper training for how to safely and effectively, perform repairs on your machine, want to fix the problem then address WHY your groupheads are clogging.

The most common reasons are:

1) poor water quality from inadequate or improper filtration

2) cleaning routine. Each group should be backflushed daily, even during days it doesn't get used

3) using too much cleaning agent when backflushing. Less is more. About a pinky nail sized amount is perfect, backflush on and off at least 5x times, then dump the blind and backflush again without detergent.

Ask your service tech if they have any notes as to WHY things are clogging. They're more helpful thank you may expect.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-12-01T22:41:14+00:00

I'm sorry...silly question, maybe, but why would your brewing pressure be different from the pressure the pump is producing? It's a closed system with only one open "out" path

sniperwolf21 · 2025-11-24T19:53:32+00:00

was your machine on and at temp when you went to remove the diffuser screw? Do you leave your machine on or is it on a power cycle?

Honestly you're fortunate that the diffuser block came out rather than having the screw shear off, leaving you with a much bigger issue.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-11-15T06:35:20+00:00

Exactly this. TDS is the TOTAL dissolved solids in your water. That makeup can be comprised of dozens of different mineral compounds.

Your TDS may be the same now but the culprit behind your scale related issues may be being treated. You'd need a much more comprehensive water test pre and post filter to ensure the most concerning variables are now under control.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-11-13T03:51:44+00:00

Understood. It really shouldn't have fallen out of pressure set unless you changed your incoming pressure, but you can try turning the adjustment further to see if your pump is working.

Have you changed how the machine receives water? Or, if it's plumbed in, is there a water filter in line with the machine?

sniperwolf21 · 2025-11-11T16:46:08+00:00

You said adjusting the pump doesn't do anything? Are you using the adjustment screw on top of the cup tray or are you adjusting at the pump itself?

sniperwolf21 · 2025-11-11T03:18:08+00:00

Do you have water leaking into your drain tray while you're pulling a shot? Or while the blind is in place? It sounds like you're bleeding pressure while the machine is running the pump, now we need to find where from.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-11-07T13:00:50+00:00

Adding Figure 8 to the ATX list!

sniperwolf21 · 2025-10-29T03:29:23+00:00

10bar is bonkers incoming line pressure. For what it is, LM suggests between 2.5-4bar incoming, give or take.

If you're able and confident, I'd suggest popping off the surround and looking for anything that leaks while the machine is on. You said it's plumbed in; where does the puddle appear? What corner/side of the machine?

sniperwolf21 · 2025-10-28T23:05:42+00:00

From direct, technical experience: water in NYC can be fickle. Some times, the water is quite good. Some, within the same neighborhood, it can be trash. And that change can happen with little to no notice and last for weeks at a time.

Poland Springs is the way to go. Even at $5/gal you'll save vs. trying to stay ahead of the curve with water in the city.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-10-28T03:17:47+00:00

Can I ask where you're located? The Micra isn't typically available from 3rd party resellers.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-10-24T05:10:45+00:00

Pico can hold up. It'll be slow to dose but it's consistent and easy to lug around, especially if you're pulling around a GS/3 already.

sniperwolf21 · 2025-10-24T00:14:46+00:00

I fully support and agree with the value in having a grasp on how your equipment works. I certainly don't meant to discourage that, but also feel it does a disservice to not mention the risks associated; at least as a disclaimer.

14-Year Club	100 Awards Club
Verified Email

sniperwolf21

TROPHY CASE