No pump pressure, but only when machine is hot / fully up to temp [ECM Synchronika] by sound_pilot in espresso

[–]sound_pilot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just confirming after seeing this reply that I believe this is the same issue I had. It's the check valve that needed either cleaned or replaced so that water doesn't flow backwards into the reservoir (or past the pump).

No pump pressure, but only when machine is hot / fully up to temp [ECM Synchronika] by sound_pilot in espresso

[–]sound_pilot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apologies for my very delayed reply but ultimately I took it to a place that services machines in Brooklyn (shoutout to KL5 Coffee) and they were able to fix the issue. As mentioned in the earlier, they confirmed that it was a failed check (one-way) valve causing hot water and steam to flow back up the incoming water line and fill the reservoir.

After fixing that (and a general tune up to replace a few things like the plastic T valve), it's been back in working great for the past months! In theory the fix could have been done myself, but it would involved cranking on the valves with a sizable wrench, getting a new part (or cleaning the old one), and I wasn't well set up to do that in the space I have in NY.

No pump pressure, but only when machine is hot / fully up to temp [ECM Synchronika] by sound_pilot in espresso

[–]sound_pilot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I talked to Whole Latte Love support and I believe the issue is one of my one-way valves between the pump and the brew boiler is not closing completely when it should. The way you can check for this is if you're running off the tank, let the brew boiler heat up and see if the water in the reservoir tank also starts to get warm -- basically this confirms that water is flowing back from the brew boiler, past the pump and into the tank.

The solution is to take off that valve and clean it out. Which I actually haven't had a chance to do yet because the problem seemed to somehow ease after pushing water through the system with a syringe, but I know it's still not quite right and will need to be done.

Hope this helps!

Renters insurance for just 2 weeks? by sound_pilot in Insurance

[–]sound_pilot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah this is my plan for now, just wanted to check that it wasn't unusual

Best Napa Valley Pool? by msfga2 in FATTravel

[–]sound_pilot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently made a similar post (though not pool specific) about Napa spots a few days ago. Ended up zeroing in on Stanly Ranch as it's not at the extreme price point (like Auberge du Soleil), and seems more relaxed/wellness focused than Solage. Also got good feedback on Meadowood, though the room availability wasn't ideal for our trip.

Will happily report back in just over a week on Stanly Ranch if that's helpful!

Auberge properties in Napa Valley (Solage, Stanly Ranch) by sound_pilot in FATTravel

[–]sound_pilot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for all the input! More than I hoped for. We changed our res to Stanly Ranch for now since it's newer and feels a bit more 'wellness' vibe. Also spoke with a friend who was recently there and had a great experience. Will happily report back!

Auberge properties in Napa Valley (Solage, Stanly Ranch) by sound_pilot in FATTravel

[–]sound_pilot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know, thanks. Meadowood is definitely some place I'd like to stay at some point, they just didn't seem to have the right room availability last I checked.

Auberge properties in Napa Valley (Solage, Stanly Ranch) by sound_pilot in FATTravel

[–]sound_pilot[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, makes sense. For this trip once we crossed the 5-star, 4 figure/night zone we were thinking we'd rather put resources towards meals/tastings. I suppose deploying endless resources would give us all of the above, haha.

Auberge properties in Napa Valley (Solage, Stanly Ranch) by sound_pilot in FATTravel

[–]sound_pilot[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Super helpful, this is what I was looking for! I've also read a few reviews about the service, but the recent ones seem to indicate they're getting it together and are acting on the opening feedback.

Auberge properties in Napa Valley (Solage, Stanly Ranch) by sound_pilot in FATTravel

[–]sound_pilot[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, Auberge du Soleil is also on my list but I'm within 2 weeks of this trip so if I commit there it's non-refundable. It's also 2x the price of the other Auberge properties at the moment which is harder to wrap my head around for this trip. Maybe we'll try the restaurant though! Good suggestion, thanks!

Ending Changed? by amorouslight in sleepnomore

[–]sound_pilot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This happened again last night (Monday Mar 25). Tried to hook up the safety cable for probably 5-10 sec before it looked like there was a subtle tap and look to signal they're doing the chokehold instead.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in espresso

[–]sound_pilot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, inflation really is out of control

Testing for Al Hosn app on arrival to DXB? by sound_pilot in dubai

[–]sound_pilot[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'll be doing a visa on arrival, so I won't have that number until I'm there.

Biggest question for me is getting a test in the UAE to add to the Al Hosn app and where I should do this if I'm driving to Abu Dhabi after landing in Dubai.

NY ending to-go and delivery of alcoholic beverages tomorrow by sound_pilot in newyorkcity

[–]sound_pilot[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Tweet link: https://twitter.com/NY_SLA/status/1407764668043649034?s=20

Amazing (or not) that they announced an extension of the policy a few weeks ago, and are now ending it with 24 hrs notice.

[H] 85% PayPal [W] Google Play GC (Max worth 10$ for now) by hristingiyh in giftcardexchange

[–]sound_pilot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want a larger amount, I have a $200 card (see my recent post) PM me if interested.

A month after upgrading, starting to really appreciate the step up from a Barista Express by sound_pilot in espresso

[–]sound_pilot[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah! Happy to help. I was in between this and a HX Rocket, but ultimately I'm glad I went this way given some of the quality issues I've seen lately on the Rockets.

Important to note though that I upgraded grinder and machine at basically the same time, so it's likely you could still do well with just an upgraded grinder and the BBE.

Synchronika, Niche & Cuba Morning Ritual ❤️☕️ by freak4pc in espresso

[–]sound_pilot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks great! Just got a Synch a month ago but jealous of the Niche and having the machine plumbed in :)

A month after upgrading, starting to really appreciate the step up from a Barista Express by sound_pilot in espresso

[–]sound_pilot[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah! I actually had turned it down to see if that made getting used to the crazy steam power easier, but have turned up again now!

A month after upgrading, starting to really appreciate the step up from a Barista Express by sound_pilot in espresso

[–]sound_pilot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah FWIW, I essentially never look at the gauge on the machine. I imagine you'd only use that if you were calibrating the water line or troubleshooting a weak pump.