Finding water beneath or around your coffee machine can be worrying, but many leaks are caused by simple issues such as an incorrectly fitted water tank, an overfilled drip tray or worn seals. Use this guide to identify where the leak is coming from and how to fix it safely.

Quick Diagnosis

If your machine is leaking water:

  • Water appears underneath the machine
  • Water leaks from the front or sides.
  • Water drips around the portafilter or group head.
  • The drip tray fills unusually quickly.
  • The water tank empties unexpectedly.

Common Causes

Water Tank Not Fitted Correctly

One of the most common causes of leaks is a water tank that isn't fully seated or has a damaged valve seal.

Signs this is your problem:

  • Water appears immediately after refilling.
  • Leak starts around the rear or side of the machine.
  • Removing and refitting the tank changes the leak.

How to fix it:
Remove the water tank, inspect the valve and seal for debris, then refit the tank firmly. Replace damaged seals if neccessary.

Drip Tray is Full

Many users mistake a full drip tray for a leak.

Automatic rinsing cycles discharge water into the tray after brewing and when the machine switches on or off.

Signs this is your problem:

  • Water is clean.
  • Drip tray is nearly overflowing.
  • Machine otherwise works normally.

How to fix it

Empty and clean the drip tray regularly.

Group Head or Portafilter Seal Worn

Over time, the rubber group gasket wears, allowing water to escape around the portafilter during brewing.

Signs this is your problem:

  • Water sprays around the portafilter.
  • Handle no longer locks firmly.
  • Leak only occurs while making coffee.

How to fix it

Inspect the group gasket for wear and replace it if damaged. Also check that the basket and portafilter are clean.

Steam Wand Dripping

A few drops after steaming are normal.

Continuous dripping may indicate mineral build-up or a worn steam valve.

Signs this is your problem

  • Steam wand drips constantly.
  • Steam pressure has reduced.
  • Machine hasn't been descaled recently.

How to fix it

Descale the machine and clean the steam wand thoroughly. Persistent leaks may require servicing.

How to Descale Your Coffee Machine

Internal Hose or Seal Failure

Older machines can develop leaks from worn O-rings, cracked hoses or loose internal connections.

Signs this is your problem:

  • Leak occurs even when the machine isn't brewing.
  • Water appears underneath the centre of your machine.
  • Leak continues after checking the tank and drip tray.

How to fix it:

Disconnect the machine from power. Internal leaks should normally be inspected by a qualified repair technician.

Prevention

Reduce the change of future leaks by:

  • Refitting the water tank carefully.
  • Emptying the drip tray regularly.
  • Descaling at the recommended interval.
  • Replacing worn seals when needed.
  • Cleaning around the group head.
  • Servicing older machines periodically.
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Related Guides

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Quick Maintenance Checklist

  • Descale Regularly

    Remove mineral buildup and maintain temperature stability

    View Guide 

  • Backflush Weekly

    Keep the brew path clean and maintain flow

    View Guide 
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Suitable Products

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Find Your Machine Guide

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Machine Leaking Water FAQs

Why is my coffee machine leaking underneath?

The most common causes are a poorly seated water tank, an overfilled drip tray or an internal hose or seal leak.

Is it safe to use a leaking coffee machine?

Small leaks caused by the drip tray are usually harmless. If water is leaking inside the machine or near electrical components, stop using it until the cause has been identified.

Why does my espresso machine leak around the portafilter?

That is usually caused by a worn group gasket, damaged basket or incorrectly fitted portafilter.

Why is my steam wand dripping?

A few drops are normal after steaming. Constant dripping may indicate scale, build-up or a worn steam valve.

Can limescale cause leaks?

Yes. Limescale can prevent valves from sealing properly and may increase pressure inside the machine, leading to leaks

Still Leaking Water?

If you've checked the water tank, drip tray, seals and steam wand but your machine continues to leak, it may have an internal fault that requires professional servicing. Visit your machine-specific maintenance guide for further troubleshooting.

Maintenance HubWater Hardness Checker