Replaced the main seal on the espresso machine for the second time. Seems we reliably get about 3 years out of a seal (machine used 4-6 times per day for 2 people).

    • Botzo@lemmy.worldOP
      3·
      13 hours ago

      Breville Barista Express, yeah.

      Very easy!

      4mm Allen wrench to free the shower screen, a cheap hook or even a small screwdriver and a needle nose pliers to pull the old gasket out (what I used).

      I just bought a 2 pack of silicone gaskets for under $10.

      I cleaned everything up before seating the new gasket (poked a damp rag up there with the hook).

      Good as new in under 15min. I made 4 doubles afterwards today.

      • Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz
        3·
        9 hours ago

        OK, thanks. Anyway, here’s another one: how do you know it’s time to change the gasket? Did it start leaking or something?

        • Botzo@lemmy.worldOP
          2·
          3 hours ago

          Yes, it leaks. Water will come out around the portafilter and pressure won’t build. In both cases, this has been sudden failure and being left without coffee for the day would be horrific. I have a pour over and a french press handy, so we didn’t suffer.

  • echo@lemmy.today
    8·
    24 hours ago
    • Group head gasket - not main seal
    • These are a ‘wear’ item and do have to be replaced periodically
    • The one shown needed to be replaced sooner than it was
    • The silicone ones work better and last longer
    • Botzo@lemmy.worldOP
      5·
      23 hours ago

      Thanks for the corrections!

      This one was silicone, and the one I happened to get shipped overnight in March 2021 (it lasted almost exactly 4 years, had to go look it up to confirm it was silicone). Not sure why they chose green. I was trying to highlight the failure and the section of bead tore off. There’s more damage from me jamming a hook into it to pull it out. I wish it were easier to get it out for periodic cleaning and inspection. I’ll have to look into that.

      I replaced it with another silicone gasket (this time off-white) and now have a backup handy.

      I’d be interested to know if there’s a way to predict failure or if there’s a good schedule to follow!