Replacing the safety ring

Replacing the safety ring is a simple process. With the right tools, it shouldn’t take more than a minute.

The safety ring is a fail-safe device which will safely depressurise the machine if it’s overheated; it can only activate when there is no water in the boiler. This is most common when the machine is left on the heat after coffee has filled the portafilter, if the machine is put back onto the heat after the espresso has been poured, or if no water is put into the boiler before the machine is put on the heat. A good tip is that you should notice an increased volume of steam for one to two seconds once the espresso has stopped rising. This is a good sign that the extraction is finished and you should take your machine off the heat.

You may hear a small hiss if the safety ring activates. You’ll know you need to replace the safety ring if you notice water leaking from a small hole on the side of the ring.

Tools and parts required

• A replacement safety ring (and optional replacement seals, if needed) – you should have received a spare safety ring with your machine, but you can also purchase them on our website
• A 13mm spanner (a.k.a. wrench). It’s important that a correctly-sized spanner is used.

Step One

Remove the safety valve form the side of the boiler, by unscrewing the whole valve. You may be able to do this with your fingers. If not, use a 13mm spanner (wrench), to loosen it. You want to place your spanner around the nut – that’s the part of the valve that has flat sides. In the image below it’s directly above the gold coloured safety ring, it’s on the outside of the boiler.

Remove the gold coloured safety ring, by pulling it off the safety valve. The two red seals will come off with it. It may come off more easily if you turn it as you pull.

Step Two

Push the new safety ring into place, with one red seal located on each side of the safety ring. It doesn't matter where the silver dot is facing.

Step Three

Screw the new safety valve into the threaded hole on the side of the boiler. Screw it in hand tight, then use a 13 mm spanner to tighten so there is “metal on metal” contact between the safety ring and the boiler. You won’t need to tighten it very hard, the thing to feel for is a sudden increase in resistance when screwing it in (that’s when you get metal metal contact).

That’s it! If you have any questions, please contact us.