FAQ’s

  • If it’s leaking around the basket, it’s likely the grouphead gaskets which wear out every 6-12 months. Replace them to fix it.

  • This is most likely normal wear and tear. Steam wand build kits wear out every six to twelve months.

  • Possibly loose drain. Could be an internal failed component. Check drain connections, and if it continues to leak contact Nine Bar.

  • Possible milk build-up in the drain line. Remove drainage tube and clear line, or contact Nine Bar Services. Do not pour milk down the drain in the future.

  • Grind finer. Even if your grinder is set to 0, see if it will let you go past 0 until your shot slows down to your desired recipe.

  • Make your grind setting coarser.

  • Some people adjust their grinder multiple time a day, every day. Keeping your espresso hopper full, and keeping your beans between 2-3 weeks old will mitigate fluctuations.

  • Scale has blocked the valve open. Contact Nine Bar.

  • Either old coffee, or your espresso is not producing enough heat and/or pressure. Check the date on your coffee, and the temperature/pressure on your machine. If your coffee is old, replace. If temperature is below 195 or pressure below 9 bars, contact Nine Bar.

  • Prepare an espresso as usual. Pull a shot. and see if it gets to 9 bars during brewing. It is okay if it's above or below 9 bars of pressure during periods of rest.

  • Possible scale buildup or you might be trying to get too much hot water out of it. It is only meant to dispense about four ounces at a time for Italian (not American) sized drinks.

  • Every single day if you are making more than 10 drinks per day. Not backflushing is the best way to send your machine to an early grave.

  • Removing baskets and screens and cleaning all components in a group head. Reassembling, and running a backflush cycle and a rinse cycle. Check your machine’s manual for specific instructions.

  • Every day. Soak for less than 30 minutes in Rinza. Do not soak overnight.

  • Your warranty may be void if you do not have appropriate water filtration. Use a La Marzocco water test strip and their online calculator to determine what filtration you need, or have Nine Bar conduct a free lab test and filtration installation.

  • Ask Nine Bar to do a professional lab test of your water. Every machine, water source, or even a block away from another business may require a different water filter.

  • Every 6 to 12 months depending on volume and size of filtration.

  • Usually it’s because one head is being used more than the others. Consider rotating group heads for even wear and tear. Other issue could be volumetrics are programmed incorrectly. Dial in, check your manual, and reprogram your volumetrics. Contact Nine Bar if you need assistance.

  • Absolutely no liquids. We see a lot of broken machines because people put a latte or a syrup on the espresso machine.

  • Check your grinder’s manual for guidance. Some need to be cleaned every single week, some once a quarter. GHGBS’ Youtube channel and Primacoffee.com are great places to learn how to clean them.

  • Clean the clump crusher or replace it, or have Nine Bar clean and/or replace it.

  • Sensors need cleaning or to be descaled. There may be an obstruction of water flow somewhere down the line. Check all the knobs of water inlet going towards the machine, or contact Nine Bar Services. All brewers get flow problems after a few years of service.

  • Water filtration, cleaning, and leaving it on 24/7. Do preventative maintenance so you’re never unexpectedly out of business for several days. Pray to the espresso gods to have mercy on your soul.