Gaggia Classic Leak.

[dennis moriarty]

Hi all
I have got a leak on my steam arm when the machine is on. This gets worse after I have pulled a shot and am waiting for the steam to kick in. Any advice on the problem/repair welcome. Thanks.

[lukas]

Hi Dennis!

How old your Classic? If I remember correctly, the steam valve on the older Gaggias is quite sensitive and gets leaky over time, especially if you close it with too much force. Don't remember the specifics, though - sorry!

[Ed]

I too would be interested in an answer to this one. I presume that a washer or at worst the valve seat has worn out.

I suppose the worst case scenario would be to replace the valve assembly.

So, where can we get parts?

[GreenBean]

I have no experience of the Gaggia Classic but if the steam valve can not be dismantled for cleaning you could replace it without much trouble. A quick google turned up the following:

Instructions to replace valve.

Available from ebay.

[lukas]

Yes, that was the problem with these valves: they're copper only, and if you close them too tightly too often, it wears out and doesn't close firmly anymore so the whole valve has to be replaced. IIRC, it was somewhere around 20€.

[Bombcup]

If you dismantle the valve you should see where the needle seals against the seat, this gets pitted over time. Put the needle in your drill chuck and spin the mating surface over some emery cloth and you should be able to restore the seal.