Too Much Coffee

I've just had my Fracinio Heavenly apart as it seemed to get blocked (pump making a noise but doing nothing) and I've traced the problem to a sticking non-return valve on the line from the pump to the solenoid.

The rubber o-ring was sticking and, on removing it to clean, split. Googling to find a replacement lead me to this site which implies that due to the way the vibration pump operates, a non-return valve isn't required: http://coffeetime.wikidot.com/izzo-alex ... turn-valve

The pump is an ULKA EX5 and the machine seems to function fine without the o-ring in the non-return valve - although it's obviously no longer sealing, so I'm wondering if its not better to leave it this way and avoid another cause of maintenance?

Any advice/thoughts appreciated
Cheers
Simon

I do not think you will have a problem if you remove the innards of the non-return valve. I am concerned, however, that many manufacturers do fit non return valves to machines with a vibration pump. Perhaps they know something we do not?

I assume you have had several years service from this valve. A new valve would probably cost less than £10 and a new o-ring for the existing valve would probably cost a few pence. Taking all this into account I would suggest repairing (new o-rig) or replacing the valve.