Excessive steam release into drip tray on warm up

BobbyBarista

Hi all, hoping someone can advise why my Vesuvius has recently started to make a loud hissing noise on warming up. It discharges drips of water and steam into the drip try. I am pretty sure this has recently gotten worse.

thanks in advance.

MediumRoastSteam

BobbyBarista - open the machine up (remove top lid) and find where the steam/hissing is coming from. It will most likely be the anti-vac valve or safety valve.

Once identified, please follow up with photos for a better advice on how to proceed.

MediumRoastSteam

BobbyBarista all, hoping someone can advise why my Vesuvius has recently started to make a loud hissing noise on warming up

I don’t want to be dismissive here, but… you said the machine has recently developed a loud hissing noise on warming up. - The water in the drip tray is a distraction. As confirmed above, it’s normal functionality as explained. Most machines will do that.

But… the hissing sound. It must be something you have noticed that changed. if it’s just the anti-vac valve doing its job at warm up - yes, it hisses briefly and water goes to the drip tray, then all good. If it’s hissing for over 30 seconds, or continues hissing, then something else might be at play.

BobbyBarista

Hi, thanks for the quick response, here is a pic of where the drips and steam come out, it’s immediately upon heating from cold and only for about 30 seconds. There is no leak at all inside the machine (that I can see anyway).

Thanks

Cuprajake

That’s from the anti vac off the steam boiler isn’t it.

JahLaza

Yes,this is normal isn’t it? Mine threw out this much just now from heat up in clean drip tray

It does waste a bit of water to be fair, would this be a normal volume?

DavecUK

That outlet has the vacuum breaker and expansion valve connected to it. It will always weep around 30 ml of water when the machine is started from cold. This is because water expands 4% when heated to brew temp and this is vented from the sealed brew system by the expansion valve.

From what’s described,vseems normal to me.

How old is the machine, did you purchase it new?

BobbyBarista

That’s really helpful thank you all for your help, much appreciated.

BobbyBarista

Thanks and thanks for being so thorough. It hisses from that valve, quote a lot at warm up, 30 seconds or so, then stops suddenly. I am pretty sure this is a change, but understood the previous comments to suggest it’s quite normal.

Thanks again

DavecUK

BobbyBarista but understood the previous comments to suggest it’s quite normal.

I don’t think you mentioned how long before. I asked a question before, imon my phone at the moment, but an answer might be helpful.

Cuprajake

Out of interest what water do you feed the machine?

BobbyBarista

Hello, machine is about 4 years old, yes I bought from Paulo and it was new. Fantastic machine.

I live in Yorkshire, so water is soft, but I also filter it.

thanks again

DavecUK

BobbyBarista I suspect you may not have the memory metal vacuum breaker in that case. Open the top and take a photo.

BobbyBarista

Hello, sorry for the delay. I noticed a puddle of water under the machine, so took it apart to explore and one of the rubber tubes had developed a leak next to where the cable tie held it in place. I have attached a pic (x marks the spot) could anyone tell me where I can source a nee bit of tube by any chance? Dave have taken the pic as previously requested too.

Thanks in advance.

DavecUK

BobbyBarista one of the rubber tubes had developed a leak next to where the cable tie held it in place. I have attached a pic (x marks the spot) could anyone tell me where I can source a nee bit of tube by any chance

I think thats a flexible PTFE high pressure tube. Can you make a clear close-up photo of the hole. This is because a cable tie shouldn’t abrade it. I have a reason for asking.

I cant remember the OD and ID for the tube, could be 8 and 6mm. You want high quality flexible high Pressure PTFE tube good for 20 bar plus.

You might be able to use a Stanley life, and cut the tube with a nice clean 90 degree right angle cut, and then (if it’s long enough) you can simply reattach to the boiler fitting, by pressing it on hard all the way and then doing up the securing ring, it should flange itself onto the fitting.

MediumRoastSteam

DavecUK You want high quality flexible high Pressure PTFE tube

BobbyBarista - if you need it, eBay is your friend.

I’m yet to determine what “high quality” means, and how can you tell what’s poor quality vs high quality though. 😊

BobbyBarista

Hi Dave, great idea re shortening, thank you! Here’s a close up pic of the leak. Thanks again

DavecUK

BobbyBarista Now I’ve got onto the PC, I can honestly say I have never seen a split like that before. I have seen a pipe exposed to over 20 bar and it blew out as you might expect…perhaps there was some small defect in the Pipe.

BobbyBarista

Haha well I shortened and have rejoined and all seems well, I’m relieved, but think I need some for back up, so will get onto eBay and get some ordered. Genuine massive thanks to all who’ve helped me with this.

thanks again

DavecUK

BobbyBarista good job i asked Paolo to put loops in all the tubes he could wasn’t it 🤣

coffeealex

Read this thread with interest and have to say you are all better than a tech centre. A thumbs up to Medium Roast Steam, Cuprajake (and anyone else who contributed) for asking all the right questions and of course the Merlin tech wizard himself Dave C. Impressive guys!