How to properly descale a single boiler machine like the ECM Puristika?

AlfredB

After owning a Puristika for a little over an year I have become somewhat apprehensive about the need to eventually descale the machine. In the mean time filtered tap water has been used, that I soften with ECM’s own in-reservoir softener:

https://idrinkcoffee.com/products/ecm-water-filter-pad

So far, I think I have managed to avoid scale, but I’d like to know what would be the correct way to descale if the need arises. There are many conflicting opinions online, some warn that descaling chemicals can remove the passivation layer on a stainless steel boiler (not sure if this applies to citric acid), some caution against performing any form of home descaling (Chris Coffee). In the past I have used Dezcal, now I think Biocaf (both from Urnex) might be a better choice. However, I am hesitant to undertake any steps before I consult with the smart folks in this forum! Is the Puristika less prone to scale issues, since it does not reach steam temperature? Is it easier to descale than a HX machine? Would using a product like Biocaf attack the seals in the machine?

Thanks to all in advance : )

DavecUK

AlfredB I wouldn’t worry the boiler will be AISI 316L stainless, so perfectly safe to descale, no descaler will attack the seals. The issue around descaling is simply getting the descaler out! The best way will be via a big syringe/tube and removing a fitting on top of the boiler. Don’t remove the heating element if some wag suggests it.

It doesn’t sound like you will need to descale your Puristika and the best advice is to make sure you don’t have to descale..,.ever. I use an Osmio Zero to make RO water, and a touch of bicarb to bring the water TDS up (sometimes). This means I never have to worry about descaling.

If you do ever have to descale, remember to lubricate the group inside immediately after…which is something you should be familiar with as you have to do it every time you flush with a cleaner like Puly cafe, evey few months. Oh and of course you are removing the shower screen at least weekly and cleaning it, and behind it?

AlfredB

DavecUK

Yes, I am dropping the shower screen for cleaning every weekend and I backflush with Cafiza every 3 months or so, like you recommended. I lubricate the entire E61 after each chemical backflush. By the way, would it be better to use Puly instead of Cafiza? I am open to experimenting : )

Thank you so much for your advice, it is appreciated!

AlfredB

DavecUK

Dave, out of curiously - if I were to fill the glass tank with a descaling solution instead of opening the boiler, wouldn’t this work? Or would it cause damage to the pump, perhaps?

Then I can refill with clean water and flush the boiler with it (I assume that it would be hard to flush it out completely until one has run at least 2 litters of water through it)?

Ever since I had to place the Teflon hose dipper, I have been apprehensive about bending the copper pipes out of the way to open the boiler : )

Thanks again.

NicolaspCAN

DavecUK

You mentioned “The issue around descaling is simply getting the descaler out! The best way will be via a big syringe/tube and removing a fitting on top of the boiler.” I bought a Puristika a couple of months ago and I’m very satisfied. I adjusted the pressure gauge to 9 and it make delicious espresso. The prob is that, last week, the pressure dont reach 9 anymore so I descaled my machine. Since then, the taste is very bad. After reading your comment, I understand why. Can you please explain which fitting I need to remove and how to access it? Is there a video on the net that shows these steps cuz I didn’t find one?

Thank you in advance!

Nicolas

DavecUK

AlfredB Dave, out of curiously - if I were to fill the glass tank with a descaling solution instead of opening the boiler, wouldn’t this work? Or would it cause damage to the pump, perhaps?

You can put descaler in the tank, pump it in…but you need to get it out of the boiler….also it’s hard to get a strong solution as it gets diluted. A syringe allows you to suck a lot of clean water out first…consider removing the heating element wire though to ensure that it doesn’t come on before the boiler is full again.

hornbyben

I regularly descale my Silvia. Put citric acid solution in the water tank, flush through 300ml (boiler volume), wait 20 mins and repeat a couple of times. I then flush with fresh water, typically 2L is plenty to flush. Once you’ve flushed a fair bit just dip your finger in the water and taste. If it’s still acidic flush more, if tastes of just water it’s done.

AlfredB

DavecUK

Good to know, thanks!

Cuprajake

This is why good water is essential in my eyes.

Saves sooo much messing about

DavecUK

NicolaspCAN

https://coffeetime.freeflarum.com/d/2651-minima-descale

Same process…if you remove the temp sensor, be careful not to bend the wires around. Although, I “think” the Puristika might have drain tap…best to check first. The one I have is the prototype. This is the drain tap on my boiler…which makes descaling easy.

NicolaspCAN

DavecUK

Thank you for your help! I ordered a 500 ml syringe with a tube. I’m not sure about this sentence on your link : “you don’t need to, just heat up, switch off and open the hot water tap to drain the boiler. Descaler in tank, switch on and it refills the steam boiler with descaler.” I already descaled my Puristika and there’s some descale liquid stock into the water tank. So in need to remove it. I think the steps are :

1- heating up

2- opening the case and plug the tube during heating

3- switching off when temp reached

4- opening the valve on the water tap (if there’s a valve)

5- suctioning 500 ml into the tank

6 - closing the valve

7 - switching on for the tank to be refill of clean water

8 - enjoy a great espresso

Is that correct cuz your sentence is refering to other steps (“Descaler in tank, switch on and it refills the steam boiler with descaler.”)?

DavecUK

If your Puristica has a drain tap, you won’t really need a syringe. Just remember the machine has no way of knowing the boiler is empty after draining, so ensure you open the brew lever when refilling….so it refills as fast as possible.

NicolaspCAN

Hi everyone! I just did the purge after a descale because it’s the only way to get rid of the descale in the bottom of the boiler tank. You don’t need the 500 ml syringe. Those are the step that I did and it work well :

1- wait until the machine cools down

2- unplug the machine

3- put some flat things on a counter (I used wood) or a table to elevate your machine; there’s about 1 feet between the front feet and the back feet

4- put your machine on those flat things and make sure it’s stable

5- remove the case with an Allen key

6- remove the small metal plate under the boiler tank with an Allen key

7- remove the golden part (2) with an Allen key (see the part 2 on the picture below)

8- place a bowl under this part

8- turn the plastic part (1) counterclockwise for 45 degrees with your hand (see the part 1 on the picture below)

9- open the brew lever if the water isn’t coming out of the tank

10- wait until the boiler tank is empty

11- reassembling everything

12- make sure to fill up your glass water tank because the boiler tank will need a lot of water to be filled

13- make sure that the brew lever is open before turning on the machine to avoid burning the heating element in the water tank because, like DavecUK said, “the machine has no way of knowing the boiler is empty after draining, so ensure you open the brew lever when refilling….so it refills as fast as possible.”

14- after turning on the machine, you’ll see the lever of water into your glass tank going down rapidly

15- wait until water comes out of the E61 head; it’s the sign that your boiler tank is full

16- enjoy an espresso!