Lelit Bianca v3 - water outflow while brewing - is this normal?

larsg

Hello,

I have a Lelit Bianca v3 and I am very happy with it.

In the recent months, however, it has started to behave a bit differently.

When brewing, water is flowing/leaking from the two valves on the front. I am not sure what exactly these valves are for or if this is normal or not. I am a bit concerned, however, as it seems the amount of water coming out is increasing.

I have included a couple of videos. The first is from May this year. The next is from September 26. So during those months, the issue clearly got worse.

May 2023:

Sept 2023:

Do you know why this happens?

Should I be concerned?

Is this something I need to fix - if so how?

I would love your advice.

Cuprajake

DavecUK

if the behaviour has changed, considering it’s only been out 2 years? It’s almost certain water is an issue, either not as clean as it could be or limescale.

The valve on the panel comes from the expansion valve, it’s normal to drip slightly when cold water entering the boiler expands, you might also see it sometimes on very slow flow rates, but only drips. If it’s coming out in any quantity when the pump is under pressure…then somethings not quite right.

Before adjusting the expansion valve as per the video, address/identify the cause!…if it’s water, then you may well need to:

Descale
Disassemble the lower preinfusion chamber and spot descale/clean
Disassemble the expansion valve, spot descale/clean and adjust as dnecessary

larsg

DavecUK

Thanks for the input. I am a bit intimidated by the thought of having to disassemble the machine…

I use a water filtration system - shouldn’t this rule out limescale?

larsg

DavecUK

Before adjusting the expansion valve as per the video, address/identify the cause!…

How do I determine the cause?

If it is water, how do I know? Can I see it somewhere?

I really am a bit hesitant to open up the machine as it is still under warranty. It is only about a year old.

Cuprajake

Depends what it filters and what water is going into it.

larsg

Cuprajake

Good point. I don’t know really. I just bought what the Lelit vendor recommended.

I think it is called “BWT BestProtect S”

Looks like this one: https://www.bwt-wam.com/en-us/products/filterkerzen/bwt-bestprotect/

DavecUK

larsg If its under warranty, to protect your warranty it might be best to let the dealer know and follow actions they suggest.

larsg

DavecUK Good point. I will contact the dealer. Only problem is the dealer was sold in the meantime to some other company that I do not know. Not sure if they honor warranties of product sold by the previous store… Well, time to find out.

DavecUK

larsg Absolutely, if not then no worries, but best to know first.

larsg

DavecUK took it to the dealer who adjusted some OPV valve. And also calibrated the pump setting max pressure down from previous max12Bar to max 9 bar.

Now I just need some beans to test it all out :-)

larsg

Now I have tested it for a few days. It works excellently :-)