Hi there, I have owned my Bianca since the end of 2018 and just recently have noticed the sound of steam escaping from under the top cover. After investigating I found the following (pic and video link attached) and wanted to ask if anyone can help me fix the issue. Thanks, Tom https://youtu.be/Z_8Y0znpmVs [upl-image-preview url=//i.imgur.com/GA8ja5M.jpeg ]

When does that happen? just after warming the machine up from cold or constantly? It looks like it's the vacuum breaker, and it's protective cover have split. You might need to get a replacement - those are inexpensive parts, but I believe the new ones have a different type of vacuum breaker, so you might need to join it with the hose coming out of the safety valve.

It happens when the boiler is up to temperature. Having done some more reading I think you're right, it is the vacuum breaker and I have now found the end of a silicone tube that has become detached. I'll source a replacement breaker. Thanks

I have just found this from someone with the same issue. It seems like the early versions of this machine were shipped with a different type of valve. https://www.home-barista.com/repairs/lelit-bianca-steam-boiler-anti-vacuum-valve-prototype-t68374.html

Lelit Bianca - steam escaping

MediumRoastSteam

It doesn’t really matter what vacuum breaker valve you fit, as long as it fits.

TTM It happens when the boiler is up to temperature.

Sorry, I’m not clear. It happens say, after the machine has been on for a while or only happens as it is warming up past 100C on the service boiler? Because if it is happen just briefly as the machine warms up as it nears 100C, then that’s standard behaviour, and you might just need to re-attach the silicone hose back to it, if you can.

TTM

MediumRoastSteam It doesn’t really matter what vacuum breaker valve you fit, as long as it fits.

Good to know, thanks.

It happens once the boiler has been on for a while, not during the warm up.

DavecUK

You have 2 choices a vacuum breaker with a visible pin and no tube attached…..it might splutter for a second or so, just as it passes 100C. You might even be able to remove that one, open it up and clean it If it’s all teflon that might fix it…if it has an o ring inside, just replace that with an FKM one, a fix for a cost of pennies.

If you run with the steam boiler on most of the time, they will usually start letting by at around 2-3 years old. Water quality is also a factor….

schmerg

DavecUK

I have steam escaping from my (V1 Bianca) but it’s not the vacuum breaker - I’ve replaced that and it still leaks… but if I clamp the other transparent tube from the top the top of the machine, i.e. not the one from the vacuum breaker but the other one that then leads down the back of the boiler, then that stops the steam escaping.

Am I right in suspecting that this is the steam safety valve (c.f. an OPV valve) and the issue is likely to be it leaking (see https://support.clivecoffee.com/en/lelit-bianca-safety-valve-replacement for example)?

I’ve ordered a new Lelit safety valve and will try fitting it when it comes but would welcome any advice …

TTM

Thanks for the reply Dave.

I was going to order one of these -
https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/parts/coffee-machine-and-roaster-parts/lelit-anti-vacuum-valve.html

Are you saying not to attach the tube to it after I’ve replaced the valve?

MediumRoastSteam

TTM Are you saying not to attach the tube to it after I’ve replaced the valve?

Only in vacuum breakers designed as such. The one you linked above allow a hose to be attached to, and vent the steam and spluttering to the drip tray. If you don’t attach it, well… You will get some spluttering.

I see no reason for you not to attach the tube given you already have the plumbing for it.

Cuprajake

thats out of stock btw

MediumRoastSteam

PS: It’s a ⅛″ thread you need. ECM/Profitec will not fit.

Espresso Underground has the Lelit part in stock - it costs over twice as much.

DavecUK

MediumRoastSteam PS: It’s a ⅛″ thread you need. ECM/Profitec will not fit.

That’s extremely small…? I thought they went down to about ¼″ depending on the machine and some are bigger.

MediumRoastSteam

DavecUK - That’s what it is… This is the Safety Valve for instance.

https://www.lamacchinadelcaffe.com/product/?valvola-sicurezza-3-bar-1-8-lelit-cod--9700050

They also do have the Anti-vac valve, but doesn’t show dimensions.

Anyway, there’s a diagram of the parts there.

Page 7. It’s ⅛″.

https://kavegepbolt.hu/shop_ordered/9160/pic/Lelit-PL162-Bianca.pdf

Unless the documentation is wrong :-)

Anyway, to avoid disappointments, the best thing is to remove the anti-vac valve and check.

DavecUK

MediumRoastSteam It seems to be the case, ⅛ is only 3.1 mm, which is small for a thread isn’t it, great risk of snapping it off….especially if it’s brass, or nickel plated brass.

A least ¼ is about 6mm…

MediumRoastSteam

DavecUK - I agree. It’s not great. Not sure why they don’t do ¼″ as you say. Even better, it would be for all manufacturers to just use a standard fitting for anti-vac, safety valve, probes and sensors.

DavecUK

MediumRoastSteam Life would be too easy if they did that…however, I personally feel ¼ is small enough,

TTM

Espresso Underground has the Lelit part in stock

Can I confirm this is the one you were talking about?
https://www.espressounderground.co.uk/LELIT-ANTI-VACUUM-VALVE-p/mc9700052.htm

Thanks for all of your help, it’s appreciated

MediumRoastSteam

TTM - Yes.

TTM

I just wanted to report back after fitting a new valve that all is well again.

Thanks again for the help

MediumRoastSteam

TTM did you get from espresso underground in the end?

TTM

I did yes.

MediumRoastSteam

TTM - Good stuff. They are good in my experience. I once damaged the Elizabeth o-ring which I damaged because I was stupid and careless. Gave them a ring and it was on my door step the next day. Great service.

DavecUK

schmerg The safety calve is easy to fit, if you paste a photo of it with the case off, I will identify the component for you. From what you say it sounds like the safety valve…this is easily confirmed if steam doesn’t escape when the boiler is not on.

In my pre-production MK1 I have circled the safety valve in red…..it should be the same in your machine, but just in case it’s not.

It’s easy enough to remove, but if it’s got thread locker on, shock it off, don’t try and torque it off, you you may bend/snap the fitting.

schmerg

DavecUK
Thanks,… the link I posted got mangled but this is a picture from Clive’s Coffee that looks like the inside of my machine, and the arrowed component is what I think I’m replacing (as clamping that tube stop the leak). Take your point about not bending the fitting… will proceed with caution. Thanks….
Bianca Safety Valve - 1