Water alarm constantly on... Londinium R

AlJames

Hi,

Can anyone help with this issue: I have removed the reservoir, cleaned it along with the contacts on the underside, I also clean the contacts in the base unit too but the alarm continues. I removed the solenoid and back flushed the inlet side, but still no change… Can anyone advise what else I need to check – see photos.

pjw

Clean the metal parts with alcohol.

Make the water tank at least half full.

Insert into the machine, make sure it sits firmly.

Turn on.

What type of water you are using? RO? If yest, then try with tap water.

If nothing helps just open the ticket on Londinium page.

DavecUK

I converted my Duetto to electronic low water detection about 14 years ago…one of the issues was the 5V DC created a coating on pins inside the tank, and they wouldn’t conduct. Clean them thoroughly with something a little rough (white scourer). If that doesn’t help bridge the contacts under the tank. It should use 5V DC, but just in case, use insulated wire. If the pump doesn’t run, then it might be faulty wiring, or even a control box fault.

AlJames

Thanks for the replies - I did clean all contacts with light sandpaper and then a switch cleaner solution. The pump is definitely working, or at least it kicks in as soon as the machine is switched on, it just can’t find the water! I will re-clean everything again today and if that doesn’t work, I’ll try bridging contacts and see if anything changes.

btw I’m in Scotland so the water is soft, I also have an in-line filter and have never had any issues with water quality and espresso machines in a decade or so….

Grahamg

Hellish frustrating, I’ve had the same, abrasive clean on its own didn’t do it, had to do a little chemical clean too and its been ok since. Just can’t wait to get kitchen sorted and have out plumbed in!

AlJames

Ok, getting a bit bored with it now - took all the panels off and cleaned all contacts again. A bit of WD 40 and more switch cleaner…. put it all back together and the pump turns on then bleep bleep bleep…. and round we go again. As far as bridging the contacts goes, these are not going to be accessible from the side so presumably this means putting the machine on its side and going in from underneath?

AlJames

Right - plan C: I fashioned a piece of brass to join the two connectors so the reservoir appears full… put it all back together etc.

So, whats next?

DavecUK

AlJames So, whats next?

Next is, you tell us if the water alarm has stopped, or is continuing to beep?

Even if your water is soft, there is still a build up on the contacts in the tank, or at teals there was on my Duetto conversion.

AlJames

Oh aye, its beeping away just the same…. I have cleaned the contacts really thoroughly a number of times.

DavecUK

AlJames Oh aye, its beeping away just the same…. I have cleaned the contacts really thoroughly a number of times.

I think you have mow discounted the mechanical/electrical water detection systems in the tank…so now you need to explore the other options people have suggested.

wiring fault
control box fault
other things specific to the Londinium others have suggested

Cuprajake

Have you tried to reach out to londinium.

He has all the parts to mend it, and is ‘usually’ forthcoming with info.

dfk41

Am I the only one wondering this stupid question, but is the machine usable whilst beeping Al?

NewBoyUK

When does it start beeping? I missed that bit.

I think these also alarm if there’s no flow through the group when the pump is running.

Trace the tank sensor probes back to the board and link it out there to rule out a wiring issue.

Whats the water level in the glass? Disconnect the flexipipe going to the manifold and see if theres flow there. The pump can run but also have no flow… if you were to disconnect the level probe the pump will cut in. Does the water rise in the glass?

Cuprajake

the other possible cause for the water alarm sounding is if the pump is unable to bring the level of the boiler up to the maximum level on the boiler fill sensor within i think 30 seconds from memory. this would typically indicate some kind of obstruction between the pump and the boiler, assuming the pump is receiving water and not being starved

if the pump is receiving water it will be making a solid, deep sound that clearly indicates it is doing work and moving water. if the pump is being starved it will have a very light airy sound and clearly sound like it is just pulling air rather than water

AlJames

Ok so to answer all these points

I initiated a ticket at Londinium on Friday
the machine is not usable when beeping
when I switch power on, the pump runs but its pretty clear the water level is not changing and after a min. or so the pump stops trying and the beep beep kicks in.
it makes sense that the boiler is just not getting water so I followed the link to youtube video for backflushing the inlet side of the solenoid valve and flushed but no change
Then I noticed this; …. its all completely dry and could be historic and unrelated where the hose has become detached/leaked then just been pushed back on perhaps(?) OR not!
Just wondering if its worth flushing the solenoid inlet again?
As for tracing the wires back - the green/yellow is earthed to the frame and is secure, the other (white) wire goes to box and appears to be securely connected…

dfk41

Perhaps the legendary customer service levels Londinium usually offer are having a long weekend Al. I am sure they will soon be along with an answer for you matey. So, the pump appears to run but the boiler does not fill?. What \I am going to say next will only prove that I know nothing, but would topping up the reservoir then opening the water and steam arms do anything in case it is an air lock?

DavecUK

dfk41 Perhaps the legendary customer service levels Londinium usually offer are having a long weekend Al.

That’s not really fair David….come on, it’s only just been reported!

NewBoyUK Take the hose off the inlets side of the manifold and turn it on so the pump runs.

You should have water.

On the inlet side of the manifold there may be a fitting with a non retun valve in - this may be jammed if you do have water pumping through that hose.

Sounds like your problem is purely related to a blockage, the above looks well worth a try…I didn’t realise the pump would run for 1 minute…wow, The emergency stop (assuming it has one) will no doubt kick in.

AlJames

Tried it David, nothing comes through…

dfk41

Have you tried taking out the water level probe? it is a mystery indeed.

NewBoyUK

Take the hose off the inlets side of the manifold and turn it on so the pump runs.

You should have water.

On the inlet side of the manifold there may be a fitting with a non retun valve in - this may be jammed if you do have water pumping through that hose.

dfk41

DavecUK That’s not really fair David….come on, it’s only just been reported!

reported on Friday so quite fair. Am only judging the response by the own standards they set