The unit is 3.5 years old. Bought it from amazon on boxing day for £400.
Have been doing capsule cleaning monthly and occasionally - maybe once a year run a sachet of kettle descaler through the water tank out through the group head, steam wand and hot water pourer.
I haven’t done the descale in a long time. And my monthly capsule cleaning was due and so I ran it, first time I ran it the machine was running a bit poorly, espress shots were long and slow. The espress would not do the 2 stage shot, It would only got to preinfusion level and not get to the espresso range - this was no a grind size issue, the machine was running shots for a very long time and the water was coming out veryly slowly with and without coffee grinds.
So stupidly I ran the capsule clean again - thinking “a clean will fix it” and I almost killed the machine. After the second capsule clean the machine became totally blocked. No water was coming out at all now - thinking it might be the filter, I then ran it filterless and still the same issue.
Was in a bit of a dilema, I thought I’d need to send it off for repair - possibly facing a £150-£250 repair bill. Which is a bit of a dilema because a new machine can be bought for £500. Do I risk a repair on a 3.5 year old machine and come into another issue a year down the line. Or do I buy brand new and have something completely perfect and with a manyfacturers warranty?
Very very fortunately. I walked away, had a cup of tea and pondered over my choices. Then a few hours later decided to test the machine.. Very very luckily the machine was no passing water - only a tiny bit - I siezed on this moment and put 50% vinegar dilution through the tank and ran the machine and right before my eyes within 1-2 shots the water was flowing as normal.
I think especially for people who have had this machine for a few years, descaling is a major priority. I came close to an expensive bill at a time when I couldnt afford it. I do not think a capsule clean is wise as it potentially pushes the gunk back into the machine.