Troubleshooting-Gaggia-Super-Alarm-On

Poor Flow, No Flow, or Alarm Light On

If only the alarm light is on steady, and no other lights are lit up, then the machine is requesting that you turn the steam knob to the closed position.

If you are not able to get water to flow through the machine at all, none of the functions flow well, or the alarm and hot water lights are on steady then there is something blocking the flow of water through the machine. The alarm light and hot water light error in particular mean that the machine is recognizing poor flow conditions and is requesting to be primed. This error typically indicates the machine is not being cleaned on a regular basis. Review the cleaning & maintenance instructions for this machine, and make sure the cleanings are being done at the suggested interval with the recommended product.

1. First try priming the machine. To prime the machine simply use the same procedure as activating the hot water dispensing. The pump should begin vibrating and water should come through. The water light will clear when the machine senses water flow. Set the knob to the closed position. If the priming signal comes on again proceed to the next step. Attempt priming again after each step.
2. The water tank is not seating properly. Please remove the tank and reinsert it firmly. Make sure there are no beans or debris in the water tank chamber preventing the tank from seating flush with the machine.
3. If you are using an Intenza water filter in the machine then it might be blocking the flow of water. Try removing the water filter and using the machine without it. If the machine works without the water filter, then the filter was blocking the flow of water. Keep the filter out of the machine for the remaining steps.
4. The machine needs to be descaled. Descaling should be done every 2-3 months with either Gaggia Decalcifier or Durgol Descaler. Scale buildup inside the machine can be very damaging and cause serious flow issues.
5. A foreign body, such as coffee grounds, has gotten drawn into the system from the water tank. This kind of debris can get lodged in valves/water circuits and cause flow issues. Try cleaning the brew unit check valve using the instructions here.
6. If your machine features an e-plus dial it may be clogged with scale or coffee grinds. Restart the machine. When you hear the pump start vibrating start turning the dial back and forth over and over again. The e-plus dial is the knob located right above the coffee dispensing spout that controls how quickly coffee flows out of the spouts.