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Tech Tip # 1 - Manual Recharge an Espresso machine Water Softener
Step 1- Turn off your espresso machine since you will not have water available to your machine for the next 45 minutes.
Step 2- On your softener, the water inlet valve is on top. This needs to be turned to the discharge position (usually the oposite position from normally "ON"). Make sure the top discharge tube is in a drain or a container big enough for at least one Liter of water. The bottom valve or outlet valve can now be turned to the discharge position and directed into a drain or a large container through the bottom discharge tube.
Step 3 - Once the pressure inside is done draining from the discharge tubes, the top cover can be removed. Now carefully add 2 lbs. of water softener salt crystals (not pellets) to the inside of the softener. Now check the seal on the lid to make sure it is wiped clean and reattach lid and tighten snugly.
Step 4 - Return the top valve handle to the normally "on" position. This will begin pushing the water & salt through the resin and a small flow of water will come from the bottom valve discharge hose. This step needs to continue for about 40 minutes or until the discharge water has no salty taste. It doesn't hut to let it go a little long on this step but ending too soon will get the salty tasting water into your machine.
Step 5 - Turn Bottom handle back to the normally "ON" position and turn your espresso machine back on. Your softener is now ready for use. I recommend repeating this at the beginning of each month since the change of months will be a reminder to recharge your softener.
Tech Tip #2 - Backflush Groups on Commercial Espresso Machine
The most important cleaning process when cleaning your espresso machine is backflushing.
Locate your blind insert. This is the insert basket without holes. A rubber disc can also be used.
1. Remove the single insert basket with the tip of a screwdriver. Then insert the “blind” filter into the porta filterhandle. Add a teaspoon of cleaner. (remember the cleaner will become foamy, so do not use too much.) Insert handle into the group.
2. Press the brew button for 4 seconds, then stop for 5 seconds. Repeat this cycle 10 times.
3. Remove the handle and rinse the group by brewing without the handle. This will run through any remaining cleaner, also rinse the handle under the stream as well.
4. Repeat these steps on all group heads.
5. Make the first shot and discard. To eliminate any residue.
Backflushing/Soaking
1. Soak handles, insert baskets, and shower screens in cleaning solution for 30 minutes. Avoid submerging the rubber or plastic handled area of the group handle. (cleaner can have a drying effect on the plastic and cause premature cracking.)
2. In a bucket fill with 32 oz. of hot water and a tea spoon of cleaner. After soaking, rinse well with hot water and replace in the machine.
1. Soak handles, insert baskets, and shower screens in cleaning solution for 30 minutes. Avoid submerging the rubber or plastic handled area of the group handle. (cleaner can have a drying effect on the plastic and cause premature cracking.)
2. In a bucket fill with 32 oz. of hot water and a tea spoon of cleaner. After soaking, rinse well with hot water and replace in the machine.