So I've got Andreja working for me for about 2 months now. Due to the price of bottled water, the amount of flush water needed on an HX machine and the tap water around here (the Netherlands) being pretty soft and drinkable I've decided to try out tap water using a filter on the water inlet in the reservoir... Bad idea?

This morning when I unlocked the portafilter, the basket kept stuck on the gasket. Not a big deal, but this time the gasket and shower screen just came loose when I pulled the basket out of there... Well, fine moment for an inspection:


As you can see, there's some green stuff on the gasket. Probably some oxidized brass. Otherwise it looks fine.


Here's the thing that worries me. There's already a thin film of limescale setting on this part of the group. I can just remove it using my thumbnail, so it isn't that much...

This has got me a bit worried, but on the other hand, even bottled water will form scale...

Do you think I should switch to bottled water? Or maybe use a filter can (like the Brita system)?
Should I investigate further?

By the way, can I just unscrew the brass ring/dispersion screw shown in the second picture using a flat head screwdriver?

http://www.big-rick.com/coffee/waterfaq.html

If you have the time read this. Although very long it is jam packed with useful info you might find helpful in your situation. As far as the screw goes you can remove that with any large bladed flathead screwdriver.

Just as an added note you may want to consider adding the direct connect kit to your machine as you will then be able to control better the type of water that enters your machine by way of filters.

See this for removing the dispersion screw: http://www.home-barista.com/espresso-machines/e61-what-tool-to-use-to-remove-big-brass-screw-t9378.html

See the Reference section on the Resources page of this site for Jim Schulman's Water FAQ.

How hard is the water actually? I mix 1 part tap with 2 parts distilled, which seems to be working well thus far. Maybe you need to soften the water just a bit.

Thanks.

In my current settlement it's 0,99 - 1,19 mmol/L, but soon I'll be moving somewhere it will be 1,38 - 1,88 mmol/L.

Bluegrod wrote:Just as an added note you may want to consider adding the direct connect kit to your machine as you will then be able to control better the type of water that enters your machine by way of filters.

I'm not very font of the idea of installing a big water filter in the kitchen cabinet, I have not that big of a kitchen as you probably do over here in Europe