It's a regular 110 v plug. Need to know how to plumb the machine in just to test it. I know nothing about most everything when it comes to anything handy... My refrigerator currently is out of commission, so that may be a feasible option, if someone can give me tips... Or how to use the water line from sink.. whatever is easier and more idiot proof. Would I have to go to Lowe's or Home Depot for adapters or anything? Thanks

Are you sure its 110 V power?

On most rotary pump machines you can drop the supply line for the pump into a full bottle of filtered water & drop the drain line into a bucket. You'll need to adjust the pressure bypass screw on the pump to make up for the lack of mains pressure, and you may need to manually run the pump to fill the boiler(s).

Often there's a breaker that will allow you to test everything on the machine without turning on the elements, so you can test plumbing & controls without steam pressure.

What kind of machine are you talking about?

Thanks for the response! It's a Rancilio s27 1-group heat exchanger. What do you think is a fair price to pay in excellent condition lightly used in a cafe. I can't just stick the tube in the water bottle? Can you please walk me through adjusting the pressure bypass screw on the pump and manually running the pump to fill the boiler? Any input is greatly appreciated!

Given the level of knowledge you appear to be exhibiting on this thread, I'd be very careful on this purchase unless it is so cheap that you can't lose.

There are a lot of home users who have successfully purchased, restored, and installed commercial espresso machines for use in the home. These people, to my observation, tend to either already be quite knowledgeable about this sort of equipment, or to be very capable tinkerers who can fix nearly anything (I'm personally more of the former than the latter, and I'd avoid such an unknown used machine purchase).

It is very hard to know how much use a commercial machine has really had unless you are experienced at looking at their internals. The cafe may not even have been the first owner. A lot of commercial machines in locations other than high volume tend to be poorly maintained. You could be buying yourself a truckload of headaches on what at first seems like a good deal.

Unless you have some reliable inside knowledge on this machine (e.g. was bought 3 months ago by your first cousin, whom you trust, and barely used in a now-failing restaurant), or if you aren't a tinkerer, I'd steer clear unless the prices was so low that you were willing to take a chance (like $300, maybe). Otherwise, you can always buy a used commercial machine from a company that restores such machines and offers service and a guarantee. Or, you could pony up and buy a new machine at a lower price level, which will also come with support and a guarantee.

ken

ok . So exactly what do I do with the water line (will attach it under sink). Is it just as simple as unscrewing the sink cold water hose and screwing in the espresso machine hose?

if the thread are matching is as simple as that..
but once you try it that way you should look into a water filtration system.

If I just stuck the water line into a bottle without adjusting anything on the machine, will it pull the water eventually? Or will I just burn out the elements?

See Can a rotary pump suck up from a bucket?

The rotary pump should be able to pull from a bottle. That is how I have been running my Vetrano. Just keep the bottle next to the machine, not on the floor so the pump doesn't have to overwork. Maybe some of the famous Houston HBers can help you out.

I turned on the machine and pressed one of the brew buttons, pump just ran and ran and ran... no water coming out. Steam pressure works (strong). Does it need to be primed or something? I'm not sure if water is getting pulled into the boiler from the water bottle. Should I just leave the pump running? Thanks a bunch.