Some basic newbie E61 Quickmill Alexia questions

[Bronze]

I've been using my new Alexia for about three weeks now. Shots are fairly consistent and the coffee is excellent with plenty of schiuma. Since this is my first E61 machine, I do have some basic operator questions:

1) When I turn the machine on, as it warms up, I'll get some water dripping out of the shower head or the bottom, depending on where I last left the lever. Normal?

2) Once a shot is done, the gauge indicates that the system is still under pressure. Should I bleed it off with the water nozzle, or just leave it, or partially bleed the pressure?

3) Low water indicator. From what I can tell, there isn't one that illuminates a light. There's supposed to be a float in the reservoir, but I can't tell if it does anything.

4) Refilling the boiler. I followed Chris' instructions upon start up and everything is fine so far. Every few shots, I turn on the pump until I start building pressure, which surely indicates the boiler is full. Do you guys do the same?

5) I only received instructions from Chris with the machine. Is there a manual from Quickmill that's available? I speak Italian, so translation isn't a problem.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[HB]

A1. Sounds like boiler water expansion, which is normal. You should, however, always place the lever in the downward position to release pressure from the brew chamber.

A2. Leave it. See Is there a purpose for the E61 middle brew lever position? for details.

A3. The float contains a magnet; a sensor behind it detects the low water level and cuts off power to the pump and heating element. The green light on the left will remain illuminated, the red center light will go off.

A4. Unless you are switching between steaming and brewing, the boiler is already full.

A5. Generally speaking the Italian owner manuals have no useful information for an intelligent reader; Chris' guide is much better. Full disclosure: I did the editing and layout for Chris' Andreja Premium owner's manual and Alexia's is derived from that document.

[Bronze]

Thanks for the replies and the links, Dan!