Hey, my Gaggia classic is suddenly producing next to no water from the group head. I get a full stream of water when brew button is on and steam valve open. I've read this hopefully eliminates it being the pump? I've tried a descale with the whole switch the brew button on and off etc to dislodge any scale from the solenoid valve and no luck. I've taken the solenoid off and manually cleaned it and still very little water flow.

Any pointers of what to try next would be appreciated!

Many thanks.

Plugged at the brew valve, almost certainly.

Gaggia Classic - Brew head barely any flow [SOLVED]

Gaggia Classic isn't dispensing water through grouphead

Gaggia Classic won't pump water

One or more of these will help, I hope.

Unfortunately I've had a look through and can't see them relating to the brew valve. Would you mind explaining how to unblock it? Many thanks!

The very first post was "Solved" with the exact discovery that I assume your machine is suffering from.


Water obviously flows to and through the boiler to the steam valve and wand, but can't exit through the brew valve. It's probably easiest to take the whole boiler out of the machine, and take the brew valve off the side outside of the machine, but I know it can be done with the boiler in place if you have the right allen keys.

I've just tried the pin trick in the valve but still no luck. I've just noticed that the return tube is putting out a lot of water. Is this normal?

Yes. The water has to go somewhere if the pump isn't dying. That's the only route it can take if the brew valve is clogged and the steam valve is closed... So, good news. Your pump is in good shape.

You may have to take the valve completely apart and poke at it through from the inside as well. With the valve separated from the boiler, you should be able to prove that the side without the tiny orifice is open by blowing through the top (Where the hose going down to drip tray connects). The air will come out of the port without the small orifice. (Or with the valve on the boiler, that air will come out of the grouphead).