Delonghi Dedica Troubleshooting Issues and Simple Fixes

The Dedica series from Delonghi has had a few issues with this small powerhouse as a machine, but if you consider the price of this unit, it is a well-built espresso maker.

In the following article, I will describe the issues and what steps are needed to repair the Dedica. These issues are not in any order but hopefully you can find some help and direction in this article.

Jump to your problem in this post:

• Problem: The power button is sticking
• Problem: Water leaking between the filter holder and the coffee outlet
• Problem: Water Drips from the steam nozzle
• Problem: Leaking inside due to the hose connection to the tank/pump
• Problem: Leaking from the tank connection
• Problem: No creme or short brewing
• Problem: No coffee is coming out
• Problem: All the lights are flashing
• Problem: The filter stays attached to the boiler
• Problem: No water coming out
• Problem: Water not pumping
• Problem: Not enough pressure

Problem: The power button is sticking

Just a quick note- all newer versions with serial numbers 12829 and higher have been retrofitted with a better working power button so you just might need to clean around the button.

There are complaints about the button sticking and causing frustration, sometimes this can be a dirty button, and, in most cases, it can be solved by loosening 4 internal screws allowing the inner body to sit inside the outer shell. Just slightly loosening the screws can allow the button to align itself better.

1. Remove the top cover of the machine.
2. Loosen slightly the four screws indicated in the below pictures until the power button can move freely without sticking.

Problem: Water leaking between the filter holder and the coffee outlet

There can be a few contributors to this issue where coffee leaks over and down the side of the Filter holder

In all cases, you would change the Bottom Coffee Outlet Gasket found on Amazon first as this will and can wear out over time and is considered part of the routine machine maintenance.

Reminder: Remove the shower screen before trying to pull the gasket down and out as these two parts do work together to complete a good seal.

Another issue has been with the ESE Pod filter where the top edge just hasn’t been thick enough to complete a seal. The ESE pod filter has now been discontinued from production.

A more extreme issue (a rare issue) is the internal chassis of the Dedica can become damaged or the tolerances can become too worn to make a good seal. If your machine is failing for this reason my honest suggestion would be to consider buying a new one.

The amount of time and money you will invest would out way the cost of the newest model. In this case, I would suggest the Delonghi Dedica Arte EC885 found on Amazon.

Problem: Water Drips from the steam nozzle

This can happen when the machine heats and can leak when you’re making espresso.
The fix for this issue will require the replacement of the steam valve and some disassembly of the top panel of the machine. Replacing the steam valve and removing the top panel is one of the easier repairs to the Dedica. You will need a replacement Steam valve and a new clamp to reattach the hose.

The replacement steam valve has been updated if your units serial number is higher than 04728, but if you need to replace yours it will fix performance issues. You can find a replacement for this part on for cheap on Amazon.

Problem: Leaking inside due to the hose connection to the tank/pump

The Delonghi Dedica had issues with one of the internal silicone tubes breaking and leaking. The old tube was plain silicone and the replacement tube now has a blue strip running down it. I haven’t come across a broken one yet but many of the old tubes have been replaced with newer tubes to avoid future issues. You can find these newer tubes on the ECS coffee website.

Problem: Leaking from the tank connection

If you are leaking where the tank meets the machine base there is a new gasket that will need to be replaced. This can be replaced by taking the bottom panel off and gaining access to the underside where the tank meets the gasket.

Note: If your serial number is higher than 63724 then your Dedica is manufactured with the new Gasket.

Problem: No creme or short brewing

Both issues are the result of a few possible reasons, and I suggest you check them in this order.

1. Descale your machine, and use the Delonghi Ecodacalk descaler found on Amazon as this is the best product. Do not use vinegar and stay away from powder products as this can cause blockages in your system. See our video on how to descale your Dedica I made on youtube.
2. Inspect and clean the double-walled coffee filter. The filter can become clogged over time and cause imperfect brews. Separate the insert and clean it in addition to using a safety pin to poke into the hole at the bottom. Or, you can find a replacement on Amazon for cheap.
3. Lastly, the part that is mostly a cause for these issues is the Anti-Drip Valve. The valve connects to the out-flow side of the pump and the unit will need to be dismantled to replace the part in question. These anti-drip values can be found on Amazon.

Problem: No coffee is coming out 

With no coffee coming out, there is a laundry list of reasons why this could be happening and you will have to dive into each to solve your issue.

• Clean your dispensing cup (separate from your handle)
• Descale your machine
• The anti-Drip valve has failed – replacement found on Amazon (and refer to previous problem).
• The pump has worn out and will require to be replaced
• The filter (shower) screen is clogged. It will need to be cleaned or replaced, which again can be found on Amazon.

Problem: All the lights are flashing

If all the lights are flashing, there can be two reasons this will happen:

1. the heating circuit is not functioning, this could be a cut-out, boiler, or even a wire not completing a circuit. This would be a more advanced service to diagnose where the fault is originating from.
2. Your Dedica has overheated and needs to be cooled before using again. This can happen if you overuse the steam function and the Dedica becomes too hot. Turn it off and let it cool for about 30 minutes before using it again.

Problem: The filter stays attached to the boiler

This can happen if the spring that holds the cup into the handle is missing or deformed. To get the cup off the boiler you can put the handle back in and run a small amount of water through and try and detach it again.

Problem: No water coming out

If you have any water flow issues or weak steam problems, the most important thing to do is descale the unit. I made a video on how to Descale your Delonghi Dedica. If your Dedica still is struggling read the next 2 issues. You will also need to Delonghi EcoDeCalk descale solution to do this which can be found on Amazon.

Problem: Water not pumping

There are lots of reasons why your Dedica is not pumping water, but here are the top reasons.

Cause #1 – Your coffee is too fine

Adjust your grind and try and brew again. If you see a noticeable difference in the cup (color, speed of dispense, and taste) it can be the reason. Also, take note not to tamp the coffee too hard.

The cup can be clogged, there are 2 versions of the cups. In the first version, you can take the insert out (perforated disk) and clean it between the cup and the disk.

Also, take a safety pin and poke it through the single hole in the cup bottom. In the version that you can’t separate, you might consider purchasing a replacement. You can find a replacement on Amazon.

There is a valve inside the machine connected to the pump and designed to let water escape if the machine over-pressurizes.

When I suspect this might be the case I will brew (with coffee) and focus on the water tank. If the valve is failing or wearing out you should be able to see water being fed back into the water tank at the bottom.

One of the ports at the tank connection is the pump inlet and the other is to feed water back if there is too much pressure in the system. If you find this, then the anti-drip/overpressure valve will need to be replaced. A replacement can be found on Amazon.

Cause #2 – The pump

Pumps do last and are well built but if you use oily coffee or your grind super fine you can reduce the life of your pump. Pumps can last 3 years to 15 years. But they do wear out eventually.

The pump is cheap and can be replaced with ease with a good guide. The pump is also found on Amazon if you want to replace it. I would think about how old your machine is before considering the pump due to the replacement process, but my experience on the bench tells me it accounts for 75% of the overall repairs I have to do to this machine.

I made a hour+ long video of how to disassemble your Dedica, which you can find here on my website which can show you how to do the replacement yourself without having to pay a technician to do it.

Problem: Not enough pressure

This is a funny one. Firstly, check your grind size. You don’t need to grind the coffee at an espresso grind and if you purchase pre-ground coffee off the grocery store shelf like Folgers, you need to make sure it is an espresso grind.

The coffee designed for an old-school percolator will not work in the Dedica as the grind size is too big. You can easily know if the grind is too big if your espresso comes out too fast and very little crème.

Pumps do last and are well built but if you use oily coffee or your grind super fine, you can reduce the life of your pump. Pumps can last around 3 years to 15 years.

Not enough pressure can be a hard issue to diagnose, but I always start with replacing the pump if there are no other visual signs of what the cause is. I made a disassembly video that shows you exactly how to replace the pump.

If you’re ready to update your older machine here is a few suggestions that are well-built and powerful units. I suggest the Delonghi Dedica Arte EC885 or the Delonghi La Specilista Arte EC9155.

Summary

The Delonghi Dedica is an easy machine to dismantle and repair if you are handy. Parts should be easy to find and with patience and resources, you will have your unit repaired and making great espresso again in no time at all.

If you need more detail on how to open up your machine and fix some of these issues more in-depth, consider checking out my free disassembly video on the Dedica (short version), or the long version of disassembly where I go through alot of these common issues with fixes step by step.

Remember to do your cleaning regularly and descaling when the machine calls for it. You will have great-tasting espresso for a very long time.

If you are considering upgrading to the latest version of the Delonghi Dedica EC885m it could be worth considering as it is still a very powerful machine for the money.