Descaling your Sage
Copenhagen tap water is hard, and scale is the most common cause of faults on Sage machines. Descale regularly and you avoid most repairs.
What you can check yourself
- Descale when the machine asks for it. On a Barista Express, the CLEAN/DESCALE light lights up solid. With hard water and daily use, rather too often than too rarely.
- Use a descaler made for espresso machines, and follow the manual for your model.
- Run the programme all the way through, and rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
- Use a water filter in the tank, and change it as recommended (every two months on the Barista Express).
- Empty the water tank if the machine is going to stand unused for a long time.
Tip: Unplug the machine before you clean it or take parts off. If it needs opening, leave that to us.
Typical causes when the checklist doesn’t help
Scale too stubborn
If it has been too long, the scale can no longer be dissolved by a normal descaling programme.
Programme didn’t finish
The machine keeps asking for descaling.
Scale in valves
Valves stuck with scale can cause leaks or low pressure after descaling.
When does it need repairing?
If the machine has gone a long time without descaling, or doesn’t work after a descale, it needs taking apart and cleaning inside. That is part of our service.
Get a fixed repair priceQuestions and answers
Can I descale my Sage with vinegar?
It isn’t recommended. Vinegar can affect gaskets and leave a taste. Use a descaler made for espresso machines.
How hard is the water in Copenhagen?
The water in Copenhagen is hard, so scale builds up faster here than in many other parts of the country.