Your Sage is leaking water
First, find out where the water comes from. A little water in the drip tray after an espresso is usually normal. Water around the portafilter is usually the gasket. Water under the machine usually comes from inside and should be checked.
What you can check yourself
- Is it only the drip tray? Many Sage models deliberately release pressure and a little water into the drip tray after an espresso. That is normal.
- Wipe the rim of the basket and portafilter so no coffee stops the gasket from sealing.
- Don’t overfill the basket. Too much coffee can push the portafilter out of line so it leaks.
- Check that the water tank sits all the way down and has no cracks. Remove it and look for water under the machine.
- Stand the machine on a dry piece of kitchen roll for a few hours. It shows you where under the machine the water comes out.
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
Worn group head gasket
Leaking around the portafilter while brewing. The gasket hardens over time and usually needs replacing every year or two with daily use.
Leaking hose or O-ring
Water under the machine is often a hose or O-ring inside the machine that has perished.
Cracked water tank or tank valve
Water seeps out at the back, where the tank sits.
Scale in valves
Scale can stop valves from closing fully, so water comes out in the wrong places.
When does it need repairing?
If water runs out under the machine, stop using it. Water and electricity don’t mix, and a small leak usually gets bigger. A new gasket or O-ring is one of the cheapest repairs.
Get a fixed repair priceQuestions and answers
Is it normal for water to collect in the drip tray?
Usually, yes. Many models release pressure into the drip tray after an espresso, so a little water collects there. If it overflows between emptyings, it’s worth having it checked.
How often should the group head gasket be replaced?
Typically every 1–2 years with daily use, or when the portafilter starts leaking or turns further than normal.