Steam is leaking from your Sage
A little steam and hissing while it heats up can be normal. But if it carries on once the machine is hot, steam is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t. On the Oracle and Dual Boiler it most often comes from the steam boiler’s drain valve not closing fully.
What you can check yourself
- Work out where the steam comes from: the steam wand, under the cup tray, the back of the machine or into the drip tray.
- Does the steam wand drip or steam even when it’s off? Then the steam valve isn’t closing fully. Wipe the wand and clear the tip with the cleaning pin.
- If steam comes out from inside the machine, for example under the cup tray or at the back, switch it off and unplug it. Steam inside the machine can damage the electronics.
- Is it hissing constantly and filling the drip tray with hot water? The steam boiler’s drain valve is usually not closing fully. Stop using it.
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
Steam valve not closing fully
The steam wand drips or steams all the time. Usually scale or wear in the valve.
Steam boiler drain valve not closing
The most common cause on the Oracle and Dual Boiler. The valve that empties the steam boiler is stuck with scale or worn, so steam and hot water escape into the drip tray.
Leaking gaskets and O-rings at the boiler
Gaskets at the boiler and its connections harden over time, so steam and water escape inside the machine.
Leaking joint at the steam wand
Steam escapes at the joint where the wand is attached instead of through the tip.
When does it need repairing?
Steam coming out from inside the machine, or a machine that hisses constantly, needs repairing. It is usually a valve or a gasket, and that is far cheaper to replace than waiting until the steam has damaged the control board.
Get a fixed repair priceQuestions and answers
Is it normal for my Dual Boiler to hiss?
A little hissing and steam while it heats up can be normal. If it carries on once it is hot, or the drip tray fills with hot water, it is usually the steam boiler’s drain valve.
Is leaking steam dangerous?
Steam inside the machine is bad for the electronics, and steam is hot. Switch the machine off and have it checked.