Why Is My Coffee Machine Leaking Water? Common Causes and Fixes

Your morning brew shouldn’t come with a cleanup. If your coffee machine is leaking water—whether it’s dripping from the base, seeping from the sides, or pooling under the machine—it’s a sign that something’s not quite right. The good news? Many of the most common causes are fixable, and in most cases, you don’t need to throw out the whole machine.

So why is your coffee machine leaking? And is it worth repairing?

Let’s take a look.

Common Reasons a Coffee Machine Leaks Water

Leaks can come from a number of places inside a coffee machine. Sometimes it’s a simple seal issue—other times, it could point to something more serious like an internal crack or faulty pump.

Here are the most common causes:

1. Blocked or Cracked Water Hose

Most coffee machines use plastic or silicone tubing to transfer water internally. Over time, these hoses can clog, wear out, or crack—causing water to leak inside the machine or onto your bench.

2. Loose or Damaged Seals

Gaskets and rubber seals help keep everything watertight. These degrade over time with heat and pressure, and a worn seal around the pump or reservoir often leads to slow leaks.

3. Leaking Water Tank

Check for hairline cracks or poor fittings on the water reservoir. Even a small crack can cause a constant drip or puddle underneath the unit.

4. Clogged Valves or Mineral Build-Up

If you live in a hard water area, scale build-up can block valves and internal parts, forcing water to leak out in places it shouldn’t. Regular descaling can help prevent this.

5. Overfilling or Incorrect Assembly

Some leaks are user error. Overfilling the tank or incorrectly inserting the drip tray or brew head can result in water escaping during use.

6. Pump or Boiler Issues (For Espresso Machines)

In high-pressure machines, a failing pump or small cracks around the boiler or group head can cause more significant leaks and performance issues.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

For basic leaks, yes—especially if it’s external or visible.

Here’s what you can try:

• Check and reseat the water tank to ensure it’s properly aligned
• Inspect hoses and seals for visible wear or cracks
• Clean the machine thoroughly, especially the drip tray and nozzle
• Run a descaling cycle to clear any mineral blockages
• Check for overfilling or incorrect assembly of parts

Always unplug the machine before opening any compartments or performing checks.

When to Call a Technician

If the leak is internal, persistent, or you’re unsure of the source, it’s time to call a professional. This is especially true for:

• Espresso machines with internal pumps and boilers
• Leaks that worsen during brewing
• Signs of electrical damage or short-circuiting
• Leaking machines still under warranty

Trying to open or fix complex components on your own can void warranties or cause further damage. At Nationwide Appliance Repairs, we offer workshop repairs for smaller units like coffee machines, and our technicians carry parts for most major brands.

Is It Worth Repairing?

In most cases—yes. Unless your machine is extremely old or damaged beyond repair, fixing a leaking coffee machine is far more cost-effective than replacing it.

At Nationwide Appliance Repairs, we find that more than 90% of appliance issues are cheaper to repair than replace, especially when caught early.

We repair both domestic and commercial coffee machines, and all work is backed by our:

• 12-month warranty on all parts
• 3-month labour warranty
• Access to mobile technicians across all major cities

Final Tip: Preventing Future Leaks

Once fixed, here’s how to keep your coffee machine in top shape:

• Descale regularly (especially in hard water areas)
• Don’t overfill the water tank
• Empty and clean the drip tray frequently
• Check seals and hoses every few months
• Use filtered water when possible

Need Help With a Leaking Coffee Machine?

Don’t wait for a minor leak to become a major issue. Whether it’s a quick reseal or a full pump replacement, our expert technicians can help.

We offer mobile, onsite and workshop repairs across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra.

Call us today or book online to get your coffee machine back in action—leak-free.