DeLonghi Magnifica Start Leaking Water? 5 Fixes (ECAM220)

Some Water Under a Magnifica Start Is Normal

The Magnifica Start sends hot water out of its coffee spouts every time it's switched on or off. Its rinse cycle warms the internal circuits and cleans them, and that water lands in the drip tray. So the most common "leak" is a drip tray that has filled up, with water seeping out "inside or around the machine", in the manual's words. The manual's fix is a red float that shows the level.

The ECAM22X.2Y/22X.3Y Instructions for Use have no leaking row, and they list no tank valve, hose or O-ring for owners to replace. What they do describe is every place water normally collects: the drip tray, a small red condensate tray, the grounds container and the area under the spouts. They also say which wet patches are normal. Work through those first.

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Try This First

• Look at the red float on the drip tray. If it's showing above the cup tray, the tray is full.
• Pull the drip tray out and check the small red condensate tray too.
• Check the steam/hot water dial is at 0. The manual says to make sure it's closed before switching on.
• Put a cup under the spouts before switching on and off, and watch how much rinse water comes out.

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Fix 1: Empty the Drip Tray Before the Float Shows

The drip tray collects rinse water from every switch-on and switch-off, plus any drips. Its red float indicator rises with the water. The manual says to empty and clean the tray before the indicator starts to project from the cup tray. Leave it later and the water overflows.

Signs it's this one: water at the front or under the machine, and the red float up.

1. Remove the drip tray and the grounds container.
2. Remove the cup tray and drip tray grille. Empty the drip tray and the grounds container and wash everything.
3. Check the red condensate tray and empty it if needed.
4. Put the drip tray back, complete with the grille and grounds container, pressing it fully home.

The drip tray and its grille can go in the dishwasher at up to 50°C. The water tank, grounds container and condensate tray are hand-wash only.

Time: 3 minutes
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 2: Catch the Rinse Water at the Spouts

"During the rinse, a little hot water flows from the coffee spouts." The manual gives this warning for both switch-on and switch-off, and suggests a container under the spouts "to avoid the need for frequent emptying of the drip tray". Lowering the spouts also stops coffee splashing.

1. Before switching on or off, place a cup or container under the coffee spouts.
2. Lower the spouts as near as possible to the cup when making coffee.
3. If coffee only comes from one spout, or sprays, clean the spouts with a cloth. A toothpick removes encrusted deposits. The manual says to do this about once a month.

Time: 1 minute
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 3: Seat the Water Tank Properly

A tank that isn't fully in position makes the water tank icon flash. "The water tank is missing, or is not positioned correctly: insert the tank correctly."

1. Lift the tank out and check it for cracks.
2. Fill it with fresh water no higher than MAX.
3. Put it back fully in position, until the water tank icon goes out.
4. Wipe up any water in the tank area and watch the next coffee.

If the tank itself is cracked, contact De'Longhi for a replacement. The manual doesn't list a tank seal or valve for owners.

Time: 2 minutes
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 4: Know Which Water Is Normal

The manual lists three wet patches that aren't faults:

• Water in the grounds container after a rinse cycle: "It is normal for the grounds container (A10) to contain water following a rinse cycle." It's also normal after descaling.
• Noises or small puffs of steam while the machine is idle: "the machine is ready for use, or has recently been turned off, and condensate is dripping into the hot vaporiser. This is part of normal operation. To limit the phenomenon, empty the drip tray."
• Water from the cappuccino maker if the steam/hot water dial was left at I. Turn it back to 0.

Time: 1 minute
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 5: Clean the Infuser and the Inside

Coffee and water around the infuser door usually mean dirt in the infuser housing, or an infuser not pushed fully home. The manual asks owners to check inside about once a month.

1. Press the power button to turn the machine off. The infuser can't be removed while it's on.
2. Remove the water tank. Open the infuser door on the right-hand side.
3. Press the two coloured buttons inwards and pull the infuser out.
4. Soak it in water for about 5 minutes and rinse it. Water only: no detergent and no dishwasher.
5. With the machine unplugged, brush out the infuser housing and the area behind the drip tray, and vacuum out loose coffee.
6. Slide the infuser back and push PUSH until it clicks. The two coloured buttons must snap out.

Time: 15 minutes
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Easy

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Descaling Without a Flood

Descaling sends about 2 litres through the machine, and the manual asks for a container of at least that size under the coffee spout and cappuccino maker.

• Use De'Longhi descaler only, about 30 minutes. Remove the water softener filter first.
• Empty the drip tray and grounds container when the manual asks (start and end of the cycle). Part of the rinse water collects in the drip tray.
• Fill the tank to MAX for each rinse. If you don't, the machine asks for a third rinse.

Full steps: De'Longhi descaling guide.

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When DIY Won't Work

Unplug it and stop using it if water reaches the cord or socket, or keeps appearing under the machine with the trays empty and the machine off.

The manual's rule is: "If the problem cannot be resolved as described, contact customer services." It lists no internal hose, valve or seal work for owners, so leave the housing closed. Opening it risks your warranty.

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FAQ

Why is there water in my Magnifica Start's grounds container?

It's normal after a rinse cycle and after descaling. The manual says so directly.

Why does my Magnifica Start puff steam when it's not in use?

Condensate is dripping onto the hot vaporiser. The manual calls it normal operation and says emptying the drip tray limits it.

Can the drip tray go in the dishwasher?

Yes, the drip tray and grille can, at up to 50°C. The water tank, grounds container and condensate tray are hand-wash only.

Does the Magnifica Start have a replaceable tank valve or O-ring?

The manual doesn't describe one. It lists no seals for owners to replace, so contact De'Longhi Customer Services if the tank or machine is damaged.

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Related De'Longhi Guides

• Magnifica Start not working: what each light means
• De'Longhi leaking water (all models)
• Magnifica S leaking
• Magnifica Duo leaking

Sources: De'Longhi Magnifica Start ECAM22X.2Y - 22X.3Y Instructions for Use (sections 5, 6, 7, 13-17).