De'Longhi Stilosa Leaking Water? 5 Fixes (EC230, EC260)

Where a Stilosa Leaks, Per Its Manual

The De'Longhi Stilosa (EC230, EC235, EC260) manual is mostly pictures, and it has no "leaking" row. The water you see usually traces to one of four things it does show. The tank has to be pressed down to seat.

The filter holder has to be locked in with a level dose and a clean rim. The drip tray has to be emptied. And the steam knob must be closed after use. Coffee pressed too hard, or too much coffee, can also back up and spill.

The manual shows no tank seal, gasket or steam valve for owners to replace, and gives no part numbers. If water comes from inside the machine, it's a De'Longhi service job.

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Try This First

• Press the water tank down until it seats, as the manual's "PUSH" picture shows.
• Close the steam knob fully after frothing.
• Empty the drip tray and refit its grille.
• Wipe the filter holder rim and lock the holder in firmly.

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Find the Source

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Fix 1: Seat the Water Tank (Works About 25% of the Time)

The manual's setup pictures show the tank being pressed down ("PUSH") so it seats. "Tank not pressed down" also appears in its no-coffee row.

1. Lift the lid and remove the tank.
2. Fill it to MAX, no higher.
3. Put it back and press it down firmly until it seats.
4. Check the base after the next coffee.

Time: 1 minute
Cost: Free
Success Rate: About 25%
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 2: Dose, Tamp and Lock the Filter Holder (Works About 30% of the Time)

Too much coffee, or coffee pressed too hard, stops the water passing through the filter. It then backs up around the holder.

1. Fill the filter with a level dose. The manual shows the correct level.
2. Press lightly with the tamper, not hard.
3. Wipe grounds off the rim of the filter holder.
4. Attach the holder and turn it firmly into the locked position.

Time: 2 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: About 30%
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 3: Empty the Drip Tray (Works About 20% of the Time)

The drip tray collects water from preheating, brewing and steaming. A full tray spills at the front.

1. Switch off with the power button and unplug the machine.
2. Remove, empty and rinse the drip tray. The EC260 has a two-level cup support; the EC230/EC235 have a single grille.
3. Refit it fully.
4. Not in the dishwasher: the manual shows no part going in a dishwasher.

Time: 2 minutes
Cost: Free
Success Rate: About 20%
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 4: Close the Steam Knob (Works About 15% of the Time)

The selector knob controls steam. Left open, water and steam keep coming from the wand. The manual also shows an open steam knob as a reason the machine "switches off".

1. Turn the knob back to the closed (off) position after frothing.
2. After milk, briefly open and close the steam to clear the wand, and wipe it, as the cleaning pictures show.
3. The frother part comes off for rinsing.

Time: 1 minute
Cost: Free
Success Rate: About 15%
Difficulty: Easy

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Fix 5: Clean the Filters and Boiler Outlet, and Descale (Works About 10% of the Time)

A clogged filter or boiler outlet slows the coffee, so it backs up and can spill. The manual lists both, plus scale, under "coffee doesn't come out / only drips".

1. Filters, every 200 coffees: EC230, rinse and clear the holes with a pin. EC235/EC260, unscrew the filter, brush the holes and reassemble.
2. Boiler outlet (the screen above the holder), every 300 coffees: unscrew it with a screwdriver, brush and rinse it, wipe its seat, and screw it back.
3. Descale every 200 coffees with De'Longhi descaler (EcoDecalk). It takes about 45 minutes, with a 1 L container; see the De'Longhi descaling guide.

Time: 15-60 minutes
Cost: De'Longhi descaler
Success Rate: About 10%
Difficulty: Easy

Unplug the machine and let it cool before unscrewing the boiler outlet.

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When It's a Service Job

• Water collects under the machine with the tank seated, the tray empty and the knob closed
• Water appears near the power cord or the button
• The machine stays off after you close the steam knob and press power

The manual shows "Service" as the last step. Contact De'Longhi Customer Services.

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Prevent Leaks

• Seat the tank after every refill, filled no higher than MAX.
• Level dose, light tamp, clean rim.
• Close the steam knob after every use.
• Empty the drip tray daily, and clean the filters and boiler outlet on schedule.

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FAQ

Why is my Stilosa leaking from the portafilter?

The usual causes are too much coffee, coffee pressed too hard, grounds on the rim, or a holder that isn't fully locked. The manual shows a level dose and light pressing. If it still leaks with everything right, contact De'Longhi.

Can I replace the Stilosa's water tank seal or gasket myself?

The manual shows no seal, gasket or part numbers for owners. If the leak isn't one of the causes above, it's a job for De'Longhi Customer Services.

Why does my Stilosa drip from the steam wand?

The steam knob is probably not fully closed. Turn it to off after frothing. The manual also shows an open steam knob as a reason the machine switches itself off.

How often should I descale a Stilosa?

Every 200 coffees, with De'Longhi descaler only, according to the manual. The program takes about 45 minutes.

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Related De'Longhi Guides

• De'Longhi Leaking Water?: every model
• De'Longhi Stilosa Not Working?
• De'Longhi Descaling Guide
• Dedica vs Stilosa

Sources: De'Longhi EC230 / EC235 / EC260 Stilosa Instructions for Use (5713245423).