Low flow problem solved

[caf4brains]

Last week I noticed that I wasn't getting as much espresso flow as I usually get. Chalking this up to a change in the grinder, I loosened up the grind a bit and pulled another shot - problem solved. However after a couple of days there was even less flow than before, the pump sounded different and the low flow indicator - three flashing lights - came on. After checking all the usual suspects I was convinced that the pump suction was starved and thought that there must have been something in the pump inlet line. I took the sides and back off to better access the pump. In the process, I pulled the water reservoir out and noticed for the first (!) time that there was a little bit of white film that covered the exit port of the tank. This looked similar to the adjacent chrome plating and I didn't see it before. A quick brush with a stiff nylon brush and the pump was working as good as usual. Then I got to practice my muttering while putting the panels back in place.

[Endo]

Luckily, all the cheap chrome plating came off my reservoir inlet after the first time I descaled it. The bit that remained I removed with steel wool.

It's now a light brown rust colour, but I prefer that over the chrome plating bits that jams my machine.

[caf4brains]

Earth tones - good; flashy chrome - bad. It's easy to remember.