Empty Your Nespresso For Storage To Avoid Pump Problems [Step by Step Guide]

If you own a Nespresso machine, you may need to store it for some time due to various reasons such as renovation, relocation, or travel.

However, many users report that their Nespresso machine is not working after storage. That’s a common problem with an easy fix, so don’t worry, you can fix it easily at home.

This guide covers two main things:

• How to prevent Nespresso machine storage problems.
• Common Issues caused by storing your Nespresso machine for too long.

The most common problem that comes from Nespresso machine storage is an air bubble, or the machine not pumping water.

To prevent this problem next time you want to store your Nespresso machine for a long time, you’ll want to perform the ‘Emptying the System’ procedure, which works on pumping out every bit of water inside your machine (And not just the reservoir).

Emptying a Nespresso System

If you’re planning on storing your coffee machine for a while, there are some steps that you need to follow to minimize or prevent storage issues altogether.

This is a procedure recommended by Nespresso. What it does is get rid of any water trapped inside the system, therefore, minimizing any possible moisture or air bubbles forming inside the machine.

How To Empty Vertuo Next System

• Empty the water tank and put it in place.
• Place a container under the coffee outlet.
• Unplug the power cord.
• Open the machine head and let the used capsule be ejected.
• Empty the capsule container, the drip tray, and the cup support.
• Close the head and turn the handle left until “LOCKED” position.
• Push and hold the button while plugging the power cord. Release the button when the machine starts the emptying procedure. The button will blink orange quickly while the machine is emptying.

It will take approximately 30 seconds for the machine to complete the emptying. Machine turns “OFF” automatically when the machine is empty.

How To Empty a Vertuo Plus System

• Empty the water tank and put it in place.
• Open the machine head and let the used capsule be ejected. Close the machine. Empty the capsule container.
• Turn the machine “OFF” by pushing the lever down for 3 seconds.
• Place a container under the coffee outlet. To enter “Emptying the system” mode push the button and the lever down at the same time for 3 seconds. ORANGE steady light indicates entry into the Special functions menu.
• Choose a function by pressing the lever down 2 times for “Emptying the system”
• Push the button. The ORANGE light will blink during the entire procedure. The machine turns “OFF” automatically when the machine is empty.

How To Empty Nespresso Original (Essenza Mini, Pixie, Citiz…) System

• To enter the emptying mode, press both the Espresso and Lungo buttons to turn the machine off.
• Remove the water tank and open the lever. Place a container under the coffee outlet.
• Press both the Espresso and Lungo buttons for 5 seconds. Both LEDs blink alternatively.
• Emptying process begins. The machine switches off automatically when the procedure is finished.
• Close the lever. Empty and clean the used capsule container, the drip tray, and the drip base.

Common Nespresso Issues Caused By Storage

After storing your Nespresso machine for a while, you are most likely to face these issues:

• The machine does not pump water
• The descaling light blinking

Machine Not Pumping Water (or Not Enough Water)

This issue is also known as the ‘Nespresso Air Bubble’ or ‘Airlock Problem’

Storing your espresso machine for a long time without use can affect its performance in several ways. The most common issue is the machine’s inability to brew coffee pods.

If you press the brew button, and you hear the pump starting but no water or coffee comes out, you are experiencing a Nespresso Airlock problem.

This problem is caused by trapped air in the pipes which prevents water from flowing through the machine.

Descaling Light Problem

Another issue that can arise in Nespresso machines after storage is the descaling light turning on even after descaling.

There are ways to avoid these issues. But first, let’s fix these common storage issues.

Fixing Pump Problems

First, confirm that what you are experiencing is a pump issue…

How To Identify an Airlock Issue

When you try to make coffee, you will hear the sound of the pump, but no water will be dispensed from the spout. This is a clear indication that there is an air bubble inside the machine.

How To Fix It

If you have a Vertuo machine, you can try the following solutions:

1. Run a full cleaning cycle: Running a full cleaning cycle can help remove the air bubble from the system. To do this, fill the water tank with water and run a cleaning cycle.
2. Use boiling hot water in the reservoir: Another solution is to fill the water tank with boiling hot water. This can help remove the air bubble from the system.
3. Blow air through the reservoir valve: If the above solutions do not work, you can try blowing air through the reservoir valve. This can help remove the air bubble from the system.

Solution for Other Models

I have a full guide that you can refer to on Nespresso Airlock Problems and how to fix it in each model. Check the guide to find the steps to fix your own machine.

Fix Descaling Light Problems

This is a simple issue to fix. All you have to do is factory reset your machine.

It is a slightly inconvenient fix if you have reprogrammed your coffee volumes because a factory reset will erase those. But unfortunately, that’s the only way to fix this.

When to Seek Customer Service Help

If your Nespresso machine is still not working after performing the solutions above, it may be time to seek professional help. This can include contacting the manufacturer for assistance or taking your machine to a repair shop.

Before seeking professional help, you can try

If your Nespresso machine is still not working, it may have a more serious issue that requires professional assistance. Don’t attempt to repair the machine yourself, as this can be dangerous and may void the warranty.