Hot Water Mix Valve Troubleshooting - Steam Series

Hot Water Mix Valve Troubleshooting - Steam Series



Hot Water Mix Valve Troubleshooting: Steam X, EP, & LP


AlertSLAYER recommends all service be performed by an experienced SLAYER Espresso trained technician. For a technician reference near you, please contact SLAYER Support at (206)-284-7171 (#1 in Directory) or email support@slayerespresso.com.

SLAYER Steam Series machines feature a hot water mix valve which blends low pressure (line pressure) inlet water with hot (steam tank) water.  The mix valve is a 24vDC solenoid valve and is activated by a push button located to the right of the hot water spout.

Objective:
Disassemble hot water mix valve to diagnose fault or service valve.

Symptoms:
  1. Steady drip from hot water spout.
Parts:
  1. 99015-10070 Hot Water Mix Valve Assembly, Steam
Time:
  1. 30 Minutes

Tools:
  1. #1 Philips Screwdriver
  2. #2 Philips Screwdriver
  3. Flathead Screwdriver
  4. 45 or 90 Pick
  5. 3mm Hex Wrench
  6. 3/8" Wrench
  7. 5/8" Wrench
Idea
Try adjusting mix valve blending knob prior to disassembly. This often resolves the drip! 

Step 1:
  1. Turn OFF:
    1. Heating Elements
    2. Main Power
    3. Water
  2. Drain steam tank.
  3. Remove:
    1. Cup Tray
    2. Left Side Panel using a #2 Philips screwdriver.
  4. Identify hot water mix valve.

Step 2:
  1. Using a small Philips Screwdriver. 
  2. Remove solenoid electrical boot.
    1. Tuck electrical boot off to the side.
Alert
Careful not to lose the rubber grommet!


Step 3:
A flat spot is located on the threaded section of the valve.
  1. Brace the valve with a 3/8" wrench (appropriately a 9mm).
  2. Loosen the flared copper line fitting with a 5/8" wrench.

Alert
Care not to torque the valve! A plastic lock ring holds the solenoid in place. However mistakes happen and if the plastic lock ring breaks valve functionality will not be lost.

Step 4:
  1. Once the copper line is free from the valve stem.
  2. Slide off the blue rubber grommet and lock spring.
Idea
A pick is a useful tool for this application.

Step 5:
  1. Solenoid coil should now easily slide off stem.
Warning
In cases of extremely poor water. Corrosion could cause solenoid coil to seize against the valve. Always supply your SLAYER Espresso Machine with water meeting SLAYER's Water Treatment Requirements. 
Step 6:
  1. Using a 3/8" (9mm) wrench against the slotted section of the threaded valve stem.
  2. Turn counter-clockwise 90 to 'unlock' the stem from the mix valve body.

Idea
Pro Tip: A 3mm hex wrench can slot into the third, dispensing, port of the valve stem. 

Step 7:
  1. Inspect valve components for faults.
  2. Faults include:
    1. Debris stuck to plunger.
    2. Accumulation of scale or debris inside valve stem and/or on plunger.

  1. Faults Continued:
    1. Scale accumulation on mix valve ports.
    2. Plunger is misshapen, brittle, or missing pieces.

Info
Two indented circles on plunger indicate pressure seal against valve seat. This is normal.


If no scale or obvious debris are present. Thoroughly rinse valve stem and plunger prior to reassembly.

Step 8:
  1. Reassemble hot water mix valve.
  2. Turn water and machine ON.
    1. Allow autofill cycle to complete.
    2. Run brew groups for ~10 seconds.
    3. Check for leaks.
  3. Turn ON heating elements.
  4. Allow machine to reach set temperature and pressure.
  5. Activate hot water tap.
    1. Check for leaks.
Preventative Measures:
  1. Periodically inspect hot water spout mesh for scale buildup.
    1. 46000-50350 HOT WATER SPOUT
  2. Drain steam tank annually per SLAYER's Preventative Maintenance schedules.
    1. Steam LP
    2. Steam EP
  3. Verify post-filtration water is within SLAYER's Water Treatment Requirements.

Questions or concerns? Please contact support@slayerespresso.com

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