Before you start
Prepare for descaling using the approved procedure for your exact model. Keep sensor connections and heater protections in their normal configuration.
Before you work
Hot water and steam can escape from drain points. Follow the exact model instructions and cooling requirements.
Do not open the casing or alter sensors for ordinary descaling.
A non-filling, leaking or overheating machine needs repair assessment first.
Tools and supplies
The instruction book matching the model, region and revision
Manufacturer-specified descaler and dose
Only the tools and drain protection specified by that instruction book
Use the matched instruction manual for the descale cycle. Sensor-disconnection modifications, skipped stages and improvised draining are outside this owner-maintenance procedure.
Part 1 of 3
Assess and prepare
01
Identify the exact model and manual
Record the model, serial/date label and any known service history. Select the matching regional Breville instruction book before starting.
Identify the boiler revision and check the model-specific guidance. A production year alone does not establish that a machine is safe to descale.
Watch this step0:24 Reference: Video 0:24 · Guide checks
Part 2 of 3
Workshop walkthrough
02
Assess existing faults before adding descaler
Diagnose filling faults, overheating, leaks or loss of steam before starting a descale. Incorrect level sensing can allow heating with too little water.
Ask the repairer to check the boiler, probes and associated protection if those symptoms are present. Do not assume that a descale is a remedy for an undiagnosed fault.
Watch this step0:56 Reference: Video 0:56 · Guide checks
The cutaway illustration identifies the steam-boiler sensing functions. 1:10 in the video
03
Keep sensors and protections connected
Keep the sensor connections in their normal configuration. Confirm the procedure for the actual model and firmware, including any separate Oracle Touch requirements.
For routine maintenance, retain the original sensing and protective arrangements and follow the matched manufacturer procedure. Have a technician assess any proposed modification.
Keep sensors connected and heater protections operational. Stop before making any nonstandard change to their wiring.
Watch this step1:42 Reference: Video 1:42 · Guide checks
04
Prepare for the manufacturer’s normal procedure
For the linked ANZ instruction books, allow the used machine to cool for at least an hour and plan sufficient time to complete the cycle. Remove the water filter before adding descaling powder.
Prepare only the specified solution and dose. Keep the machine assembled, the drip tray correctly fitted and the work area clear for the model’s displayed instructions.
The BES920, BES980 and BES990 manuals are linked below. Their menus and prompts are not interchangeable.
Watch this step4:34 Reference: Video 4:34 · Guide checks · Breville BES920 manual · Breville BES980 manual · Breville BES990 manual
Follow the matched instruction manual for the normal descale cycle. Keep sensors connected rather than copying a modified internal setup. 4:50 in the video
05
Follow the actual model’s complete cycle
Use the model’s descale mode and follow its drain, refill and rinse prompts in order. Check the manual before operating a drain; escaping water and steam can burn.
Follow the full countdowns, alerts and draining sequence in the matched manual. Do not skip stages, force an alert reset or improvise a drain-clearing method.
On the Oracle Touch, the manufacturer routes descaling through Settings → Descale Cycle.
Watch this step4:45 Reference: Video 4:45 · Guide checks · Breville BES920 manual · Breville BES980 manual · Breville BES990 manual
Part 3 of 3
Finish and verify
06
Stop if draining, filling or heating is abnormal
If the normal cycle cannot drain or refill correctly, stop and obtain model-specific service advice. Heavy scale can obstruct a boiler drain.
Do not force a tool into a hot or pressurised boiler or continue heating a suspected empty boiler. Record the stage and displayed message so the repairer has useful evidence.
Watch this step3:19 Reference: Video 3:19 · Guide checks
Repair video
Watch the repair
Use the video links for background while following the matched manual. Keep normal sensor connections and safety controls in place, and complete every required stage.
Final checks
Before proceeding, confirm each applicable item below.
The model and matching manual are confirmed.
Existing heating, filling and leak faults are resolved before proceeding.
No sensor or protective function is bypassed as part of ordinary maintenance.
The complete prescribed cycle and rinses are followed.
An abnormal cycle is referred for service rather than forced through.
References and model notes
Follow the steps for your model. Open a photo to enlarge it, or use its timestamp link to watch that stage. Use the references below for model-specific information.
Use the procedure and parts that match the actual machine. Stop if the fault, connections or required safety checks cannot be established. Read the BrevTech repair disclaimer .
