How to Fix a Dripping Steam Wand on the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920)
Breville Steam Valve O-Ring Service (BES900 / BES920)
Stop a leaking or dripping steam wand by replacing the internal O-rings and washers in the steam valve. Works for Breville BES900 and BES920.
Fixes
- Dripping steam wand
- Steam valve leaking
- Worn internal seals
Tools
- Phillips & T20 Torx drivers
- 13 mm & 14 mm spanners
- 6 mm Allen key, wire brush
Time
~30–45 minutes
Step-by-Step Breville Steam Valve Repair
Power Down
Unplug your machine and allow it to cool completely before starting.
Remove Outer Screws
Remove the two Phillips screws underneath the front panel, then the two Torx screws at the back.
Lift the Lid
Carefully lift the lid to expose the internal components.
Remove the Steam Lever Cover
Grip the steam lever cover firmly (rubber gloves help) and pull to remove.
Remove the Actuator Screw
Remove the Phillips screw securing the steam dial actuator (SP0001712). If rusted, drill the head off with a 5 mm bit, then remove the remaining thread with pliers.
Remove the Steam Valve Assembly
Undo the two Phillips screws holding the bracket, release the clips, and pull out the steam valve.
Disassemble the Valve
Using a 13 mm spanner, remove the top section, then hold the valve with an adjustable spanner or vice to loosen the 14 mm lower section.
Remove Internal Parts
With a 6 mm Allen key, remove the middle section (can be tight). This exposes the internal washer and ball valve.
Access the Seals
Remove the ball and push out the valve key to reach the existing seals. Use a small flat blade to remove both old washers — gently for the deeper one.
Note: There are four conditions that might prevent a successful repair — see this section of our video.
Install New Washers & O-Rings
Drop in the two new washers from the kit (use the Allen key to guide). Cut off the old O-ring and stretch the new one into place — avoid sharp tools that could nick it.
Refit the Valve Key & Ball
Apply food-grade grease if available, and pull the key back into place with pliers. Align the groove forward so the ball slots in correctly. Clean any buildup on the ball with a wire brush for a perfect seal.
Align & Re-shape the Washers
Important: Insert the ball with the full face outward so tightening the mid-section molds the washers into their sealing shape.
Reassemble & Reinstall
Re-tighten the mid-section, replace the three red O-rings, and reassemble the valve completely. Fit it back into place and test the lever; it may feel stiff at first — rotate a few times to bed in the new washers.
