How to Replace the Steam Sensor Probes on your Breville/Sage

Steam boiler probe kit with two long probes, one short probe and O-rings on a dark background.
Check that the kit contains three probes and O-rings and matches your machine.

BREVILLE / SAGE STEAM PROBE GUIDE

Replace the three steam-boiler water-level probes in a compatible Dual Boiler or Oracle machine.

Follow this probe-set procedure when a probe fault has been identified. Confirm your machine and kit match before opening the case.

Get the steam probe set

Reasons for this repair

  • Steam boiler not filling as expected
  • Incorrect water-level readings
  • Sensor faults encountered during descale

Check compatibility

  • 120 V: pre-2238
  • 240 V: pre-2242
  • Compare these cutoffs with the kit listing and your machine before ordering.

Before you start

  • Switch off at the machine and wall outlet, unplug the power cord and allow the machine and boiler to cool completely.
  • Photograph and label the three probe connections before removing any wire. Restore every connector to its original probe.
  • Keep water, lubricant and tools away from nearby wiring. Do not reconnect power until the top cover and all screws are back in place.
  • If a probe, wire or clip does not come free without force, stop and seek help from a qualified technician.

Tools and supplies

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • T20 Torx driver
  • Small pliers
  • Small pick or flat screwdriver for the O-rings
  • Clean water or a small amount of food-safe lubricant (optional)
  • Replacement steam probe set with O-rings

Select any photo to see it at full size.

1. Open the machine

Work only on a cool, unplugged machine. Keep the cover screws together.

  1. Remove the front screws

    Remove the two Phillips screws underneath the front panel.
    Underside of the machine front with two Phillips screw locations outlined.

  2. Remove the rear screws

    Remove the two T20 Torx screws at the back of the top cover.
    Rear of the top cover with two Torx screw locations outlined.

  3. Lift the top cover

    Carefully lift the cover to expose the steam boiler and its three probe connections.

2. Disconnect and remove the old probes

Record the wiring layout before you pull a connector.

  1. Disconnect the probe wires

    Photograph each terminal and note which wire belongs to each probe.

    Grip each terminal connector with small pliers and gently pull it off the probe; do not pull on the wire.
    Top of the steam boiler with probe terminals and pliers gripping one connector.

  2. Release the retaining clips

    Pull out each probe retaining clip, keep the clips safe, then lift out the three old probes.
    Needle-nose pliers gripping a retaining clip beside a steam-boiler probe.

3. Renew the seals and fit the new probes

Keep track of the probe positions while the boiler ports are open.

  1. Replace the O-rings

    Lift the old O-ring from each probe port, clean the port, and fit its replacement O-ring.
    Three probe ports on the steam boiler with green O-rings and a pick at the centre port.

    Keep dirt and loose pieces out of the open ports.

  2. Install the three new probes

    Slightly wet each probe or use a small amount of food-safe lubricant if needed to help it seat.

    Press each new probe firmly into its matching port; place the short probe on the right-hand side, where the red wire connects.
    New steam probe being lowered into a boiler port with the red lead visible beside the right-hand port.

    The short probe belongs on the right with the red wire. Match the positions you photographed before removal.

4. Reassemble and check

Complete the electrical and mechanical reassembly before restoring power.

  1. Secure the probes and reconnect their wires

    Refit the retaining clips, then reconnect each sensor wire to the same probe it came from. Confirm the red wire is on the short right-hand probe.

  2. Close the machine before testing

    Refit the top cover and all front and rear screws. Reconnect power only after the case is closed, then check normal boiler filling and water-level operation. If the fault remains or water leaks, switch off, unplug and seek service.

Final check

  • All three new O-rings and probes are seated in their original ports.
  • Every retaining clip is fitted.
  • Each wire is reconnected to its original probe; the short right-hand probe has the red wire.
  • The top cover and all four outer screws are fitted before the machine is powered.
  • On a normal check, the boiler fills and reports its level as expected, with no external leak.

DIY repairs carry risk. If anything is uncertain, stop and consult a qualified technician. Read our full disclaimer.