Some water entering the drip tray is completely normal. Coffee machines often release water during automatic rinsing, pressure relief and internal cleaning cycles. However, if significantly more water than usual is collecting in the tray, there may be a worn seal, drainage problem, restriction or internal valve issue.

Yes. The amount of water in the drip tray doesn't directly correspond to the number of coffees made. Start-up and shutdown rinses, milk-system cleaning and pressure release can all send water into the tray. The important thing to watch for is a noticeable change from the machine's normal behaviour.

A sudden increase in water entering the drip tray is worth investigating. Check whether the machine is performing more rinse cycles than usual and inspect accessible components such as the brew unit and drip tray. Excessive internal drainage can also be caused by worn seals, leaking connections or a valve that isn't controlling water correctly.

If little or no coffee reaches the cup while a large amount of water enters the drip tray, water may be escaping from the brewing circuit. A poorly seated brew unit, worn brewing seals, a restriction or an internal drainage valve problem can divert water away from the intended brewing path.

It can contribute. Coffee grounds and residue around the brewing mechanism can interfere with normal operation and drainage. If your machine has a removable brew unit, clean it as required and inspect the surrounding area for excessive grounds or residue. If excessive water continues entering the tray afterwards, further investigation may be required.

A small and consistent amount is generally part of normal operation. Be more suspicious when the tray suddenly fills much faster, water enters it continuously, coffee volume has reduced, or most of the brewing water appears to be going into the tray rather than the cup. Once routine cleaning and basic checks have been completed, persistent excessive drainage may require diagnosis of the seals, valves or internal water circuit.