dolce gusto coffee machine not pumping water

Remove the water tank, fill it with fresh water and refit it firmly. The tank outlet needs to connect correctly with the machine's water inlet. If the tank isn't sitting properly, the pump can run without drawing enough water into the system.

Coffee residue or scale can restrict the injector that delivers water into the capsule. Switch the machine off, unplug it and allow it to cool before removing the capsule holder. Use the cleaning needle supplied with the machine to carefully clear the injector. Never force a larger object into the opening as this can damage it.

If the machine has been run with an empty water tank or hasn't been used for some time, air can become trapped in the water circuit. A noticeably louder pump with little or no water flow is a useful clue. Refill and correctly fit the tank, remove any capsule and run the machine without a capsule to encourage water back through the circuit.

A machine that initially dispensed normally but has gradually become slower is more likely to have a restriction than a suddenly failed pump. Limescale builds up inside the water circuit and heater, particularly in hard-water areas. Complete the full descaling procedure rather than simply running descaler through briefly.

Remove the capsule and run a rinse cycle. If water flows normally without a capsule but stops or becomes very slow when a capsule is inserted, concentrate your checks around the capsule, holder and injector rather than the pump itself. Try a fresh, undamaged capsule and make sure it is seated correctly.

Being able to hear the pump tells you that it is at least being powered and attempting to operate. A dry pump, airlock, blocked injector or heavily scaled water circuit can all produce similar symptoms. Work through the external checks, cleaning and descaling first. If the pump continues running with no water movement after these checks, the machine may require internal diagnosis.