Coffee grounds are very wet and form a slurry in the grounds container.

Safety first: Allow the machine to finish its cycle and cool before removing the brew group.

• Clean brew group: Remove and rinse the brew group, paying attention to the piston and compression mechanism.
• Lubricate rails: Apply food-grade silicone grease to the brew group rails so it can move to full compression.
• Adjust grind and dose: Try a slightly coarser grind and ensure the strength setting is appropriate. Overdosing can prevent full compression.
• Descale: Run a descaling cycle to ensure the three-way valve vents properly after brewing.
• Replace seals if needed: If pucks remain sloppy, replace the brew group piston seals.