How and why to Descale + Troubleshoot Breville Dual Boiler (Steam Boiler Not Working)

By Gadgets, Gear, Coffee | Nov 01, 2025
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Learn how and why to descale as part of your regular espresso machine maintenance every 2-5 years. If your Breville Dual Boiler’s steam boiler isn’t working after descaling, this video also covers how to troubleshoot common steam boiler issues.


📦 Products (affiliate)

Buying through these links helps support the channel (no extra cost to you)— thank you!


tools - descale only

👉 descale powder https://amzn.to/3WAf3Dn

👉 flat head screwdriver https://amzn.to/43NfDBv


tools - steam boiler fix

👉 hemostat https://amzn.to/46X3r3r

👉 needle nose pliers https://amzn.to/4osvU7l

👉 steam probe replacement (might have O rings) https://amzn.to/43gksmK - if 🇨🇦 https://ecscoffee.com/products/steam-probe-set-of-3-with-oring-sp0001820?_pos=1&_psq=SP0001820&_ss=e&_v=1.0

👉 food safe lube https://amzn.to/4olXYcC

👉 Group head screwdriver use #2 https://amzn.to/3xmOlkM

👉 Torx t20 for the back https://amzn.to/47zawWC

👉 citric acid https://amzn.to/4nRdXOV


maintenance

👉 filter for Breville Dual Boiler https://amzn.to/49tm2p8

👉 water hardness strips https://amzn.to/47SsULC

👉 third wave water https://amzn.to/4qDfsTg


replacement O rings

👉 O rings

• Breville O-Ring for Steam Probe - SP0001657 use EPDM 70A (or Aflas 70A if you want “forever”), size –008 https://ecscoffee.com/products/breville-o-ring-for-steam-probe-sp0001657

• Brew boiler probe (in SP0010292): size is typically –009 EPDM also works and will better tolerate descalers/hot water cycles

👉 food safe lube https://amzn.to/4olXYcC


Lists of my favorite products

https://www.amazon.com/shop/gadgetsgearcoffee

https://www.gadgetsgearcoffee.com/blog-home


📸 My camera gear https://amzn.to/4gSS5jw

📈 YT Tools to improve stats & bulk edit https://www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=GadgetsGearCoffee


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🔗 Other links

DEBUG MENU

1. Unplug from wall

2. Hold “EXIT” and “MANUAL” while plugging back in

3. Press “MENU” twice, wait for lights to finish

4. Press “MENU” to display water levels

5. Letters that show up help troubleshoot

See diagram https://brevtech.store/blogs/technical-info/troubleshooting-the-dual-boiler-bes920-steam-boiler


Cleaning coffee residue https://youtu.be/xNJOS1W1mG4


🎬 About this video

f your Breville Dual Boiler steam boiler isn’t heating after a descale — or you’re not sure what’s actually going on inside your machine — this video breaks everything down.


After owning my Dual Boiler for several years, I finally did a full descale and deep maintenance, and I’ll walk you through the entire process:

• What scale buildup is and why it forms inside espresso machines

• The right way to descale the Breville Dual Boiler (and what to avoid)

• How to flush both boilers safely

• What to do if your steam boiler stops heating after descaling

• How to inspect and clean the steam probe sensors

• Tips to prevent future scale and keep your machine running like new


You’ll see what scale actually looks like inside the machine, how to replace or clean the sensor probe, and what warning signs mean it’s time for maintenance. Whether you’re doing your 2–5 year maintenance or troubleshooting a sudden issue, this guide covers all the key steps to restore full pressure and performance.


🕦 Timestamps

00:00 not that hard to maintain

00:05 descale + steam boiler issues

00:18 regular maintenance

00:39 identify your BDB model

01:24 descale tools

01:29 water hardness makes a difference

01:49 what is scale and why does it matter?

02:15 prevention is key

02:49 minerals aren't "bad"

03:18 how often to descale

03:58 is descaling safe

04:33 manual descale

04:53 descale process

07:14 3 beeps of death

07:46 unplug

07:55 hard reset

08:10 get error code first

08:27 tilt method

08:37 open and check steam sensors

09:48 clean sensor probes

11:12 replace steam sensor probe

11:31 replacing sensor probes

11:38 results: better pressure


⚠️ Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate revenue helps support the channel, future reviews, and product testing.


Based on my personal experience. All opinions are my own. Use your discretion. For entertainment purposes only.