Vibiemme Domobar Junior - Manual (Page 13)

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9 - Remove the Blind filter basket, rinse the Portafilter assembly, and you are done. It is suggested
that the first pull after backflushing be discarded just in case a bit of cleaner is left that could taint the
coffee.
CAUTION: The cleaning products meant for backflushing must NEVER be used in the water reservoir.
Using this cleaning agent in any way other than described here can damage your machine and void your
warranty.
10.5. Exterior Cleaning
NEVER use any abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads on your Vibiemme Domobar as they will scratch the
surface. A quality glass cleaner sprayed on a rag will usually do a good job of cleaning the outer surfaces,
but do not spray these in the area of the Grouphead, and always wait for the machine to cool before
cleaning the exterior. If your machine has painted panels take care to use products that are compatible
with powder coating. No solvents should ever be used as these may permanently damage the powder
coating’s sheen.
10.6. Grouphead Gasket Replacement
The thick, rubber gasket that seals the Portafilter in the Grouphead is subjected to a lot of heat and
pressure.
Over time it will harden and the portafilter’s action will create a depression in the surface. If it begins
to leak, the first resolution is to give it a good cleaning as mentioned above. If that does not cure the
problem then replacement is the next step. Before attempting this it is a good idea to have the spare
gasket as well as a spare shower screen on hand.
The most difficult thing about replacing the grouphead gasket is removing the old one. Depending on
just how hard or old the existing gasket is will dictate the difficulty of removing it. First try removing it by
gently prying it out. Use a small screwdriver or a paint can opener. Take care not to damage the chrome
surface of the grouphead.
If that does not seem to be working, the next step is to use one or two drywall screws. Try using a single
one at first and screw it directly into the black, rubber gasket, then grasp it with a pair of pliers and pull it
out (be careful not to scrape your knuckles if the screw suddenly pulls out). Placing another, 180 degrees
from the first will allow pulling on one side then the other to work it out of the grouphead. If the screw
just pulls out of the rubber, use a larger-diameter wood screw, file off the pointed tip so it if flat, and screw
it into the gasket in the same hole made by the drywall screw until it touches the grouphead, and then
continue turning the screw. As it penetrates the gasket and hits the grouphead it will pull the gasket down
the screw. If this isn’t working, try repeating the process with a second wood screw in the other hole.
If you do this and the gasket breaks that is fine. You can then just pry it out with a small screwdriver or ice
pick. Use care not to mar the grouphead. It is a very good idea to have a spare shower screen on hand
when attempting this job. The screen is held in place by the gasket, and if you have to go at the gasket
with vigor the shower screen can be damaged. Having a spare on hand will limit downtime.
Once the gasket is out, remove the shower screen and give the area a good cleaning. Be sure that no old
gasket or coffee residue is left in the grouphead. If need be, use a brass-bristle brush to clean the area.
To install the new gasket, assemble the gasket over the shower screen and place them on a portafilter,
Maneuver the assembly into place and then simply lock the portafilter into place as you would when
making espresso.
The cam-action of the portafilter locking into place will push the shower screen and gasket into place.
How often this needs to be done depends on many factors, but for in home use about once every six
months portafilter in place or when leaks occur that are not resolved by other solutions as mentioned
above.