Optima Descaling Procedure: All Models, All Years
Dealing with Scale and its Symptoms
With scale being a prominent issue for the Optima Steamer, it is likely that you will deal with a scale-related issue at some point. The following section covers some of the common scale issues, and how to deal with them.
Depending on the model that you are working on, there can be differing error codes/lights that are indicated in the corresponding operators manual for the machine.
Issue 1: “Dirty” Sensors (Most Common)
Scale can cover the surface of the water probe sensors and the electronic signal that passes through the water cannot be transmitted.
SOLUTION 1:
Clean the High, Low and Common* Water Probe Sensors.
Video tutorial below.
1. Let the unit cool down (if hot)
2. Completely drain the Boiler Vessel by opening the Drain Valve and the Steam Outlet Valves (can take up to 20 minutes.
***If not drained completely, you may get burned by boiling water when removing the probes***)
3. Remove top cover of unit (DMF or EST)
4. Disconnect wires to Water Probe Sensors and remove foam insulation from probe
5. Using a 14mm deep-socket wrench (included with new machines), carefully unscrew the Water Probe Sensors
6. Carefully inspect and clean the probe tips with sandpaper or steel wool so that no scale or film cover the probe tips.
7. Clean and re-wrap the threads of each probe 7 times. ***If threads are not properly wrapped, the Boiler Vessel may not be sealed and will leak steam/water during use which can damage the machine or cause physical harm***
8. Carefully screw the probes back into the Boiler Vessel. Make sure the probes are tight but DO NOT TO OVERTIGHTEN. ***Damaging the threading on the Boiler Vessel can result in permanent damage requiring the entire Boiler to be replaced (a part that can cost up to $1500 USD)***
9. Reattach the probe sensor wires: Blue Wire on the TOP High Water Probe Sensor / Brown Wire on the BOTTOM Low Water Probe Sensor (Green on the middle Common Sensor)
10. Replace covers and follow startup instruction in manual.
Video Tutorial
How To Clean Water Probe Sensors – Tutorial
SOLUTION 2:
Descale the Optima Steamer.
SOLUTION 3:
Replace Water Probe Sensor(s) and/or Wiring if damaged.
If cleaning and descaling does not resolve the alarm code, you may need to replace 1 or all of the water probe sensors (70175) and the wiring from/to the sensors.
Issue 2: Scale coating or clogging other components of the Optima
SOLUTION 1:
Descale the Optima Steamer if applicable. Damaged parts such as depicted heater must be replaced.
SOLUTION 2:
Replace parts if descaling does not fix the issue.