Decalcifying or “descaling” your espresso machine is perhaps the most beneficial form of preventative maintenance you can perform. It has been likened to getting the oil changed in your car and so, we’d like to take some time to discuss what decalcifying actually entails and how your machine can benefit from it. Decalcifying refers to the removal of calcium and other minerals that build up on the inside of your espresso machine. If you’re familiar with the concept of “hard water,” you probably already have an idea of what we’re talking about. Hard water is water with a high mineral content in solution.  When this water is heated to make steam, these minerals are separated from the water and. When this water is heated to make steam, these minerals are separated from the water and deposited inside of the machine. Over time this leads to the build-up of limescale in plumbing. In this case, espresso machines are no exception. Even if your water isn’t particularly hard, trace amounts of minerals will eventually begin to collect inside of your machine, meaning that you’ll need to remove them or risk your machine’s ability to function properly. The internal plumbing and the boiler are two high risk areas for scale build-up. As the minerals collect, they can obstruct the flow of water. Additionally, because scale forms where water evaporates (ie. the hottest areas inside of the machine) it ultimately forms a layer of insulation that prevents the water from coming in contact with the metal of the pipes/boiler, reducing their thermal conductivity. As a result, the temperature of the water will be reduced.