Turn it off before you start troubleshooting. Water and electricity don’t get along which is why you want to unplug DeLonghi La Specialista right away. That way you won’t get shocked when you’re trying to figure out where the leak occur.
Externally, check for wobbly connections. Over time water vibrations can cause the water tubes to loosen, so look at all fittings that are accessible without removing machine.
Inspecting the Water Tank Seals
Tighten if there’s any wiggle in your connection and it’ll prevent drip.
That’s it. That will solve most of the smaller leaks.
Next, look at your water tank. This is another common place where moisture come from. Take out the tank and while holding it near a light, inspect its sides for any hairline cracks in plastic. Small cracks will drip steadily and should be checked carefuly over every square inch.
Look closely at seal at the bottom of the tank, too.
And don’t forget about that seal on the bottom of your tank as well. Over time the rubber gasket can get old and worn down letting water seep through before it gets into system.
Check the exterior parts first. Is there any flexibility or gaps at the base? Is the rubber seal wearing out from constant use? Proper containment requires a good seal. Push down on the base and feel if it flexes or gives, replace it if it is needed.
Next, examine the interior. Has water gotten into the machine? Remove the cover and look for wetness in areas near the pump or the boiler. If damp, follow the moisture trail until you find the source of leak.
Fittings and hoses can becomes stiff or brittle over time, especially when exposed to temperature swings. Inspect all hose and fitting connections within machine’s interior. Anything loose should of been tightened and you’ll want to make sure there are no cracks visible on any of the internal hoses.
If there’s dripping from the steam wand while idling, check it. Usually this indicate an internal issue (i.e., failure of the steam function switch or a stuck-open solenoid valve).
If the drip is occurring, test whether the wand can holds pressure by running a cycle. That should tell you whether or not the valve has gone bad.