Replaced the main seal on the espresso machine for the second time. Seems we reliably get about 3 years out of a seal (machine used 4-6 times per day for 2 people).

• Group head gasket - not main seal
• These are a 'wear' item and do have to be replaced periodically
• The one shown needed to be replaced sooner than it was
• The silicone ones work better and last longer

Thanks for the corrections!

This one was silicone, and the one I happened to get shipped overnight in March 2021 (it lasted almost exactly 4 years, had to go look it up to confirm it was silicone). Not sure why they chose green. I was trying to highlight the failure and the section of bead tore off. There's more damage from me jamming a hook into it to pull it out. I wish it were easier to get it out for periodic cleaning and inspection. I'll have to look into that.

I replaced it with another silicone gasket (this time off-white) and now have a backup handy.

I'd be interested to know if there's a way to predict failure or if there's a good schedule to follow!

so you blew a seal?

"Nah, it's just ice cream"

Did it require tools, force, patience or something?

The BBE? How difficult was this? Do you have any suggestions, tips, dumb things to avoid?

Breville Barista Express, yeah.

Very easy!

4mm Allen wrench to free the shower screen, a cheap hook or even a small screwdriver and a needle nose pliers to pull the old gasket out (what I used).

I just bought a 2 pack of silicone gaskets for under $10.

I cleaned everything up before seating the new gasket (poked a damp rag up there with the hook).

Good as new in under 15min. I made 4 doubles afterwards today.

Barely tools, a tiny bit of force, and almost no patience! I have a rundown on another comment!

OK, thanks. Anyway, here’s another one: how do you know it’s time to change the gasket? Did it start leaking or something?

Yes, it leaks. Water will come out around the portafilter and pressure won't build. In both cases, this has been sudden failure and being left without coffee for the day would be horrific. I have a pour over and a french press handy, so we didn't suffer.

Nice! That does look simple enough! Mine is starting to show signs of needing it done, and I've been dreading it, but you have me some hope haha

A bit off subject, which coffee did you pull after this?

Definitely easy with a couple tools. The hardest things will be making sure you can get purchase on the Allen screw (use the hook to clean it out) and to yank the old seal out. I stabbed it with the hook and grabbed it with the pliers. That's really all there was to it. The installation is cake.

As for the coffee, https://josuma.com/monsoon-medley/

It's a super easy drinker.