the machine is leaking water from the bottom, mostly onto the drip tray but sometimes underneath it.

Diagnosis

Water leaking from the bottom of the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo ECAM29043SB typically stems from a breach in the internal hydraulic circuit or a failure in the waste management system. When water collects in the drip tray faster than normal, it is usually caused by a "blow-off" event where the internal pressure exceeds the brew group's capacity, forcing excess water through the discharge valve into the tray. If water is appearing *underneath* the machine (on the countertop), it indicates a physical leak from a silicone hose clamp or a hairline crack in the plastic water reservoir interface. To confirm the source, remove the drip tray and place a dry paper towel on the base of the machine. Run a "Rinse" cycle. If the towel gets wet in the center, the leak is coming from the brew group seals or the discharge pipe. If the towel gets wet near the rear left, the leak is originating from the water tank connection or the internal pump assembly. If the drip tray fills up rapidly even without brewing coffee, the solenoid valve is likely stuck open, allowing water to bypass the coffee puck and dump straight into the waste area.

How to Fix It

Follow these precise steps to resolve the most common causes of leakage in the ECAM29043SB model:

1. **Deep Clean the Drip Tray and Float:** Remove the drip tray and the accompanying grille. Scrub the tray with warm soapy water, paying close attention to the small circular float sensor. If the float is stuck in the "down" position due to coffee oils, the machine won't alert you when full, leading to overflows that leak under the chassis.
2. **Service the Infuser (Brew Group):** Press the two green release buttons located behind the water tank to remove the brew group. Do not force it; if it resists, run a cycle to home the mechanism first. Once removed, rinse the unit under lukewarm water. Inspect the red O-rings (seals) on the piston. If they are cracked or flattened, the seal is failing, allowing water to bypass the coffee and leak into the tray.
3. **Clear the Discharge Channel:** Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to clean the area inside the machine where the brew group sits. Coffee grounds often accumulate in the "sump" area, blocking the water's path to the tray and forcing it to overflow the internal containment walls, which results in water leaking underneath the machine.
4. **Inspect the Water Tank Seal:** Remove the water tank and inspect the black rubber gasket at the bottom. Ensure there are no mineral deposits or coffee grains trapped in the seal. Wipe the gasket with a damp cloth and ensure the tank is seated firmly until it clicks into the locking mechanism.

If That Didn't Work

• **Replace the Infuser Seals:** If the leak persists during the brewing process, the internal O-rings on the brew group have likely perished. Purchase a genuine De'Longhi seal kit. Carefully remove the old rings using a plastic pick, lubricate the new rings with food-grade silicone grease, and snap them into place. This restores the pressure seal and stops the "blow-off" leak.
• **Descale the Internal Circuit:** Calcium buildup in the thermoblock can cause erratic pressure spikes, forcing water out of the seals. Use a De'Longhi eco-decalking solution. Run the full descaling cycle, ensuring you use a dedicated container for the waste water, as a partially blocked circuit often manifests as a leak at the weakest point of the system.
• **Check the Internal Hose Clamps:** If water is leaking specifically from the bottom rear, a silicone hose may have slipped off its nozzle due to vibration. This requires removing the outer casing. Check the connection between the pump and the flow meter. If a hose is loose, push it firmly back onto the plastic nipple and tighten the spring clamp using small pliers.
• **Inspect the Solenoid Valve:** If the drip tray fills up while the machine is idle, the 3-way solenoid valve is leaking. This is a mechanical failure of the valve seat. This requires a professional replacement of the valve assembly to prevent the machine from flooding internally.

Heads Up

• **Avoid Abrasive Cleaners:** Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on the drip tray or brew group; this can degrade the silicone seals and actually cause the leaks you are trying to fix.
• **Lubrication is Key:** Every 500 coffees, apply a small amount of food-grade silicone grease to the brew group rails and the piston seal to prevent friction-based wear on the gaskets.
• **Hard Water Warning:** If you live in a hard water area, change the water filter every 2 months. Mineral buildup is the primary cause of valve failure and subsequent leaking in the Magnifica Evo series.
• **Dry the Base:** If you have had a leak underneath the machine, ensure the bottom of the chassis is completely dry before plugging it back in to avoid short-circuiting the internal control board.