Anti Vacuum/Safety Valve Repair

An anti vacuum valve was incorporated in the steam safety valve in later pressure-stat models (from about 2000 I believe). The seals in the insert begin to harden with time and the symptoms are;

a) Failure to seal during warm up so no pressure builds up . Often a swift tap on the domed nut of the safety valve seals it (the valve is sticking)

b) Hissing or escape of steam when the machine is at operating pressure (hardened seals).

Disassemble the safety valve and remove the spring and insert. Remove the spring and keep to one side

 Take the small e-clip off the shaft using a small pair of pliers. Disassemble the insert and remove the o-ring and silicone seal

After making sure the shaft is clean and smooth, replace the seals from the kit and squeeze the new e-clip onto the shaft slot. Don't use grease or you may make it stick again