On Eletta Cappuccino, seat the tank, fit the hot-water spout, then run the fill cycle to purge air and clear the “water circuit empty” message.
No Flow
Burps/Air
Steady Stream
Quick Prime
- Fill tank to MAX
- Attach hot-water spout
- Press OK to start
1–2 minutes
With Filter Fitted
- Remove filter first
- Prime to clear air
- Refit or replace
Avoid flow loss
After Descale
- Prime twice
- Flush two tanks
- Milk last
Taste matters
Applies to Eletta Cappuccino families such as ECAM44.660 and close siblings; steps are near-identical across the line.
What The Alert Means
The machine is telling you the hydraulic loop isn’t primed. The tank may not be detected, air can sit in the lines, or the flowmeter isn’t seeing water movement. The fix is a short prime: push water through the spout until you get a steady stream. The brand’s help pages show this same prompt and confirm the OK-to-fill step on similar models.
Fast Fixes Before You Brew
Work through these in order. You’ll usually clear the alert in a minute or two.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix In Short |
|---|---|---|
| No flow; message repeats | Tank not seated; air in circuit | Remove filter, reseat full tank, fit hot-water spout, press OK to prime |
| Spluttering spurts | Air pocket at pump/boiler | Run hot water 30–60 seconds; stop when stream turns smooth |
| Stops mid-prime | Float magnet stuck; tank switch not triggered | Clean/inspect tank; make sure magnet slides freely; reseat until click |
| Still no flow | Filter blocked; limescale clog | Remove filter and retry; plan a full descale next |
| Only coffee spouts work | Hot-water spout not fitted | Attach spout firmly; the fill routine uses that outlet |
Eletta Water-Circuit Fill Steps And Tips
1) Fill the tank to MAX. 2) If a water filter is installed, pull it out for now. 3) Fit the hot-water spout. 4) Place a large mug under the spout. 5) Press OK when prompted. 6) Let water run until the flow turns smooth. 7) The machine stops on its own. Empty the drip tray afterward.
If the alert returns, repeat the prime once more. Air can cling in bends after a complete drain or long storage.
Seat, Sense, Flow: What’s Happening Inside
Water travels tank → inlet tube → flowmeter → pump → valves → heater → spout. If the tank isn’t detected or water doesn’t turn the meter, you see the message. That’s why reseating the tank and forcing a short flush works well. Sister pages spell this out with the “press OK to start filling” line.
When The Message Won’t Clear
Try these checks next.
Check The Tank Hardware
Slide the tank out. Tip it and watch the small float magnet move. If it’s stuck, soak and swish to free it. Inspect the bottom coupling for debris. Reseat the tank until you feel a firm click.
Purge Stubborn Air
With the spout fitted, run hot water for 45–60 seconds. Short bursts can trap bubbles; a steady run clears them better.
Temporarily Remove The Filter
A clogged cartridge can starve the pump. Take it out during priming. Once the stream is steady, reinstall or replace the cartridge.
Plan A Descale
If flow is weak or noisy, scale could be pinching a valve. Run the official descale cycle with the brand solution and fresh water afterward.
Good hardware habits help flavor and safety over time. Readers also ask about coffee makers safety when choosing cleaners and materials.
Safe Priming: Quick Dos And Don’ts
- Use the factory spout; the routine routes water there.
- Don’t run the pump dry. If nothing moves after ten seconds, stop and recheck the tank.
- Pull the filter during troubleshooting, then reinstall.
- Empty the drip tray after the prime. Some water always lands there.
Menu Prompts You May See
Models label the prompt a little differently, but the action is the same. You might see “Press OK to start filling process” or “Empty circuit, fill circuit, hot water.” Both start a brief flush through the spout until flow is steady. The Eletta message lives on the brand’s help site.
Care Habits That Prevent The Alert
Keep The Tank Full And Straight
Underfilling invites bubbles. Seat the tank vertically; avoid tilting while you slide it in.
Swap Or Recondition Filters On Schedule
Cartridges slow down as they catch minerals. Replace per usage or water hardness.
Descale Before Flow Drops
Scale narrows passages and makes the pump work harder. A regular descale keeps pressure strong and reduces random priming prompts.
Diagnostic Table: What To Inspect Next
| Area | Check | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Flowmeter | Listen for faint ticking in a prime | Rhythmic ticks while water moves |
| Pump | Sound rises then settles with flow | Even hum once air clears |
| Spout fit | Wobble or loose seat | Snug fit; no drips at joint |
| Drip tray | Filling fast during prime | Some water is normal; empty after |
| Hoses/valves | Any kink or pinch | Clean routing with no sharp bends |
Service Clues For DIY-Savvy Owners
Still stuck after a correct prime and a fresh descale? The next likely points are the pump, a sticking solenoid, or a blocked heater path. A tech can test each point quickly with the back cover off. Enthusiast threads often mention the flowmeter, pump, and selector valves as common culprits.
Reference: Official Material
De’Longhi lists the Eletta prompt and the spout-first fill step on its help pages for this line. The manuals index gathers model PDFs, and brand technical sheets describe priming logic in the control board. These match the steps used here and keep the method consistent across siblings.
Make The Coffee Taste As Good As The Fix
Stable water delivery keeps brew temps tight and shot volume consistent. After a descale, run two tanks of plain water, then milk drinks. Want a smoother cup next time? Try our low acid coffee options roundup.