The Teflon gasket that keeps the steam valve tight
Inside the steam and water valve of the Appartamento TCA works a spindle that, with every quarter turn, lets steam at more than a hundred degrees through or shuts it off. This Teflon gasket sits in that valve. It has to do two things at once: stay tight under heat and still let the spindle turn easily.
Rubber manages this for a while and then hardens. Teflon stays supple but loses a little height every time it is retightened. At some point the preload is no longer sufficient, and that is exactly when the valve starts to seep. Part number A469909447 belongs to the TCA generation of the Appartamento; older Appartamento models have different numbers.
When it is due
The steam valve keeps dripping even though it is closed. Moisture or a white limescale rim collects under the rotary knob. The knob is stiff or, conversely, noticeably loose. Or you retightened it and it was better for two weeks – that is the classic sign of a gasket with no reserve left.
At a glance
| Type |
Teflon gasket |
| Location |
Steam and water valve |
| Fits |
Rocket Appartamento TCA |
| Scope of delivery |
one gasket |
| Part number |
A469909447 |
| Design |
Teflon (PTFE); dimensions and thickness are not documented |
| Installation |
Installation by a professional recommended |
| Brand |
Rocket |
Important for installation
The gasket sits in the steam path. The machine must first be unplugged, completely cooled down and depressurised – the steam boiler stays under pressure after switching off for longer than most people expect. Teflon is not “retightened until it seals”; anyone who does that squeezes the material and makes things worse. We deliberately do not give step-by-step instructions here, because the valve is pressurised and sits close to live components.
Who it is for
For owners of an Appartamento TCA whose steam valve is seeping, and for workshops that are overhauling the valve anyway. If your Appartamento is older than the TCA generation, write to us – then it is a different number.
What goes with it
The valve also includes the O-ring for the steam and water valve, the O-ring for the cover, the rotary knob without cover and the Teflon ring for the safety valve and steam/water valve. All parts for the machine can be found in the Rocket Appartamento spare parts and among all spare parts.
The Teflon gaskets in the Rocket catalogue
We stock five Teflon gaskets individually. They look similar but sit in completely different places – the part number decides, not the shape:
From our workshop in Bern and Zürich
When an Appartamento comes in for a steam valve service, we always replace the gasket and the small O-ring together. Not because the manufacturer requires it, but because removing it a second time takes the same effort as the first – and because otherwise the customer would be back in four months. For the test afterwards, our choice falls on Cozy Chocolate for milk drinks, Nutty Delight for espresso and Very Nutty when you want it strong. More in our coffee beans.
Returns excluded
Spare parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are procured specifically for each order and cannot be resold after installation or a trial fitting on the machine. Therefore, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine before ordering – or drop us a quick message and we will clarify the fit together. Your rights in the event of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an electrical part?
No. It is simply a gasket made of Teflon. The valve it sits in is turned by hand and has no coil.
Does the gasket also fit an older Appartamento?
A469909447 is the number for the TCA generation. For older Appartamento models, the documentation lists other numbers. Send us the serial number and we will check it.
What are the dimensions of the gasket?
Inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness are not documented. We don't make up figures here.
Is the gasket enough on its own, or do I need more?
That depends on where it is seeping. Often the gasket and the O-ring of the valve are due together. Tell us where the water is coming from and we will tell you what you need.
Can I see the part in your showroom?
Yes. We are in Bern at Gerberngasse 44 and in Zürich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b. Let us know shortly beforehand and we will have the part ready for you.
Questions about the fit? Write to us at [email protected]. We deliver across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
