The rod that stops the boiler from drawing in air as it cools
The vacuum valve sits on top of the steam boiler and has a simple but important job: as the machine heats up, it lets the air escape, and as it cools down, it lets air back in so that no vacuum forms in the boiler. This rod is the moving pin inside – it raises and lowers the sealing cone, driven only by the pressure itself.
If the rod no longer moves cleanly, the valve stays open or sticks shut. In the first case it keeps hissing after heating up; in the second, the boiler draws water back as it cools.
When it needs replacing
It is time for a new rod when the vacuum valve keeps releasing steam after heating up, when the pin is jammed with limescale and no longer moves freely, when it is bent or worn at the seat, or when you open the valve and notice that the internals no longer run smoothly.
At a glance
| Type |
Rod for vacuum valve, purely mechanical |
| Installation location |
Vacuum valve on the steam boiler |
| Fits |
La Marzocco machines with vacuum valve B.2.013 – send us the serial number and we will check the fit |
| Scope of delivery |
one rod, without valve body and without seals |
| Part number |
B.2.013.01 |
| Version |
no coil and no power – not a solenoid valve |
| Installation |
Fitting by a specialist recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important for installation
The valve sits directly on the steam boiler. Before opening it, the machine must have cooled down and be completely depressurised – a hot boiler and an open valve are a bad combination. We deliberately do not give step-by-step instructions here and recommend having a specialist do the job.
Who it is for
For service technicians and workshops repairing a hissing or sticking vacuum valve instead of replacing the whole unit.
What goes with it
Good companions are the anti-vacuum valve, new version, the O-ring set for the GS3 anti-vacuum valve and the 90-degree line to the steam boiler. Everything else under La Marzocco accessories and spare parts and Original spare parts.
Tip from our workshop
When a vacuum valve hisses in the morning, we don't replace parts straight away in Bern and Zurich. First we check whether there is just a crumb of limescale on the seat – operate the valve by hand several times, flush, restart. If the hissing persists, the internals really are the problem. This is our routine, not a manufacturer specification. We then pull the test shot with Nutty Delight, Cozy Chocolate for chocolatey notes or Very Nutty for body. All roasts under Coffee beans.
No returns
Original spare parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are sourced specifically for each order and cannot be resold after being installed or test-fitted on a machine. So before ordering, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine – or drop us a line and we will clarify the fit together. Your rights in the event of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a solenoid valve?
No. The vacuum valve works purely mechanically via pressure and a spring, with no coil and no power. Only the moving rod is supplied.
Is the valve body included?
No. You order the body and seals separately.
My valve hisses constantly – is the rod always to blame?
Not always. Often there is just limescale on the seat. Only if flushing and operating it several times does not help are the internals the problem.
Can I replace it myself?
The valve sits on the steam boiler. The machine must have cooled down and be depressurised. We recommend a specialist.
Can I see the part in the showroom?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there.
Questions? Write to [email protected]. Delivery across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
