Think I picked up a meter of 5mm inner/8mm outer food grade silicon hose from ebay when I replaced mine a couple of yeara ago. The markup from buying it listed for the machine & cut down to size is extortionate!
The Espresso Shop do a good service kit with everything you need including thermostats (they can degrade over time shutting off at a lower temperature) which a few cheaper sets available on the net don't have (they're not needed if fitting a PID). You may as well strip it while you're replacing the pipes & YouTube has some good vids to follow. Most people replace the steam wand for a Rancilio Silvia one. The V1/2 is near enough a straight swap (especially if you get a pre-modified one with a gaggia nut on) though the v3 onwards is better & there are kits available but it's alot more intensive to fit.

 

Thank you so much for the advice. Please can you tell me what this bit is ? ( have arrowed it in this pic) does this bit come out? It's pretty grubby with old coffee grounds stuck on it. How do I clean this bit up please

Thank you

Katie

 

It is the shower screen, you will need a 'phillips' screwdriver to undo the centre screw, they can be quite tight.

When you have removed the screen I would advise you to remove the "dispersion block", the aluminium block that the screen screws to.

You will need an allen key to undo the two hex bolts to release it, it may be stuck but it is only the gooey gunk holding it.

Thoroughly scrub both items and clean behind the dispersion block, then reverse procedure.

Many members change the aluminium block for a brass one which does not corrode to the same degree.

 

Excellent! Thank you so much

Katie

 

While you are at this stage it is easier to remove the group seal as without the dispersion block in place it gives better access to remove the seal.

Clean the seal and examine, check for hardness, cracks, and wear from the basket (showing as deep grooves in the face)

Also check that there are no old bits of seal in the groove where it fits. For the cost of them it is better to replace it now.