Sage / Breville Barista Touch ER13: flow meter signal problem
ER13 means: Flow meter count error detected at startup, indicating a water measurement issue.
How to fix ER13
- Fill and firmly reseat the water tank. Run the hot water outlet for 30 seconds and then the brew button with no portafilter to purge air.
- Descale if it has been more than three months. Scale on the flow meter paddle is the single most common cause.
- Remove the portafilter and run water through the empty group head. Good flow here but a code with coffee in means the grind or basket is the blockage, not the meter.
- Listen to the pump. A loud buzz with no water means a dry or failing pump or a blocked inlet; a silent pump means no power to it.
- Open the machine and inspect the flow meter (a small plastic body on the tank-side hose). Flush it, clear debris, and reseat its two-wire plug. Replace if the paddle is stuck.
When to stop and call a repairer
If the pump runs but water leaks inside the machine, stop and find the leak first.
What it costs
Parts: Flow meter $20 to $40; pump $30 to $60; descaler $10.
Service: Out-of-warranty Breville service quotes for internal faults are commonly $300 to $500, sometimes more, plus shipping. Independent espresso repair shops are usually cheaper for a sensor swap.
Worth repairing? Yes. Descaling fixes most of these for the price of descaler; a flow meter or pump is cheap.
How to check the error log
Switch the machine off at the wall. Hold the front Power button, switch the wall power back on and release when the logo appears. Enter the service password 00000, then open Error Counter to see stored faults or Live Debug for live temperatures.
Clear the log after a repair so you can tell whether the fault has really gone.
Related codes on the same part
- ER14 — Flow meter count error detected during operation, indicating a water measurement issue
Same fault on other Sage / Breville machines
FAQ
What does ER13 mean on the Sage / Breville Barista Touch?
Flow meter count error detected at startup, indicating a water measurement issue. The machine expects pulses from the flow meter while the pump runs and is not seeing them during its startup prime. Either no water is moving (empty or unseated tank, airlock, blocked path, tired pump) or water is moving and the flow meter cannot count it (scale or debris on its little paddle wheel, or a failed sensor).
Can I fix ER13 myself?
DIY difficulty: moderate. Fill and firmly reseat the water tank. Run the hot water outlet for 30 seconds and then the brew button with no portafilter to purge air. Descale if it has been more than three months. Scale on the flow meter paddle is the single most common cause.
How much does it cost to fix ER13?
Flow meter $20 to $40; pump $30 to $60; descaler $10. Out-of-warranty Breville service quotes for internal faults are commonly $300 to $500, sometimes more, plus shipping. Independent espresso repair shops are usually cheaper for a sensor swap.
Is it worth repairing?
Yes. Descaling fixes most of these for the price of descaler; a flow meter or pump is cheap.
ER13 during startup or during use?
Sage / Breville Barista Touchs report ER13 during the power-on self-test. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with ER13 showing?
Usually you can finish the drink you are making, but do not ignore it — the underlying fault rarely heals itself. Work through the cheap checks first.
Will ER13 clear on its own?
Sometimes. Try the reset and cleaning steps first — they cost nothing and clear the milder cases. A code that returns within a day or two needs the parts fix.
How long does the repair take?
Thirty minutes to an hour if you are comfortable opening the case; budget an afternoon the first time.
Code meanings are compiled from manufacturer service references and repair documentation for the BES880; fixes follow documented repairs and owner reports. Model revisions can differ. If your appliance is under warranty, contact the manufacturer before opening it.