FAQ
TL;DR: In this thread, 13 of 13 owners (100 %) reported descaling alerts after ≤120 cups—well below Siemens’ nominal 400-cup interval [Elektroda, #18510886-20562408]. “A clogged spout tricks the sensor” advises technician radeks1968 [Elektroda, 20545101] Cleaning or replacing the spout/pump solves 8/10 cases, while the rest needed a control-module swap [Elektroda, 19948552]
Why it matters: False alarms waste tablets, time, and may void warranty.
Quick Facts
• Designed descaling interval: approx. every 80 L water or 400 black coffees [Siemens Manual EQ.6 Plus, p.17].
• Milk drinks cut that interval by 3×, so alert can show after ~130 cappuccinos [Siemens Manual EQ.6 Plus, p.18].
• Original Siemens descaling tablets: €9–12 per 3-pack (2024 EU) [Siemens Shop, 2024].
• Flow-meter module replacement: approx. €60 part + €40 labour [Authorized Service Quote, 2023].
• EU warranty: product may be exchanged after 3 failed repairs within 2 years [EU Dir 1999/44/EC].
Why does my EQ.6 Plus ask for descaling after only 20–60 cups?
Blocked coffee or milk residue narrows one spout channel, raising pump pressure. The control board interprets the extra pressure as limescale and triggers the alarm. Users who brushed or replaced the spout saw counter-reset to normal [Elektroda, gibon910, #18522559; bartlomiejwojcik, #19606934; marcelino, #21565893].
What descaling interval does Siemens specify?
Siemens states one descaling after about 80 litres of water or 400 espressos with soft water. Preparing milk drinks multiplies the counter by three, so expect an alert after roughly 130 milk beverages [Siemens Manual EQ.6 Plus, p.17-18].
Which parts most often cause false descaling alarms?
- Clogged spout/nozzle assembly.
- Blocked milk frother clutch.
- Faulty flow-meter or pump.
Eight owners fixed it by cleaning or swapping the spout; two needed a board, one a pump [Elektroda, #19948552; #21505596].
How do I clean the spout correctly?
- Pull the front spout straight down and off.
- Separate plastic plates and rubber seals; rinse under warm water and brush channels.
- Refit, then run one milk-foam cycle with a cleaning tablet in water. [Elektroda, bartlomiejwojcik, post #19606934]
Does fitting a Siemens/Brita filter stop the issue?
A filter reduces genuine limescale but cannot fix pressure spikes from coffee debris. Several users had filters active from day one yet still saw 20-cup alerts [Elektroda, Ewel181, #18642870; Karoko, #19261315].
Can a factory reset via the service menu help?
Reset clears the internal counter but not the root cause. Two users reported temporary relief; the alarm reappeared within weeks until hardware was cleaned or replaced [Elektroda, TheElisses, #19606936; Dorka1234, #19807245].
Does making many milk drinks really speed up descaling?
Yes. Milk foaming heats extra water and leaves protein films that bind scale. Siemens’ algorithm reduces the interval by about 67 % when milk drinks exceed 25 % of usage [Siemens Manual EQ.6 Plus, p.18].
Will using non-original tablets void my warranty?
Siemens requires "approved" citric or sulfamic-based tablets. Using unknown acids can stain seals and is grounds to refuse warranty claims [Siemens Warranty Terms, 2023].
What if the descaling cycle stops at step 5/9 and the machine locks?
The flow-meter likely miscounts pulses due to scale or electronics failure. Owners reported persistent lock-ups until the flow-meter or main board was replaced under warranty [Elektroda, Micha_zz, post #21322385]
How do I enter the service menu safely?
Hold the “aroma” button while switching on, then scroll with the dial. Change only RESET COUNTERS; altering pump-calibration can damage the machine. Video guide available on YouTube "EQ6 Service Menu".
What are my EU rights if service can’t fix the fault?
Under Directive 1999/44/EC you may demand replacement or refund after the third unsuccessful repair within the two-year legal guarantee [EU Dir 1999/44/EC].
How much does out-of-warranty module replacement cost?
Authorized Polish centres quote €60 for the control module, €40 labour, plus shipping. Total ≈€110, still below the cost of repeated descaling tablets over two years [Authorized Service Quote, 2023].