Limescale is one of the most common — and most preventable — causes of commercial coffee machine failure in the UK. Hard water deposits build up inside boilers, heat exchangers, group heads and pipework over time, restricting water flow, reducing thermal efficiency and ultimately causing expensive component failures.

A correctly specified water filter removes the minerals that cause limescale before they reach your machine. GMS Espresso supplies and fits water filters for all major commercial coffee machine brands, and will advise on the right filter type and replacement schedule for your water hardness and daily usage.

The right replacement interval depends on three factors: your local water hardness, how many drinks your machine produces per day, and the rated capacity of the filter cartridge. As a general guide for UK businesses:

• Soft water areas: every 9–12 months
• Moderate hardness (most of England and Wales): every 4–6 months
• Hard water areas (London, South East, East Anglia): every 2–3 months

98% of coffee is water — the quality of that water directly affects taste, crema and extraction consistency. A blocked or exhausted filter is worse than no filter at all, as it can introduce off-flavours and fail to protect against scale.

GMS engineers check your water filter at every planned maintenance visit and will recommend early replacement if required. We can also set up a regular supply arrangement so you are never left without a replacement cartridge.

The right replacement interval depends on three factors: your local water hardness, how many drinks your machine produces per day, and the rated capacity of the filter cartridge. As a general guide for UK businesses:

• Soft water areas: every 9–12 months
• Moderate hardness (most of England and Wales): every 4–6 months
• Hard water areas (London, South East, East Anglia): every 2–3 months

98% of coffee is water — the quality of that water directly affects taste, crema and extraction consistency. A blocked or exhausted filter is worse than no filter at all, as it can introduce off-flavours and fail to protect against scale.

GMS engineers check your water filter at every planned maintenance visit and will recommend early replacement if required. We can also set up a regular supply arrangement so you are never left without a replacement cartridge.