Setup your Coffee Machine without Direct Plumbing.
These handy 12V pumps are made to pull water directly from a bottle or tank and feed it directly into your espresso machine—quietly, reliably, and without fuss. If you’ve never installed one, don’t worry. This guide keeps it super simple.
Step 1: Unpack & Mount the Pump
Mount the pump on a flat surface. (Flat, not mounted on the wall, must be mounted to floor for best results)
Step 2: Connect the Hoses
Use flexible hose to connect:
The inlet (“IN”) to your water bottle or tank (white hose)
The outlet (“OUT”) to your water filter, then into your espresso machine (blue hose)
Push the fittings in all the way and slide on the clips to lock it in place.
Insert the intake pipe (see image below for reference) to your water source.
There is a float on the end of the intake pipe, this must be submerged and should float when it is underwater, this shim is there to tell the pump whether to intake and when it is empty to stop intaking water.
Step 3: Wire It Up (Safely!)
Plug in the sensor for the float into the top plug. This communicates with the FloJet system and tells it when its safe to suction water and when it is not.
Then plug in the 12V cable into the bottom plug
Disclaimer: Both of these cables are rather hard to insert properly. You must push very hard to make a connection so be aware of this.
Step 4: Almost there!
Add a water filter in between your FloJet and espresso machine. This will improve the lifetime of your espresso machine. (optional)
Turn on the pump.
Open your machine’s water valve or start a brew cycle.
Let water run until it flows in a steady stream—this means the system is primed.
Now you are all setup! Just a few more things to keep in mind for the longevity of your pump and espresso machine:
🛠️ Quick Fixes (If Something’s Off)
Problem : | What Might Be Wrong : |
Pump runs but no water | Kinked hose, air leak, or blocked strainer |
Pump won’t turn on | Blown fuse, loose wire, or switch issue |
Water pulses or surges | Blocked hose or hose is too narrow |
Pump won’t shut off | Leak, empty bottle, or pressure switch issue |
If FloJet randomly stops working after a few months of use, it may need a new power cable, this is a common issue.
What Maintenance is Needed?
If you’re storing the machine or moving it in cold weather, drain everything to avoid freeze damage.
Every 6 months, sanitize the system:
Run a weak bleach solution through the pump and machine.
Let it sit briefly, then flush through with clean water until it’s clear and tasteless.
The Final Sip.
Setting up a FloJet might sound technical, but once you’ve got the right parts, it’s really just a matter of plug, connect, and brew. Whether it’s for your café, pop-up cart, or home espresso setup—this little pump keeps your water flowing and your machine happy.
Need help picking the right FloJet pump or accessories?
Email us anytime at shop@shopcoffee.co.uk or check out our full range—we’re here to help.
Happy brewing!
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We love coffee and work hard to always provide the latest and best equipment and beans in the coffee industry. We write these blogs to help others get information on common asked questions.
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