{
  "id": "ec685-water-tank",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Clean and reseat the water tank",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Maintenance",
  "summary": "Clean the detached tank, rinse away detergent and record the optional softener’s 100 ml post-cleaning water delivery.",
  "modelApplicability": [
    "ec685-international"
  ],
  "modelDetails": [
    {
      "id": "ec685-international",
      "family": "coffee",
      "brand": "De’Longhi",
      "series": "Dedica",
      "label": "Dedica EC685 / EC685 EX:4 · International manual",
      "region": "English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626; regional nameplate must match",
      "componentVersion": "Three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed perforated filter as pictured in this manual",
      "manual": "dedica-manual",
      "help": "With the machine cool, empty and unplugged, check the underside nameplate for EC685 or EC685 EX:4. Compare the frother and tabbed filter with the linked manual. The support page is on a US domain but its download is English International. Use the manual supplied for your regional appliance; no US voltage or electrical compatibility is inferred.",
      "exclusions": [
        "EC680",
        "Dedica Arte EC885",
        "Maestro EC950",
        "Modified steam wand",
        "Different filter design",
        "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
      ],
      "recognitionSource": "dedica-support"
    }
  ],
  "exclusions": [
    "EC680",
    "Dedica Arte EC885",
    "Maestro EC950",
    "Modified steam wand",
    "Different filter design",
    "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
  ],
  "prerequisites": [
    "Confirm the nameplate and your regional manual before connecting the appliance. The English International download on a US support page does not establish US electrical compatibility.",
    "For handling or external cleaning: stop delivery, switch off, unplug and wait until the appliance and removable parts are cool. Follow the separate powered steps only after reassembly."
  ],
  "tools": [
    "Soft damp cloth",
    "Container with a 100 ml mark if a softener is fitted"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "A little mild washing-up liquid",
    "Fresh clean water"
  ],
  "checks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "prompt": "Is the appliance undamaged, with delivery stopped and parts cool and unplugged for any hands-on work?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; p14 §14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "manual-match",
          "advice": "Keep hands clear of outlets during the specific powered water or steam steps below."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "manual-match",
      "prompt": "Does your EC685 or EC685 EX:4 match English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626, including the three buttons, original frother and tabbed filter?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-support",
      "sourceLocator": "Support center: English (International) Instructions for use; manual pp3,6 §1",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-1",
          "advice": "Continue only with the controls and parts pictured in this manual."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Find the manual supplied for your region and component version. This guide cannot confirm a different version."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-1",
      "prompt": "Is the tank intact and removable by its handle without forcing a damaged valve?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §2; p13 §14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Clean the detached tank with the appliance cool and unplugged."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "A cracked tank or damaged valve requires the matching part or Customer Services."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Can you identify whether the optional water-softener filter C7 is fitted?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §1.3; p10 §11.5",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Record its presence; it changes the final flushing step."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Compare the tank and C7 with the manual before removing an unidentified part."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "branches": [
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "manual-match"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-1"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-2"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "steps"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    }
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "title": "Record and remove the optional filter",
      "text": "Lift out the tank with the cool appliance unplugged. Record whether C7 is present, then remove it if fitted.",
      "observation": "You know whether the conditional 100 ml delivery is required after cleaning.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §1.3; p10 §11.5",
      "requiredFields": [
        "softener-present"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Clean the tank gently",
      "text": "Use a damp cloth and a little mild washing-up liquid on the detached tank. Rinse the tank thoroughly so no cleaning residue remains.",
      "observation": "The tank is visibly clean and thoroughly rinsed before it returns to the appliance.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5 step1; §11 cleaning cautions",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Rinse and return the existing filter",
      "text": "If C7 was present, rinse it under running water and put it back. This is care of an existing matched filter; a new cartridge follows its own supplied fitting instructions.",
      "observation": "The previously fitted filter is back in place, or no filter was fitted.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5 steps2–3",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Fill and reseat",
      "text": "Fill with fresh clean water no higher than MAX. Return the tank and press down lightly to open its bottom valves.",
      "observation": "Water is available and the tank sits normally without force.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §2; p10 §11.5 step3",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Deliver 100 ml when a filter is fitted",
      "text": "For a tank with C7, reassemble and power on. Place a measuring container under the hot-water dispenser, wait for the coffee-ready lights, open the steam dial to the steam/hot-water symbol and collect 100 ml. Close the dial to ○. Keep hot-water delivery within the manual’s 60-second limit. If no filter is fitted, record that this extra delivery does not apply.",
      "observation": "100 ml has been collected for the filtered tank; absent flow or an inability to complete it calls for stopping and checking the water supply.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5 step4; p8 §8",
      "requiredFields": [
        "post-clean-delivery"
      ],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Save the cleaning date",
      "text": "Record the date. Plan tank cleaning about monthly and whenever the optional softener is replaced. Inspect the normal seating for any leak before returning to drinks.",
      "observation": "The date and filter-dependent flushing result are both saved.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5",
      "requiredFields": [
        "cleaned-on"
      ],
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "Tank, any existing filter and fresh water are restored without detergent residue.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5; p6 §2; p8 §8"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The required 100 ml delivery is recorded, or absence of the optional filter is recorded.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5; p6 §2; p8 §8"
    }
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "dedica-manual",
      "title": "De’Longhi EC685 / EC685 EX:4 instructions (57132C8997_01_0626)",
      "url": "https://library.delonghigroup.com/assetbank-delonghi/action/directLinkImage?assetId=296204&download=true",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Sections 2–4, 7–8, 11–14: exact-version archived manual reviewed for setup, cleaning, descaling, rinses and troubleshooting",
      "license": "Manufacturer copyright. Original workflow based on manual facts; PDF not redistributed.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "p10 §11.5; p6 §2; p8 §8"
    },
    {
      "id": "dedica-support",
      "title": "Dedica Style EC685.TB EX:4 support center",
      "url": "https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/s/EC685.TB%20EX%3A4",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Official entry to the English International manual, not proof of US electrical specifications",
      "license": "Linked only.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "EC685.TB EX:4 → English (International) → Instructions for use, 57132C8997_01_0626"
    }
  ],
  "assets": [
    {
      "path": "/assets/coffee/tank-seat.svg",
      "title": "Tank and optional filter care",
      "alt": "Remove the tank by its handle, rinse the tank separately, then press it gently into its normal seat; the optional softener changes the final water-delivery step.",
      "kind": "Original schematic of user-accessible parts or control sequence; not to scale",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "See the individual task steps for the corresponding manual figures and sections."
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "ec685-no-coffee",
    "ec685-after-care"
  ],
  "specs": [
    {
      "name": "Filtered-tank post-clean water delivery",
      "value": 100,
      "unit": "ml",
      "condition": "Only when the optional water-softener filter is fitted.",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5 step4",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual"
    },
    {
      "name": "Tank cleaning interval",
      "value": 1,
      "unit": "month",
      "condition": "About monthly, also whenever the water-softener filter is replaced.",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5 step1",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual"
    },
    {
      "name": "Continuous hot-water delivery limit",
      "value": 60,
      "unit": "seconds",
      "condition": "Do not exceed; close dial to stop.",
      "sourceLocator": "p8 §8",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual"
    }
  ],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-water",
  "locator": "p10 §11.5; p6 §2; p8 §8",
  "recordRules": [
    {
      "when": {
        "field": "softener-present",
        "value": "present"
      },
      "require": {
        "field": "post-clean-delivery",
        "value": "100ml"
      },
      "message": "With C7 fitted, complete and record the 100 ml water delivery after tank cleaning.",
      "resultGate": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "when": {
        "field": "softener-present",
        "value": "absent"
      },
      "require": {
        "field": "post-clean-delivery",
        "value": "not-applicable"
      },
      "message": "No softener was fitted: record that the filter-dependent 100 ml delivery does not apply.",
      "resultGate": "prepared"
    }
  ],
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "softener-present",
      "label": "Softener before cleaning",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "present",
          "label": "C7 fitted"
        },
        {
          "value": "absent",
          "label": "No softener fitted"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "post-clean-delivery",
      "label": "Post-cleaning water delivery",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-5",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "100ml",
          "label": "100 ml delivered with C7 fitted"
        },
        {
          "value": "not-applicable",
          "label": "Not required: no softener fitted"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "cleaned-on",
      "label": "Tank cleaning date",
      "type": "date",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "name": "Fresh clean water",
      "specification": "Fill the tank no higher than MAX.",
      "fit": "EC685 / EC685 EX:4 matching this manual.",
      "exclude": "Do not operate with an empty tank or with the tank removed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §2"
    },
    {
      "name": "Mild washing-up liquid",
      "specification": "Use a little on a damp cloth, then rinse the detached tank thoroughly.",
      "fit": "Water tank cleaning in §11.5.",
      "exclude": "Descaler substitution, abrasives or detergent inside the appliance body.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5"
    }
  ],
  "maintenance": {
    "trigger": "About monthly or when the water-softener filter is replaced.",
    "intervalText": "Clean the tank regularly, about once a month, and whenever the optional filter is replaced.",
    "basis": "manufacturer",
    "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
    "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.5"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "Tank, any existing filter and fresh water are restored without detergent residue.",
    "The required 100 ml delivery is recorded, or absence of the optional filter is recorded."
  ],
  "fitChecks": [
    {
      "id": "manual",
      "label": "Manual and region",
      "accepted": "international-57132",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "international-57132",
          "label": "EC685 / EX:4: English International 57132C8997_01_0626 matches my appliance"
        },
        {
          "value": "different",
          "label": "My manual revision, region or model differs"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "The US support-domain link serves an English International manual. It does not establish US electrical compatibility."
    },
    {
      "id": "parts",
      "label": "Controls and removable parts",
      "accepted": "original",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "original",
          "label": "Original three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed filter insert"
        },
        {
          "value": "modified",
          "label": "Modified steam wand or different filter"
        },
        {
          "value": "other",
          "label": "EC680, EC885, EC950 or other controls"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "Compare the removable parts and control illustrations before following a cleaning sequence."
    }
  ]
}