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How to Fix a Broken Keurig Coffee Maker
November 6, 2023
-
By
Lucas Bennett
Did your beloved Keurig machine stop working? Perhaps you’ve suffered through a mug of bitter brew that tastes more like burnt popcorn than your favorite coffee?
Don’t throw away the coffee maker just yet, though.
If anything, it’s probably fixable. Why buy a new Keurig coffee machine when you can fix the one you have, right?
Is that why you’re here? Looking for a guide on how to fix a Keurig coffee maker?
If so, you’re at the right place. Keep reading for everything that you need to know!
Common Keurig Coffee Maker Issues
The good news about the Keurig coffee maker is that most of its issues can be easily fixed.
The Coffee Tastes Bad
If your Keurig coffee tastes bad, your coffee maker likely needs a good cleaning or descaling.
Over time, debris and coffee grounds can build up inside the machine and that can affect the taste of your brew.
To fix this problem, you want to clean out any old coffee grounds and use fresh water in the reservoir.
You might also want to check that there’s no error message on the display as that could indicate another issue.
The Keurig Coffee Machine Isn’t Brewing Coffee
Brewing issues are often due to a clogged Keurig.
If the ‘add water’ error appears even when there’s enough in the tank, or if an indicator light keeps flashing despite everything seeming fine – you may have a blockage somewhere.
For example, small particles can get trapped in either the k-cup holder or puncture needle and that can cause disruption to the normal flow.
The Keurig Machine Is Leaking Water
Leaks often happen because the parts aren’t seated properly.
For example, the reservoir magnet might be dislodged or the drip tray might overflow due to its position relative power outlet.
Note: You should always contact Keurig customer service for further assistance before trying to fix water leaks yourself.
Cleaning and Descaling Your Keurig
Regular cleaning will help prevent common issues like clogs and slow brewing times.
Importance of Regular Cleaning and Descaling
Your daily cup of morning coffee leaves behind oils that can build up over time in the water reservoir or K-cup holder.
These residues will not only affect how your coffee tastes but can also cause blockages in your machine if left unchecked.
To prevent that, you should deep clean and descale your Keurig coffee maker once every month.
Tip: You can prevent hard water deposits by using distilled or softened water.
Descaling Your Keurig Machine
The best way to descale your Keurig coffee brewer is with ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler solution. We do not recommend using white vinegar as it can leave odors inside the machine and degrade parts and seals over time.
First things first, you want to remove any leftover liquid from the reservoir.
Once it’s empty, add 4oz of ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler and fill with clean water to the maximum fill line.
Next, run two large brewing cycles without inserting any k-cups.
Empty the water reservoir and refill with clean water. Run two more large brew cycles with only water (no k-cup) to flush any remaining descaler solution and residue from the machine. You can now proceed with brewing coffee!
Resolving Brewing Issues with Your Keurig
There are a few reasons why your Keurig coffee maker may not be brewing properly.
Keurig Not Brewing or Brewing Slowly
Check if the water reservoir is filled properly. An ‘add water’ error message can sometimes pop up if it’s too low.
The next thing to look for is any clogs in the system.
More specifically, you want to look at the area around the puncture needle and k-cup holder where coffee grounds often get stuck.
This may also lead to slow brewing or even stoppages.
Dealing with Overflows and Leaks
Leaks often come from an improperly seated water tank or issues with seals within the reservoir magnet – so check these areas carefully.
For additional help, you can contact Keurig Customer Service.
ACTIVE Coffee Machine Descaler
Cleans and descales Keurigs to help prevent issues and maintain brewing performance.
How to Fix Power Issues with Your Keurig
If your Keurig won’t turn on, or it keeps shutting off, there might be issues with the power system.
Fortunately, sometimes it’s an easy fix.
Step 1: Verify the Power
Verify that the appliance is securely connected to the electrical source. Simple as this sounds, sometimes our machines aren’t working simply because they’re not plugged in.
If necessary, try a different electric socket.
Step 2: Reset the Machine
Unplug your machine from its current source and let it sit unplugged for several minutes before plugging it back into a reliable socket and powering up again. That will give any residual charge inside the system components time enough to dissipate.
Step 3: Consider Replacement Parts
If you keep running into Keurig coffee maker problems, it may be time to look into getting some replacement parts. Whether it’s a replacement water reservoir or a power button, the right parts can help get your machine back to brewing that perfect cup of coffee.
Supply:
- Electric socket
You can always reach out for professional assistance by contacting Keurig customer support.
How to Prevent Issues with Your Keurig
Like your car or any other appliance, regular maintenance can help prevent damage and extend the life of your Keurig coffee maker.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
Step 1:
Always handle your machine gently. Rough handling can cause internal parts to misalign, which may result in water leaks or brew cycle issues.
Step 2:
Make sure the water reservoir is seated properly after cleaning to avoid the “add water” error message.
We also recommend cleaning it with a vinegar and water solution once a week.
Step 3:
Ensure there are no leftover coffee grounds from the previous brew before starting the machine. That will help keep things running smoothly.
Step 4:
Don’t overfill the water reservoir – it should never be above the water line. Doing so can cause it to overflow from the top of the brewer.
Not only would it create a mess but it can also cause permanent damage to your machine over time.
Replacing Parts and Accessories for Your Keurig
Your Keurig is a robust machine, but sometimes it needs a little TLC. For example, you may need to replace some parts like the cold water tank or K-cup holder.
Finding Replacement Parts
You can buy replacement parts directly from Keurig’s website. This includes everything from the water reservoir to puncture needles. You can also find other accessories for Keurig machines such as drip trays if yours has seen better days.
Replacing Parts on Keurig Coffee Makers
To start off, power down your machine and unplug it from its power source – safety first.
And be careful when removing old components – that will help prevent damage.
After all, no one wants their morning cuppa interrupted by a faulty component so be sure to treat your machine gently.
If you are uncertain about the next step, seek assistance from Keurig customer support.
They’ll be able to provide guidance as they have lots of experience helping people through these types of situations.
When looking for replacements, make sure they are compatible with your specific model of Keurig coffee maker.
How to Fix Keurig Machines – Troubleshooting FAQs
Why is my Keurig Coffee Pot Not Filling Up?
There may be a clog in the water pump that’s preventing water from flowing through the machine properly.
What would cause Keurig coffee makers to stop working?
A dirty machine, scale buildup, water pump issues, or faulty parts can all make a Keurig go kaput. Regular maintenance is key. For example, you can cleave it with a commercial descaling solution.
Where is the reset button on a Keurig?
Most models don’t have an actual ‘reset’ button, however, you can reset your machine by unplugging and replugging after five minutes.
If that doesn’t work, check if there’s any blockage or descale the unit.
If pressing the brew button does zilch, it may not be plugged in correctly.
Why are there excess coffee grounds in my Keurig Mini?
If your Keurig leaves coffee grounds inside your coffee cup, there may be excess grounds gathering in your brewer’s exit needle.
To fix the problem, you’ll want to remove and clean the exit needle.
Why is my Keurig making a weird sound when I’m trying to brew coffee?
Your coffee maker may make a weird noise if the water level is above what it should be in the water resevoir. Hard water deposits can also cause possible sounds.
If anything, that’s another reason why you want to rescale it regularly.
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Lucas Bennett
Meet Lucas Bennett, a former coffee shop owner and current espresso aficionado. With years of hands-on experience in the coffee industry, Lucas now pours his expertise into writing comprehensive guides. His passion for coffee shines through in his meticulous tips on brewing the perfect cup and maintaining high-performing equipment. He takes pride in helping enthusiasts and novices alike elevate their coffee and espresso experiences.
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